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SS3 - Posted: Jun 21, 2006 - 09:52 AM The London Free Press ran a nice article in today's Sport's section (buy, clip, and save): 
It can also be seen at: http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/OtherSports/2006/06/21/pf-1644600.html.
Guest - Jun 21, 2006 - 07:47 PM Post subject: I'm sure that he meant so much to Kris and Jordy. Kris came to hug me and my father (Brian Cohoon) and we just had a hard chunk of something in our throat. My dad told me stories that in his 20 years of knowing Dave, not once dave called him Brian, it was always "BRAIN". I never really knew him until Andrew Perkins started to race in the Streetstocks which was three years ago but he was a good racecar driver, father, and freind. I really have wished that we could go racing on Wednesday but the stupid rain. So i could have seen jordy kick ass and see kris just have fun (behind me). he always put his kids and wife first than racing when i saw jordan win last week it just really brightened my day. but my family will miss dave with my heart. my condolenses go out to Heather, Kris and Jordy and the entire BT team. From, Kyle, and Brian Cohoon Guest - Jun 21, 2006 - 08:17 PM Post subject: We raced with Dave for a few years, and was sad to learn about his passing, Delaware has lost 2 great drivers now J.D. Patton and now Dave. J.D. and Dave were both very competive drivers, noone could catch those two guys once they got out front. We will always remember both J.D. patton and Dave Lawrence for ever they were special people not just people but special friends to us. Our deepest symphony goes out to Dave's whole family. Len , Sue , Bonnie, Katie Sterritt 
streetstocker33 - Jun 21, 2006 - 09:47 PM Post subject: We will certainly miss Dave on the race track, but I think we'll miss the times in the shop more. Dave always had that huge smile on, and was always ready to tell a story. It was truly amazing how much he wanted to help everyone in the class, and see everyone out every week, and having fun. Friday nights will never be the same. We'll miss Dave, and we know that Jordan and Kris will be out showing everyone how its done on Friday nights in no time in true Lawrence style. Jamie Grover Holti - Jun 22, 2006 - 02:51 AM Post subject: Two years ago Dave was the one who took care of my husbands race car. I know my husband and his crew were really delighted when ever say had a chance to talk to Dave. To me he was like the "Spirit of Delaware" Since we moved here 4 years ago, his name was well known in Delaware. So beside my husband who started racing two years ago, I was one of Dave's biggest Fan. We will truly miss him. Michaela, Jens, Kim and John rusty2 - Jun 22, 2006 - 04:25 AM Post subject: hey I know I have been on here already,but if you have a chance go to delaware .com,go to links and go to street stocks and go to ray morneau`s site.I am very proud of my little nephew,he paid a great tribute to dave and I hope everyone enjoys it! dave was definately THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! friday will definately be the hardest day of my life!!!!!!!!! randy morneau Mobil1fan - Jun 22, 2006 - 05:09 AM Post subject: If it isn't planned for another event this season, having a 28-lap SS feature this week would be a fitting tribute.... GrantandGloria - Jun 22, 2006 - 02:46 PM Post subject: Dave Lawrence Words can't describe our feelings over the loss of our dear friend Dave Lawrence. Our prayers and deepest sympathy go to Heather, Kris, Jordan and family. My earliest memories of the Lawrence family was back in the 50's. Dave's grandparents ran Lawrence's Dairy Bar where you could purchase a hamburg and shake for only .75 cents.... the best in London. A few years ago, one of Delaware's famous car drivers came into my shop and asked if I could put on 1/4 panels and paint his race car because he had it sold to Dave Lawrence. I agreed and a few days later Dave walked into the shop inquiring about his race car. I asked Dave why he chose to buy this particular race car, he replied that it was a great race car and wanted to be just like Ike Henry (Dave's Hero and mine) .... thus his successful racing career started. Not long after that, my son Duane and Dave got together and they went racing. A bond between them was formed like no other I've seen.... like brothers. On another note, last fall while driving down the 401 on a Sunday at 6:00 