Top Fuel racer Darrell Russell was fatally injured in racing accident June 27, 2004...

Like all of you, we are both still reeling from Darrell's death. Over the past few years, our relationship with Darrell had moved beyond the acquaintance level most drivers share to a friendship. It was customary for us to have dinner with Darrell and his close friend Rob Geiger regularly throughout the season. In February, we had Mexican in Pasadena and Michelle and Geiger unabashedly drank margaritas while Darrell and Whit drank water. And, just the week before St. Louis, we had seafood in Englishtown with Darrell and Rob. We had a great time--Geiger and Michelle drinking wine and the drivers sticking to their water--and lingered in our booth long after the check was paid because we were talking and having fun.

You didn't even have to get to know Darrell very well to know he was one of the "good guys." Whit doesn't remember ever seeing Darrell angry. He was the kind of person who never had anything bad to say about anyone else. He was the kind of person who rubbed off on you in a very positive way, which is one of the reasons Whit liked to be around him so much. He was the kind of person who people enjoyed meeting and who stayed with them afterward. Michelle's sister and her husband joined us for dinner in Joliet last fall where, after they met Darrell, would often mention him and ask after him. They called as soon as they heard about his accident--truly saddened and sorrowed by his death.

You remember the little things after a tragedy like this. During our dinner a couple of weeks ago, the guys began debating the merits of combining the fuel cars into one class and the consensus was that it should be Funny Cars. Whit asked Darrell if he'd switch to a funny car and he replied with a hearty yes. While the drivers--and their loved ones--know they are taking risks competing in a dangerous sport, it is still unfathomable that someone you care about is gone so suddenly. Michelle can not even imagine what Julie Russell is experiencing; like all wives, you know in the back of your mind that what your husband is doing is dangerous and the possibility exists for him to be injured. But you never fully contemplate that he could just not come home from St. Louis on a Sunday night.

We are saddened by our loss, but devastated to think of the void he left with those who knew and loved him best. We can only extend our deepest sympathies to them, and hope that their suffering is eased by the knowledge of how highly Darrell was regarded by his peers and friends.

Michelle and Whit Bazemore
June 29, 2004