|
Darrell Lake - Jun 20, 2006 - 12:19 AM I can't even think of where to start with my experiences with Dave. All the things he's done for us, done for me, would take almost as long to explain as the amount of time I've known him. So I suppose I’ll start from the very beginning. When I was just 15 or 16, I had taken one of the BT racing’s cars out at their sponsor day and got a little gutsy with it, but never had Dave been worried, even allowing me to take out the car again later that year. And despite my complete and utter failure with the vehicle by putting the car into the wall coming out of turn two, before a single tiny thought of the car came into mind, Dave’s first worry was my own safety, making sure I was okay. After a few more years had passed and I got a little older and matured, Dave went out of his way to help us find a car for getting into the street stock division. After searching car after car, we had finally found one sitting in the BT racing shop. Dave had done everything he could, and worked hard with Vic to get the car ready all winter long, and make sure we would be race ready for the start of the season. After being out there working on the car with Dave and Vic and the rest of the BT racing team, leave it up to Dave to give me the nickname that has stuck with me to this day, “Hollywood”. Being as great a guy as Dave was, he made sure that our car was set up and ready to be competitive in the street stock division right from the get go. Something I will never forget is after only a few weeks of being in the series and being a consistent top ten car, Dave had said to me, “You know, I think you’re ready for a different spring, which will allow you to have a better faster car.” For a man of his experience, to notice my driving ability like that and tell me, meant all the world. Dave would act like much of a mentor, a role model for me, something I could aspire to become, a leader, a champion. Even in my first year Dave would push me, even making a deal with me that if I could beat him out on the track, I could have the hoist for the week, mind ya the rules sort of changed time and again, but he kept true to his word when we beat him in the final race of the year and got the hoist for a week. There were a great number of things Dave would like to bring up to joke around with me some and make me feel more welcomed into the BT racing shop. The Wendy’s girls had been a particular favorite of his, that never really ever slipped his mind. Or how the bright orange decaling brings in all the chicks, but I mean, if you look at his car, he caught onto the trend and has his number on the front headlight in bright orange. If it were not for Dave, I know it would never be possible for the Traction team to become as strong and competitive as what we have been. It would not have been possible for me to grow and learn as much as I feel I have. If it were not for Dave’s time he would take to sit down with me and ask me, what’s the car doing, or why did you do this in the race, and then explain to me why the car is doing that, or why what I had done in the race was wrong and would inform me of what I should do differently, I could never be the driver I am today, the person I am today. Dave has influenced me both on and off the track, and no words could ever say enough thanks to him for this. All the times out at the race car shop, I was privileged enough to get to know Dave on a slightly more personal level also, outside of the racing world. He had to have been the most quick witted, intelligent, by far best story teller I personally have ever known, and probably ever will know. There was so much that could be learned from Dave by just merely being around him for a few minutes. He was an amazing man, in aspects of racing, business, friendships, and family. My sympathy is with the family, with Heather, Kris and Joe. And also, with his family outside his blood relatives, with Vic, Sandy, Dan Monaghan, and all the BT racing family. The loss is as great a loss to the Delaware Speedway community as what the loss of Dale Earnhardt had been to the NASCAR community. Dave Lawrence was a man of great patience, integrity, intelligence, selflessness and so much more. I know we will all miss him more then words can describe. Darrell Lake. Jason Meyer and the #93 Meyer Racing Team - Jun 20, 2006 - 03:06 AM Post subject: Our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to Heather, Kris and Jordan and all the guys on the bt racing team. We really started to get to know Dave the last 4 or 5 seasons. Two years ago we debated quitting racing. We had a terrible run of luck and I mentioned to Dave our intentions. He quickly told me to drop the car off and they would look at it and see what could be done. They