a.m., to my misfortune I hit a deer. Called Duane for help and within a couple of hours Duane, Dave, Vic and Heather came to my rescue with a trailer. Picked up my van and took it back to his shop in Lambeth. They repaired the damage and of course with Dave's sense of humor asked me if I had a deer hunting license ... ha! ha! Dave was like a second son to me. Has phoned me for four years in a row now to wish me a Happy Father's Day, and making sure to ask if his inheritance of my 54 Chevy was still in my will ... ha! ha! Unfortunately this recent past Father's Day June 18th, I did not hear from him. Over the years I've purchased numerous parts from Dave, now and then the subject of a "flying clutch assembly" would come up .... (inside joke.) This past June 11th at a swap meet, we all had just finished loading our trucks and trailers when along came Dave, Heather and crew. Dave hollers out "hey Grant, do you need a hand." Dave's sense of humor and sincerity will be cherished forever. I know that my son Duane and I are much richer by just knowing him and being part of Dave's life. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts and will be surely missed. God bless you and rest in peace. Grant Marty Truax - Jun 22, 2006 - 03:04 PM Post subject: Dave, I sure wish that I knew you. I grew up at Delaware Speedway and watched you race many times. I started going to Delaware in the early seventies when my father raced. You were definitely one of the best ever! I was raised at the farm where you went to rescue the cows and you ended up in the newspaper ,sos! We should have known each other because I love racing, sharing stories and having the occasional beer. Your wife and children are in my thoughts and prayers and I think that your legacy will carry on through your boys. Rest in peace Dave. Marty Truax. SS3 - Posted: Jun 22, 2006 - 03:21 PM Post subject: Delaware will hold a Memorial for Dave Lawrence on June 23rd We have received lots of questions and suggestions about what can be done to honour Dave Lawrence's memory. I am certain that Kevin Bulmer and the Speedway have also. Remember, Delaware Speedway has suffered a horrible loss too, and it must work throught this as best it can. I am sure that they will do the right thing. Dave was a racer, Delaware Speedway was his playground. The races must go on, that's the best way to honour Dave. Come join us. SS3 Guest - Jun 22, 2006 - 07:12 PM Post subject: Kris, Duane and Scott you guys did a great job today up in front of that many people. There were alot of people there and i would not be able to do that. Great job guys. Also my thoughts and prayers are with everyone that is going through a hard time dealing with this as am i. Tomorrow night will be hard and we will all need each other. Nicole Guest - Jun 23, 2006 - 03:39 AM Post subject: I only met Dave a few of times during the junior races last year and he was very dedicated to Jordans racing and hope that Jordan can keep going with his dreams of racing. Good luck Jordan! Dylan Kukura # 9 Guest - Jun 23, 2006 - 04:22 PM Post subject: I knew dave my first year in highschool at westminister, he brought in his 67 mustang (i think it was 67)for the automotive classes to help restore, which i always thought wes very trusting as some of us had never even changed a tire before. I also hung around at Ike henry's garage and helped with Ikes car as did Dave, not to mention going to fluffies after friday night racing for a couple of seasons.I hadn't seen Dave for probably 20 years but always looked in saturday mornings paper to see how he did. In the time that i spent around dave he was always very generous with his time and had a great sence of humour and even though i was a kid for some of the time we spent hanging out he never treated me like one. He will be missed. Brian Wood Guest - Jun 23, 2006 - 05:22 PM Post subject: Hello again this is Allan Mc Gee Frieda Coopers grandson i am sorry i cant make it to the race i cant afford to go but my thyoughts and best wishes go out to everyone. Guest - Jun 23, 2006 - 08:45 PM Post subject: I have gone to track for some years now and i know Dave will be missed by all. God bless his family through all of this at this time. SS3 - Posted: Jun 24, 2006 - 01:31 PM Post subject: Delaware Speedway held a very nice memorial for Dave Kevin Bulmer and the Delaware Speedway crew held a pre-race Memorial for Dave Lawrence right before racing June 23rd.   
