[F500] Carroll Smith

[John Whitling]

I was fortunate last year to spend a lot of time with Carroll Smith, at 
the Solo 2 Nationals. We talked about the autocross cars, Formula 1 as 
it is today, and a variety of other offshoots. He was also very 
intrigued with creativity of the SAE formula cars. It truly made my week 
(quite a thing considering all that transpired). Thanks again to Tom 
Rickel (Hoosier Midwest dealer) for encouraging Carroll to come. I cut 
my teeth on "Tune to Win" back in the 80's and so I also have a ton of 
respect for what this man did for me and countless others.

It was great to see Carroll interested and still curious after so many 
years in motorsports. Here was a guy that had been everywhere and done 
everything in motorsports and he spent a week with a bunch of parking 
lot racers. I was fortunate to have stuck around and spent time with 
him. Sad to see him go.

Carroll told me that he was working on a new version of "Tune to Win". I 
guess that was something left unfinished. Great people always leave a 
little something unfinished. For great people there's always something 
more to be done.

John Whitling
 
Eric D. Christensen wrote:

>The news of Carroll Smith's passing saddens me greatly. Carroll was
>truly one of the great figures of motorsports. His contribution to the
>sport has had far more impact and influence than Carroll himself would
>ever admit to. 
>
>Though I only had the privilege to meet them man on one occasion, I
>thought of him as a mentor. Like most of us, I learned most what I know
>about the art and science of car preparation, set-up and fabrication
>from his books. I constantly tell new drivers that the FIRST thing they
>need to do is read "Prepare To Win", "Tune To Win" and "Drive To Win".
>Then you can get yourself a car and start learning to race.  
>
>Thank you Carroll,  for all that you did for the sport and for all the
>knowledge and experience you so generously shared with us weekend
>warriors.
>
>  
>