reclipped the car for me and helped us with everything they knew. Three races ago we won our first feature and it couldn't have been done without Dave, Vic and Sandy. After my own crew, Dave was the first to congratulate me with what resembled a tackle almost more than a hug. I couldn't believe how excited he was for me standing in my trailer. Dave was the finest competitor. He would try to help as many people as possible to keep up the level of competion. The only thing that I know of him winning more than championships is most sportmanship driver awards!! Last season the championship come down to the last race of the year between Dave and Dan. Dan had some problems early in the night and Dave and his team were right in his pits helping ensure that he could still race the feature. Dan went on to win the championship that night and Dave definately participated in the celebrations afterwards. Dave always made sure everyone around him was smiling and having a good time. He rubbed off on people and you could see it especially in his team and the fun atmosphere at the shop. Earlier this spring I went to pick up parts with my four year old daughter. She of course became bored fairly quickly and wanted to go home. While Vic and I stood around and talked about racing Dave took her outside to feed the fish, then they tried to catch some together so she could take one home with her. That day he went from being Dave that daddy races with to Dave with the big fish pond and the boy who played computer with her(Joe). He always included everybody!!! Dave you will always be missed but never forgotten. Who could forget the Bubbles glasses, the hockey helmet, or the wig. There are so many memories that will continue to bring a smile to our face. Dave we will miss you!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thanks for everything!!! Jason Meyer and the #93 Meyer Racing Team Jag_317@hotmail.com - Jun 20, 2006 - 07:20 AM Post subject: Dave About 5 years ago when I was working at Xreme Graphix in London, we were a sponsor on Dave's two cars. We did this for a couple of years. This is when I got to know Dave. We got to go to the track after the season was over to drive the crap out of the cars. This was his way to say thanks to the sponsors. I can not describe the anticipation I felt while I was getting strapped in to the 50 car. I guess the 28 broke early that morning. I am a short guy so I had a pillow behind me and one under me. I could just get the clutch in. I went out for my 6 or 7 laps, thought I was the man running 29 to 30 second laps. My boss then went out and had better lap times then me, about 2 seconds. Gimme that car back!! I knocked 3 seconds off of my lap times and I was told that I had Dave's attention. Not because I was so good, but because I was really loose coming out of turn two. I guess he was walking in the opposite direction, heard the tires squeal, stopped and looked, seen that I had gathered it up and continued on his way. After, Dave was helping me out of the car, I looked at him (with a grin that was as big as a truck), told him that I had to get one of these. His response was to start coming out to the garage and help. That winter I started building my own enduro, number 317. I never took him up on his offer. Sadly, that offer is now gone. But, we will always have our memories. That no one can take away! Thanks for all of of mine Dave. John Gill 317 Chrystal - Jun 20, 2006 - 07:42 AM Post subject: I had the priviledge of meeting Dave three years ago and had seen him during the summer over the 2004 and 2005 seasons as well. Whenever Dave and I would see each other, he'd always say hi and smile and wave because that was the type of person he was. Whenever another street stock competitor would crash, he'd be right there trying to help get that person back out whether it was running and getting tools or crawling right under the car to help. I always thought that was pretty amazing. I'll never forget the Labour Day weekend in 2004. I had gone back into the track to collect payout for my team and I was riding around on my golf cart. Dave was walking out of the track and I gave him a ride to the Morneau camp. Dave had me laughing the whole way there. That was the type of person he was and he will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. He was a tough competitor at the track but he wanted things to be fair and deep down he was a really awesome person. Louie Bennett - Jun 20, 2006 - 07:58 AM Post subject: Condolances to entire family & race team & fans and staff on the sudden passing of dave, met him many years ago he was always helpful,challanging,joyful,and serious about things that were necessary, he even invited me to his truck more than once for one of his