London Free Press coverage is available here >
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/OtherSports/2006/06/24/pf-1650364.html
Browns - Posted: Jun 24, 2006 - 04:19 PM Post subject: Miss you! We will never forget the season that we won our first street stock heat race. It was thanks to Dave for all his help and generosity in setting up our car that made us win that one. From the stands, the kids and I would watch their dad, but always keep an eye on the #28 to see how quickly he would come from the back to the front. Dave always made every race exciting to watch. The past 4 years of working in the photo booth has shown me what a fantastic and wonderful family the Lawrences are. I am constantly asked for pictures of the #28 car and more than happy to show them. Dave and Heather came to see me last Friday night and laughed and joked with me for several minutes. These memories of Dave and his family will forever be in our hearts. We wish to send our deepest condolences to all of his family. The Brown Family Street Stock #5 Rik - Jun 24, 2006 - 06:59 PM Post subject: The first time I ever met Dave was when my mom was racing in the street stock class, along with the guys. Some of the drivers at that time did not like the idea of a woman racing against them, but Dave just looked at it as just another competitor. He had come over after the race to our trailer and shook my moms hand for beating him. He had been coming through the field and was having a time getting by her. He dove into turn 3 under her, braking late. When she saw him go to the inside, she braked a little earlier. He swung wide and she went back under to hold her position in front of him. He told her after the race that he had kind of hoped she would still be on his outside so that he may of bounced off of her and continued on his way, but was proud of her move to avoid him. That memory will always stick in my head, and the #28 SS will always be missed. God Bless you Dave. Rick Goertz Guest - Jun 25, 2006 - 03:40 AM Post subject: Dave My heart goes out to Heather, Kris and Jordan. My memories of Dave were full of laughter! He was the person that got me my first job at CarQuest and everyday heading into work I would always have to think of something to ansers back with since he was always full of smart comments! He would make a room light up as soon as he entered. Growing up, I heard alot of Dave from my dad, Ike Henry. It was someone that my dad repected in all aspects of life. My heart is with you all. Kelly Guest - Jun 25, 2006 - 12:54 PM Post subject: Delaware Memorial for Dave Lawrence We were proud to be involved at the track for such a special night. We thought that the introduction was exceptionally well done. The atmosphere in the pits was a lot more doing what Dave lived for everyone to do then anything else. We appreciated the efforts of the track to accommodate the change to 28 laps in remembrance. We want to suggest that the track consider that the last race of the year. The race that often sets the championship be named in memory of Dave. Call it the Dave Lawrence Memorial Champions 28 lap Feature. With a trophy that gets presented to the champion of that division each year. Could you even imagine the pride in his boys eyes as they set their goals to have won that trophy in memory of their dad. Just a thought. Or maybe an award that honors anyone who exhibits the spirit of competition with passion and devotion to the continuance of racing for his fellow competitors or supports the new racing endeavors of the up and coming rookies. Sometimes that captures Dave's spirit. We are one who would contribute to the cost of the trophy if that was an issue. From the driver and crew of the sesPOWDERCOATING.com #15 Street Stock Team. Lastly just thanks it really shows the new spirit of Delaware Speedway. It looks like Dave's classy and generous attitude just may have been contagious. Delaware has no doubt made Dave Proud. Guest - Posted: Jun 25, 2006 - 04:06 PM Post subject: I am sooo sad about my uncle Dave's death Crying or Very sad he was soooooo funny i wish i knew him 4 longer. all of our family get-2-gethers will be competly different. this is a huge loss my cozins(dave's kids) kris and joe and his wife (my aunt) Heather. going 2 the funeral made me notice all of the lives DJ (dave) hads touched. life will never be th same 4 them. kyle kane - Jun 25, 2006 - 07:11 PM Post subject: I met Dave only a few years ago when Darrell Lake asked me to help him out at the shop, after this day Darrell and I had been out to the shop daily. I would only go to hear the stories he would tell!(sorry darrell). Dave was by far the best story teller hands down! I would laugh for a good hour after we would leave the shop becasue of them! I heard dozens of stories and none of them had been like the last. Dave was always quick to react with a smart ass comment and sure enough no one ever out smarted him! NOT EVEN CLOSE! Dave was one of smartest people i had ever known and will always be. Everytime I would go to the shop he would teach me something new. I am forever greatful that I got to meet and get to know Dave! Delaware speedway and the shop will never be the same. You will be forever missed and never forgotten! We will all miss you! Kyle Kane CanadianRacingOnline (Site Admin) - Jun 25, 2006 - 07:44 PM Post subject: I never met Dave but from the many posting in this message base he was a great guy and he will be missed but not forgotten. You don't have to know the person to feel the lose that racing has suffered with the passing of Dave. I hope others that knew him can carry on and do what he did for the racing community. Our our thoughts and prayers go out to his family from all of us ad CanadianRacingOnline.com Evan