Gone in an instant...here for eternity
source:
paddocktalk.com
Here in our hearts, here in our minds, here in our smiles when we think of him.
The one with the red gloves. The one with the beaming smile. The one with the
composure and patience of any greatest champion. Past...present...or future.
My favorite memory of Greg is not any of his many daring outside passes, nor his
breath-taking victory at the 1999 U.S. 500 (which I am still so thankful that I
was able to witness in person...I'll be digging out the home video of that soon).
No, it was a very simple moment of which I think reflects what Greg was all
about...
Here was this 22 year old kid. He had just staked claim to his first Champ Car
victory at the Milwaukee Mile. The youngest ever to win his first race.
Post-race, he came bouncing out of the Player's transporter with the biggest,
warmest-almost giddy smile plastered upon his face. As he was approaching the
crowd of fans that had gathered, he had this "Oh yeah, I almost forgot, race
winners come out to sign autographs...these people are here for me, how cool is
THIS?" demeanor about him. So genuine.
I was one of the people in that crowd and I was caught completely off-guard. I
wasn't thinking ahead, I had brought nothing for him to autograph after the
race. After I shook off the momentary 'deer-caught-in-the headlights' moment, I
tapped my best friend to get his attention, so he could give me my race program
so hopefully Greg would sign it. Well, I meant to tap my friend. Caught up in
the excitement I actually shoved him.