dad's famous bbq burgers ----- which i always appreciated (thoughtful-ness). Whew-really lost for words. God speed. Louie Bennett x-tech.Delaware & Cascar Archer Family - Jun 20, 2006 - 01:17 PM Post subject: Dave Lawrence As every one is in shock and is saddened to hear about the passing of Dave Lawrence.We as the racing community will remember him as an out going and funny man as well as a loving husband but also as one of delaware's best drivers. I will Remember dave lawrence for how he allways took time to say hello to every one and also put smiles on the kid's faces.You will be missed but never forgotten. From the family of Joe & Robin Archer & J.D.R. MOTORSPORTS Jeff Atkinson - Jun 20, 2006 - 02:57 PM Post subject: Dave I first met Dave many years ago when we were both racing street stock. As I think back one thing never left me. We were racing a 50 lapper, I lead most of the race except the last corner.We ran nose to tail for about 40 laps, I messed up and Dave didn't. After the race he came over to tell me he was sorry, I laughed and said what are you sorry about you won ,he quickly came back with " I know I just wanted to make sure you weren't mad at me" We laughed and I explained I'm just mad at me. I was only back once since I left racing at Delaware and the years have flown. I ran into Dave again a while ago . We talked about our kids, them racing and his racing and the last corner pass. I will never forget that race. It's just the memories of it are different now. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jeff Atkinson Donny & Ronda Martin - Jun 20, 2006 - 03:10 PM Post subject: First off I would like to give my deepist sympathy to Heather,Kris & Joe,I had known Dave for a long time,But he always met you with a hand shake and a how's it going then next he would say need a beer!! I can say I had never seen him down always smiling and if you had problems with the race car he was always there to lend a hand he was a true gentleman .He will be sadly missed at any function.He was a true Icon of the sport. DAVE LONG MAY YOU RUN!!!!!!!!!! Missed by all Donny & Ronda Martin Guest - Jun 20, 2006 - 03:16 PM Post subject: Well I can honestly say I did not dave that well but I must say from what I hear from my dad who is an offical at delaware for some 5 years and from watching him race to setting up friends of mines cars the guy sure knew every trick in the book and for that he will be missed as well as a last memory from the officals on friday nights races at delaware when his one son came running down and had an envelope full of money (He had won the 50 50 draw as well as his race on the wednesday night in which dave was so proud of him but dave may u rest in peace and drive the ovals up there with the greats of this sport that have passed before you. Tom Ruston - Jun 20, 2006 - 04:14 PM Post subject: Tom Ruston S.S. 46 First off my deepest sympothy, for Dave's Family. My Memories of Dave, is on my 25th birthday, April 25th 2004. My very first street stock race at delaware speedway, the #46. During the heat race line up Dave came up to me and gave me a few pointers on entrance and exit, and how the 2 corners are different, and how you need to patient, and do not over steer, or you will end up in the wall. Next was the same night, during the feature, we were myself on the inside, The 93, on the outside, Dave behind me and Morneau racing him for the lead on the outside. Dave began in the entrance of turn three, by pushing me all the way through 3 & 4. We exited 4 ahead of the 93 & Morneau, with Dave taking me on the outside going down the front stretch. Recently by helping out Jeremy Ouellette, the 87 s.s., Memories of racing Dave and saying oh, it would be nice to beat him, the great competitor, that he is, Anyways, these memories will always be with myself and team 87. Again our depest sympothies, to the family. Tom Ruston, Jeremy Ouellette, Miah Way, Matt From the Stands - Jun 20, 2006 - 05:04 PM Post subject: During the last few days and nights a lot of memories of Dave have gone through my mind. Then it hit me, everything was a "Dave Lawrence Story". Dave was such a character. Dave had such character. I was always willing to sit back and listen to what Dave was up to next. From playing jokes to telling stories to making deals there was always a smile to be had. Who else could be rescued while rescuing cows. Everytime I see the paddle I chuckle. When asked how he managed without using his radio during a race, Dave answered "when they're resetting the lineup after caution, I sit still and you guys move around me, when I see you wave at the crowd, I wave at the crowd. No problem. My first encounter with Dave was from the stands.I just love watching racing and watching Dave was