Sad note - David Poole - motorsports writer and host of weekly Sirius NASCAR radio sh

[TJ1976]

David Poole, a Charlotte Observer and ThatsRacin.com reporter who became one of the country’s leading authorities on NASCAR, died of a heart attack this afternoon. He was 50.

Poole had just returned from last week’s race at Talladega, Ala. He was at his Stanfield home when the heart attack occurred. His daughter called 911. Emergency crews rushed him to the hospital in Stanly County, where he was pronounced dead.

Poole, a Gastonia native, became the Observer’s NASCAR writer 13 years ago. He hosted "The Morning Drive" show weekday mornings on Sirius NASCAR Radio.

He was a four-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association’s George Cunningham Award as the organization's writer of the year. “He was the best in his field, there’s no doubt about that,” Observer editor Rick Thames said this afternoon in announcing Poole’s death to a hushed newsroom.

Poole’s final column ran the day he died. In it he called the track at Talladega an “anachronism” after a day of dramatic crashes Sunday.

“Talk about guys who own their beat, that’s what David did,” said Observer sports editor Mike Persinger.

More details upcoming.

[Walt]

David was an outspoken journalist. He told it the way he saw it. Poole was a rip when he wanted to be but he usually sat back and absorbed. His mastery of numbers yielded the ability to back nearly every statement he'd make with facts.

I will miss our correspondence. Some may feel good about the things where we all agree. He thrived on those things where we'd disagree.

David had a heart of gold. His special interest in raising funds has been "Pennies for Wessa" (http://www.penniesforwessa.org/).

David entertained us. He informed us. He corrected us and he was one of us. He leaves a void far greater than most fans will know.

Rest in peace David Poole.

[Jaws]

50 was way too soon, we really enjoyed your writting and your radio and occasionally TV.

Listening to all the tributes today shows you will be dearly missed.

Rest in Peace David and as someone said today you are probably giving big Bill France an ear full.

Our thoughts and parayer are with you and your family.

[RichKeator]

this is truly a sad day in the NASCAR Media world... David was one of the best... Im sure he's sitting down up there with Dale, Davey, Allen, and all the great drivers that have passed on

[oleblue]

sad, very sad. been reading david for many years and enjoyed listening to him on siruis every morinng. god bless his family. what a truley sad day