Kenny's Responses

"We are deeply saddened at today's passing of Kenny Irwin. On behalf of all of us at NASCAR and the entire NASCAR community, our deepest sympathies, all our thoughts and prayers are with Kenny's family, friends and everyone at Team SABCO. Kenny was a fine competitor and will be missed very much by the entire NASCAR community."
-- NASCAR president Bill France

"The Petty family would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Irwin family. Our thoughts and prayers are, and will continue to be, with the Irwin family and the employees of Team SABCO during this very difficult time."
-- Richard Petty

"We extend our utmost sympathy to the family of Kenny Irwin during this time of grief. This is a time of great sadness for us and everyone in racing."
-- Bob & Gary Bahre, NHIS track owners

"You don't understand why stuff like that happened. It's a tough deal. I can't explain it. You just hate to see stuff like that happen."
-- Dale Earnhardt

"I want to say our thoughts and prayers are with the Irwin family. We're going to miss Kenny."
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I think reality is starting to settle in for all of us. I know the whole garage is sick to their stomach right now about what has happened. The only positive thing that can come of this maybe is that he's in a better place. It sure isn't good for the people that are left behind and heartbroken."
-- Mark Martin

"I think everybody is still in shock. I don't think they know how to react right now. We haven't really had to deal with a situation like this. It's been many years."
-- Ricky Rudd

"We're gonna miss Kenny an awful lot. I just hate it for his family and everybody. Our prayers and thoughts are with him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family because we're gonna miss Kenny so much."
-- Brett Bodine

"I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Irwin at Talladega two years ago. He was really pleasant and one of the few drivers that had time to sign and speak with you. The Winston Cup circuit will really miss a guy like this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and race team."
-- Stephen Moseley, a fan from Montgomery, Ala.

"When something as tragic as this happens it doesn't matter who your 'favorite' driver is. The world has lost a great competitor and an outstanding person."
-- Scott Strohm, a fan from Bellefonte, Pa.

"I was at Watkins Glen about 2 or 3 years ago for a race. After practice one day Kenny comes over to the fence to talk to the fans, sign some autographs, and just talk. I love getting autographs, but had nothing to get signed. Well, I'm still holding my Watkins Glen plastic cup. I say, 'Kenny, can you sign this?' His reply, 'Holy man, is it full!?' I said, 'No,' and tossed it over the fence. Kenny tries to toss it back, carefully, like 2 or 3 times. Each time the cup falls to the ground and has to bend down to pick it up. Finally, he sends it about 15 feet in the air. One of the onlookers, not paying attention, gets popped in the head. We all get a chuckle over it, and Kenny calls him over, signs an item for him too. NASCAR lost a good guy today!"
-- John Griffin, a fan from Elkland, Pa.

Thanks to NASCAR Online.