a treasure. We'd all make a pick at who would win the race. No one was allowed to pick Dave. Watching him come from the back was amazing. The most notable part was the lack of booing. As with anyone that dominates at racetracks there's the "anyone but Gordon" crowd that love to hate the top dog but with Dave, this didn't seem to happen. (from where I was sitting) I'm starting to understand why. He was part of the whole community, not just the racing community. With great fortune we were able to enter the racing at a competitor level. We raced at Delaware on Wed. nights and at various tracks around SW Ontario. At each of these tracks conversation of and about Dave would abound. What a helluv a thing to aspire to. When graduation time from Cascar Jr came, there was one choice. To the Streetstocks. A old car, a lot of desire and somewhat over our heads, here we come.(Thank God for the crate program). Our introduction to Dave Lawrence quickly followed.What the heck was this guy doing, you have to be joking, he's telling us things that could take seasons to learn. I can definitely understand the safety aspects Dave went over, but... driving styles, track changes, part setups. This wasn't in the books, he's trying to mislead us, he has to. Nope, he was genuine. Well, when the inevitable happened and we bent the car, Dave was there to console the driver and the crewchief. Always positive, he did what ever it took to get us back and racing the very next race. That week is somewhat blurry but I remember Dave coming right over and congratulating us for making it back. I also noticed him making a clandestine check of the clip attachment that we had done by ourselves. (Never again mind you) I'm sure he was making sure it was safe. When the team made the jump to a new car we were made part of something special. Days and nights spent at BT racing were always met with a smile and a story. Those nights of bench racing were the greatest. Problems with car were always met with, "get it in here", payment "don't worry we'll work it out". The whole point for Dave was to get back racing, the rest were just obstacles to solve, later. When I did something wrong with the car, which I often do during my never ending learning curve, Dave always had constructive ideas, never belittling or berating you. There's a few people in one's life that you don't want to disappoint. In my life Dave was one of them. He more than earned such respect and admiration from me. As a driver, Daves' record stands for itself. One day showed me how comfortable Dave was in a race car. Sandy and Dave had made some changes to the car (which Vic made I'm sure) and were trying out something new for practice. Dave was throwing the car into turn 3 to see if it would stick, Sandy was watching in the middle of the turn. On one lap the car went full sideways. While turning the wheels to the right, hitting the gas and sliding around the corner, Dave looked over a Sandy and gave him one of those classic Dave Lawrence smiles. Sandy just grinned and shook his head. There was more conversation in that smile than a lot of crewchiefs could ever hope to have with their driver. I was just awed by the show. One night Dave was walking from our pit area to the tech garage. Right in the middle he ... skipped, yes, Dave Lawrence just skipped. I think Daves' approach to racing just lifted his heart. I think all he wanted out of racing and life in general was for everybody to just have fun. He was one of the most unselfish people I know. A genuine role model. The real deal. To Vic, Sandy, Duane, Biff, Jeff and the whole BT Racing Team, thank you for helping Dave be the generous person he was. I hope you can find another person to rally around to keep your talents and resources in the racing community. Heather, thank you for assisting Dave with his "mission". I can only imagine the sacrifices involved for Dave to always be helping other people. I know he put his family first and foremost but with your accomplishments in the community together, geez, there's only so many hours in a day. Kris and Joe, you are so much like your Dad it's always pleasure to be around you whether down in the pits or up in the stands. I know your Dad enjoyed watching you race and how you acted as part of the race team. He was extremely proud of you both and voiced it often. Dave, your one hell of a salesman and it was a pleasure to watch you at work. I'm glad I bought in 100%. Thanks for everything. Don Perkins Perkins Racing Team P.S. I hope Dale and Neil take it easy on you, I know it won't be long before your sitting with them doing some more bench racing. Dale Timmermans - Jun 20, 2006 - 05:24 PM Post subject: Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Lawrence family,friends,and