Seven years ago, when I was just starting out in racing, Elmer believed in something most people couldn't see yet. I was finishing dead last more often than not, but Elmer showed up anyway, helping me out in the pits when I barely knew what I was doing. He never once acted like he was doing me a favor. He just acted like it was the natural thing to do for someone trying to get better.

What I'll remember most is that he was always there, always supporting me, through the worst nights and the best ones. Nearly every single race, for seven years, rain or shine, good finishes or terrible ones. He watched me crash, watched me limp through mediocre seasons, and watched me slowly climb from the back of the pack to podium finishes. And no matter how bad the night went, he always knew how to make me laugh about it, somehow finding the joke in a blown engine or a last-place finish before I'd even stopped being frustrated about it.

He never missed the chance to tell me he was proud, whether I'd finished 23rd or 3rd.

In lieu of flowers, Elmer asked that those who'd like to honor him consider contributing to my racing instead. It feels strange, but it also feels like exactly the kind of thing Elmer would want, one more lap, one more race, with him still in my corner.

Thank you for considering it, and thank you for being part of honoring someone who gave so much without ever asking for anything back.

Elmers Memorial Racing Fund

Team Members