Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
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Saw this posted on another message board. It's also on the blog page on Craigs website.

Loss of a Fan
Posted Dec 31st, 2008 by Julie D.
On Christmas Eve in New Zealand a young (17 year old) fan of Craig's was killed in a single car accident. I know only that her name was Holley. Ron and Natalie Salter were contacted by someone close to Holley's family who asked if Craig could attend the funeral and if they could bring the race car to display as a special favor. They agreed and the team attended, Craig was also asked to speak. This is a e-mail we received after the funeral and a follow up corespondence, it was quite touching and I wanted to share... May Holley rest in peace.


From: [email protected]
Subject: Contact from Dollanskyracing.com
Sent: 12/29/2008 at 01:06 AM from 222.154.48.159

Your Name: Yvonne Marsh
Message: I was at the funeral of a 17 yr old BIG fan of Craig's today. Holley was killed in a car crash on Xmas Eve, here in NZ. Craig and a few of his team mates attended that funeral today after being informed by the family of Holley's fatal accident. The whole family had tickets to go to the races while Craig was in NZ....Holley never made it. I was so totally impressed with his attendance there...knowing his tight schedule and not knowing Holley personally...this will stay in my memory forever. What a special moment for Holley to take on her next journey and from a long time friend of the family...THANK YOU Craig and your team for your presence - you have SO helped Holley's family in such a huge way. Arohanui, Yvonne Marsh - a new 'fan'!


From: Julie Dollansky
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 5:01 AM
Subject: Re: Contact from Dollanskyracing.com

Yvonne,
Thanks for the note, I will pass it along to Craig when he returns. It is a very sad situation when a child is lost. We have 3 (17, 14, 11) I hope we never need to go through anything like this family has. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, even from around the world!


From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Contact from Dollanskyracing.com
Date: December 29, 2008 12:57:32 PM CST
To: [email protected]

Thank you so much for your response, which I wasn't expecting. Words fail me to know what wonderful REAL people you are.

We also have family (4 of whom reside in Indiana/USA) and could not comprehend having to organise a funeral for any of our siblings.

My husband is a NZ Entertainer and often gets requests such as Craig's and when able to, attends funerals - so we know what it means to the grieving family.

Once again, my own personal heartfelt thanks and I am certain Holley's family will thank you themselves but I needed to let you know how Craig has made such an impression on everyone here in NZ.

I don't need a reply as I know you are very busy.

May all your dreams come true and may you, Craig and your family, be well rewarded for your generosity, kindness and sincerity.

Arohanui
Yvonne

Craig drew the pole tonight in the city of luck ... a l'il "thank you" from Karma?

Phil Taylor

home-theater-systems-advice.com

Can't let this post get lost on the second page. What I read about the Dollansky's doesn't surprise me. The Dollansky's are a great family and a real credit to sprint car racing and life in general. Next time you're at one of Craig's races stop at his trailer after the races, introduce yourself and thank him for being the type of person you'd like everyone to be like. You'll personally learn why he's called "The Crowd Pleaser".

Agree!! The positive stories seem to disappear! We'll keep this one on the front for awhile! Sorry to hear about the families loss - always a very difficult thing to get through. God bless her family and friends!!!!

He's cool for sure. I remember him at the Port several years ago. Breath taking till he put her over the fence. He has calmed down a little but still fun.

Luna's Ford engine style that won 2 WoO titles and 3 
Kings Royals before a weight rule against the best EVER
in their prime and now DOMINATES super dirt late model
racing is no longer allowed/wanted in a WoO sprint
car.... Was Luna a miracle worker?

I'll tell you what, Dean Lindsey sure thinks the world of him!

Race the car three races.  If you don't like it , for 
any reason, return it, without damage, and we'll 
refund all your money, build you a new car, or better 
yet, bring me someone else's design and I'll use that 
to build your next ride!

come to think of it, chuck "Wimpy" merrill may think fondly of him as well.

I'll gladly pay you Tuesday...

Race the car three races.  If you don't like it , for 
any reason, return it, without damage, and we'll 
refund all your money, build you a new car, or better 
yet, bring me someone else's design and I'll use that 
to build your next ride!