Cascarj52 - Jun 26, 2006 - 03:54 AM Post subject: I told dad I would post this for him: ------------------------ Before sharing some thoughts and memories about Dave my family and I would like to pass on our heart felt condolences to Heather, Kris, Jordan and the rest of Dave’s family and racing team on this tragic loss of a true family man and racer. Just like most of his fans I had watched Dave race for many years. It wasn’t till last year that the man behind the #28 made himself known to me through his involvement and actions in the Junior Racing League when he brought little #28, Jordan, out to the track. From then on I had the privilege of sharing moments with him on Wednesday nights throughout the summer and the occasional off track encounter. This year Dave had gotten Kris a JRL car for twice the fun at the track. It was going to be a great year for the kids and family. Regrettably Dave saw Kris in just a couple of races. I’m amazed that in reality I didn’t really see Dave all that much but when I look back he sure had a way of leaving an impression or great memory. A quality that obviously endeared him to many. Below I share some of my observations and memories gathered over the last year. One of things I learned about Dave early in the 2005 JRL season was he did not like ambiguity when it came to rules and he definitely liked to challenge them. I remember one night when he had put a front air dam on Jordan’s car and I mentioned it was an illegal body alteration. After 2 or 3 weeks of clarifying the rules and a little back and forth the air dam eventually came off. Dave did rationalize why he had done it and I realized that Dave was somebody who looked for innovation and was just trying to change things for the better. I changed the rules for 2006 to allow air dams. Another example of his wanting things clear was at the last JRL race where I had talked about black flags to the drivers. He approached me after the driver’s meeting and in his own mentoring way indicated that I’d been a bit confusing in what I had said. He looked me straight in the eyes and made me clarify the point to him. Another thing became evident at the track in 2005 was that Dave had a following of very loyal friends. Heather and Kris would always be there but as well Duane, Vic and Jeff came out to help. Given the team’s time demands relating to the Friday night program I was quite impressed to see Dave’s team out on the Wednesdays. They were indeed a team. Dave was very generous and always seemed to be ready to help anybody in need. To him the race was more important then the finish and he would help any team to improve or recover from a racing incident. A memory I have from the last JRL race was seeing Dave charging down pit road with a roll of duct tape to assist in repairing a couple of cars just put out of the race. Without hesitation he worked quickly to help get the cars back out. He was sure fast in putting on duct tape! I’d seen this many times before. Last year he strategically placed his trailer close to turn 2 on the JRL track. This soon became a base for emergency operations and along with crews from other teams was in most cases the first and only stop required to get any drivers car repaired and out on the track. Dave had worked his magic again to bring different teams together for the better of all, much the way he had done in the street stock division. Dave was a true sportsman and did not falter even as a father watching his boys on the track. He would never blame others for what happened on the track. He never challenged me on any a call made by a JRL official and accepted what happened on the track as “just racing”. Actually I take that back - one night Jordan was leading the race but spun out. The officials called a black flag on the driver behind Jordan for an apparent hit. After the race Dave commented to me that Jordan had spun himself out and the other driver should not have been black-flagged. Dave just wanted to see a fair and good race. A day that I remember was a sponsor appreciation day last year. The Perkins had invited my son and I out to the track for their appreciation day. When we arrived we found that Dave was having his appreciation day as well. Dave had emptied the shop with two street stocks, an enduro car, and two JRL cars available to be driven. Kid’s were lined up taking rides in the JRL cars and the Lawrence’s were busy getting the kid’s into the cars so that everybody could have a turn. One kid had a problem and went for a wild ride through the ditch and tore up the front end of one of the JRL cars. I would have been upset if it had been my car, it didn’t even phase Dave. We were here to have fun. Anybody who showed up could drive one of Dave’s car or share a ride in the Enduro. Again Dave’s concern for other’s came through as a number of times he came by and asked me if I’d gone out in his car. Later in the day somebody bounced one of the street stocks into the wall destroying the front clip. I asked Dave who the driver was that wrecked and he said he didn’t know but it was somebody in beige shorts. His acceptance of what happens happens was never so clear. Again if it had been my car I’d have gone home mad and upset. However Dave ended the day by coming out of the washroom with a six foot trail of toilet paper hanging off the back of his pants accompanied by that famous smile. Another example of Dave’s unassuming generosity given without judgment was shown a few weeks ago at the local flea market. I have a 1980 Malibu that got hit in the winter and wrote off by the insurance. I want to fix it up and my brother wants me to junk it. I was looking at some A arms Dave had out for sale but they were not the right ones. My brother started going at me about how