the BT racing team,words can't been said enough to comfort the loss of a special person.I have raced against Dave for a number of yrs,and as was said before,he would give you an inch,if he knew you were faster.But on most nights,it was that big right arm that I remember waving as I let him go by,always the gentlemen,always faster!..I didn't know him personally as most,but respected him as a "racer"..always helping others,never without a smile,and a handshake.The most I remember about racing against him was the 2002 season, when the points championship came down to the last race,with Dave,J.D Paton,and I were something like within 3 points of each other for the trophy.Dave had gone through a serious operation,so he had old Wally on stand by to finish the race he had to start.He came up to me before the race,stuck his hand in the window of my car,and said"go easy on me" with that grin he had!..Like wow,make me more nervous!..In the end,Dave drove the first 12 or so laps untill the first caution then gave up the seat to George for the final.I managed to get up to 5th for the finish,and as I was pulling into tech,that same big hand shake was in my window,congratuating me ,figuring I had won the championship,before the final points were tallied.But when the counting was done,Dave had beat me by one point,winning the 2002 track championship!One point..I couldn't beleive it!But before I could get across the infield to congratulate him and his team on there season,someone stuck a beer in my face,and said"hell of a season"...I think you know who that person was.We might have not seen eye to eye a lot, being competitors,bumping heads and bumpers, but I respected everything he did.He was the man I wanted to beat, and be, in the same breath.Street stock racing at Delaware will never be the same.It will allways be etched in my mind,the summer of 2002 ......our deepest sympathy..from Dale & Ang and the crew of the #38 Timmermans Racing Doug Perkins - Jun 20, 2006 - 06:09 PM Post subject: One day out at the shop I asked Dave where Little (his dog) was. He said that Little had been bad, wandered out on the highway, and was hit by a car. My heart stopped, was he .... Dave quickly said the he was in the house, that his back leg or hip was pretty bad, and that the vet was proposing pretty expensive treatment to give him a chance to recover. Dave said "I've got to do it, right, he's my buddy. You don't let your buddy down. He goes everywhere with me". I believe that they consulted another vet and got Little squared away, but not before Little got quite used to Dave lifting him into the truck (sore hip doncha know). A few weeks later I was out to Dave's chasing him for a bill (maybe paperwork was ONE thing that Dave didn't like) and I asked how Little was doing. Dave said "Fine, except when he's in trouble, then he starts limping again". Dave called Little, he came bounding in and looked to be moving fairly well. Dave then spoke to Little in a harsh voice and Little started limping. Dave and I laughed. Like owner, like dog. Doug Guest - Jun 20, 2006 - 09:21 PM Post subject: I, like so many others have spent alot of time sitting here wondering what to say. My wife and I have known Dave a very long time. We have been through so many different things with him. From getting talked into going to save cows with him because(COME ON IT WILL BE FUN) than hanging out in the tree tops talking about our wives kicking our butts because they told us not play in a canoe in rapid moving flooded waters - to just spending time with him because he was a great guy. All the memory's I have of Dave are great one's. I spent time like so many others trying to beat him on the track, (i have a story the same as Jeff Atchinson#16 but he didn't wait until the last lap to beat me he did it with 4 to go and drove away). After that I joined B T Racing and spent so many other great times with him and all the guys. Dave was B T Racing's leader he was all of ours friend, He was the man you always wanted to be, The friend you really always wanted to have, The competitor you most wanted to beat. We send our thoughts, wishes and all the support we can to Heather , Kris, Joe, Dave's parents Dave Sr and Evelyn and all of his other members in his family. You are all forever in our hearts and prayers. Dave I am a better person because I knew you and may you rest in peace. All our love, Steve & Vicki McCaw Sharpie - Jun 20, 2006 - 09:25 PM Post subject: Having heard the sad news, I was shocked, hurt and left with a sorry feeling. Sorry that I never got to know Dave more then I did. I knew of his racing skills, talent, championships and the such. What makes him a special person is the character he had. I competed against him, and always looked up to him. My Mom didn't come to watch me race much (too nervous). One time she did, I remember her asking me after wards who the #28 was. "He hit you for no reason" I thought about it for a second, and responded back to my Mom "Oh that's just Dave, he was just saying HI!" I knew his bumper taps where just that. He knew he was quicker, and it was a matter of time till he was past me. We all knew it. Sure enough, when the race was over, guess who won. Also the championship, and the peer voted "Sportsmanship" award. Having just read the messages on this board it is clear to me we lost a true champion and a great friend. Guest - Jun 20, 2006 - 09:34 PM Post subject: I never met Dave, or even seen his race but I really hope his family is okay. I crew for a Lucas car so on behalf of the Lucas team's in Canada, our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave Lawrence's family. I hope your racing with the big guys now Dave!! 
Derek - Jun 20, 2006 - 11:08 PM Post subject: In my 6 years as trackside announcer at Delaware Speedway, I grew to know and like Dave as a racer and as a friend. As many have said, he was a tough competitor, a true gentleman and he loved to grin that grin. Many thoughts of Dave have rattled around in my head in the last couple of days. Here are a couple.... One time I had mentioned to Dave that I was having a problem with my car and he suggested that I "bring it by the house". I made arrangements to drop it off and we agreed that I'd come by the next evening and he'd help me get into it. When I dropped by, ready to get wrenching, the car had already been repaired. "I had a little time, so I fixed it" was all he said. Another time, at the track, we had a King of the Hill night. It's a 'run what ya brung' event where pairs of cars race each other one lap and each winner takes on another winner until there is just one vehicle left.....the King of the Hill . Dave had just bought an old Jaguar XJ (because someone had done the conversion to a Chev V-8 and he wanted the motor for his race car....he was going to junk the body). Dave asked (grinning that grin) if I wanted to hop in with the wireless PA microphone and ride with him as he raced in the 'King of the Hill". I'm not sure how much of my bleating and blathering the crowd heard on the PA system as we raced around the track, but Dave was doing as much to scare me as he was to beat the other vehicles. I went a couple of rounds with him and I swear he peeled chrome off the door handles on the back stretch with ME in the passenger seat. Every time I chanced to look over at him.....he'd be grinning that grin. Dave was kind and giving to those around him. I'll miss him. Derek Botten Guest - Jun 20, 2006 - 11:53 PM Post subject: Dave was one of the best racecar drivers I had ever met. Now I'm sitting here coming to the realization that I never told him that. I guess I mentioned it to a lot of people over the years, like when I would pick Dave to win the feature (everytime). Man.... sure hope someone told him. We started racing at Delaware about the same time but in different classes so I got to watch Dave develope from good to great. He was one of the nicest guys I have come across in racing. My family will be thinking of yours Dave. Andy Farr Guest - Jun 21, 2006 - 12:39 AM Post subject: I have known the Lawrence family for many years and even was a highschool classmate of Daves. When I heard the news I was shocked. My deepest sympathy to the entire Lawrence family. May you look upon all the positives that Dave brought into your life and the lives of everyone around him that he touched. May God bless you all. Graham Little Guest - Jun 21, 2006 - 01:46 AM Post subject: I've only been to Delaware a few times but I recall watching the 28 and the skill that driver used to go from the back to front each time I was there... I believe that car ran at Barrie a few times taking the win as well.... reading the tributes posted in the past few days makes me want to be a better person.... I hope Dave's family will consent to allow ,when the time is right... for the car to compete in Dave's honour .... I don't know if the other " 28" was on a friendly basis with Dave or not ... but who better to run a champion"s car than another champion...if this suggestion hurts any feelings I truly aploigise.... God Bless you one and all..... SS3 - Posted: Jun 21, 2006 - 09:00 AM Post subject: Joe and Kris, with the support of the B.T. Racing Team will be participating in the JRL race at Delaware Speedway Wednesday, June 21st. Wouldn't it be nice if they had lots and lots of support.
streetstocker33 - Posted: Jun 21, 2006 - 09:52 AM Post subject: We'll have some people from team 33 there to cheer nice and loud! Memories of Dave Lawrence: PAGE 3 | PAGE 1 |