I should be junking this car and not wasting my time on it. Dave’s reaction to all of this discussion was asking me what side I needed. After I said left, Dave just looked at me and said “I’ve got some back at the shop, I’ll dig one out for you". Dave was a racer who valued safety and well prepared cars. At the same swap meet mentioned earlier he expressed concern to me that he had brought out roll bar padding to the enduro race and only a couple of drivers bought some. It bothered him that he still saw a bunch of cars go out without the padding. At four rolls for ten dollars he wasn’t trying to make any money he just wanted the drivers to make their cars safe and felt that Delaware should make it mandatory for the roll bars to be padded. I’m going to bring this idea back to the track to see if we can make this a rule. Friday June 16 was an off night for the street stocks. Although this meant we didn’t get to see Dave race that night it did mean that he was up on the hill with Kris and Jordan displaying the JRL team cars. Dave worked with the boys to help kids in and out of the cars. I talked to Dave off and on that night and there was a steady stream of people who would stop and say hello to Dave. Dave was a humble man who didn’t like to brag about his racing. Somebody came up and asked him how he was doing this year and he responded that they were struggling but were consistent. Dave didn’t mention that he was leading the division in points. He was very proud of the boys and a couple of times mused about them. I mentioned to him that Jordan had told me that the move he used last week to win his first feature was learned at Varney. Dave responded with “Is that what he told you?” I’m not sure what Dave was going to do with that information but I had a feeling it was tucked away for further discussion with Jordan. When we talked about Kris and how he was doing Dave mentioned that they had changed a few things on Kris’s car that Kris wasn’t happy with them and wanted the car put back to the way it was. Dave commented that we need to learn that to improve you can’t keep things the same; you’ve got to try new things. Another valued insight from Dave. Dave was a free spirit, spontaneous, funny and just basically seemed to enjoy life. I think a lot of people saw things in Dave that they would have liked to be or done. In some ways maybe Dave was carrying the flag for us. We need to especially thank Heather for supporting Dave in his activities both on and off the track. Dave’s early passing means that he is frozen in time in our memories. Words cannot express the emotions of the last week. Dave showed us that the race is not about staying low, turning left and counting laps. His race was cut short with many laps to go. We need to reflect on Dave’s contributions and actions and hopefully make some adjustments in our own lives and actions to use whatever laps we have left to make the race better. Paul Houghton Bernard Nieberg 07 - Jun 27, 2006 - 01:33 PM Post subject: I just found out today of Dave’s passing, very sad news indeed. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends. I had the pleasure of racing with Dave at Cayuga a number of times. Dave was a very smart driver and a tremendous challenge to compete with. I always looked forward to the Outlaw Thundercar races at Cayuga and hoped Dave and his team would attend. We shared many a lap of close racing, rubbed a few fenders and bumpers, and enjoyed a few cold drinks after we were finished. He won a few, I won a few, but regardless of the outcome we always had fun. These memories I will deeply cherish. Dave was a true champion, and will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace Dave, we will race on in your memory. Bernard & Nikki Nieberg, and the whole 07 Outlaw Thundercar Team. Melora - Jun 28, 2006 - 02:23 AM Post subject: Dave Lawrence My heartfelt condolences to the Lawrence family and their extended family, the BT Racing team and the extended Delaware Family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Speaking of difficult times, I want to say thank you to the Delaware speedway and all the people who helped pay tribute to Dave Lawrence on Friday night. It was hard for us fans, so I can only imagine how difficult it was for all of you and for all the drivers and pit crew especially those in the Street Stock division. Dave would have been very proud of all of you for carrying on. I met Dave a couple of times and as you have all said, he was always grinning and smiling from ear to ear. I've listened to stories from Matt and Darrell Lake of Dave's unending generosity and selflessness. As Paul said, Dave showed us that the race is not about staying low, turning left and counting laps. Its about so much more and Dave was a beautiful example of that. If we can take something positive from this terrible tragedy, perhaps its as Paul said " We need to reflect on Dave’s contributions and actions and hopefully make some adjustments in our own lives and actions to use whatever laps we have left to make the race better. " Dave, you beat us all to the finish line, you took that checker flag many many laps ahead of everyone else, you're grinning that grin and laughing your infectious laugh........til we all meet again in the next race. Sincerely, Melora Lake Aunt to Darrell Lake #77 and Matt Lake's sister. Guest - Jun 29, 2006 - 08:38 PM Post subject: TO HEATHER KRIS & JOE I'M VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS DAVE WAS ONE OF A KIND. I WILL MISS THE PHONE CALLS JURING THE WEEK WHEN WE WOULD CALL EACH OTHER CHEATERS AND LAUGH. WE HAD ALOT OF FUN IN THE YEARS WE MEET THERE WAS SOME GOOD ROAD TRIPS (ATLANTA, MIS, BRISTOL, SAUBLE, CAYUGA) AND THE WEEKENDS CAMPING AT DELAWARE PLUS THE DAYS WE WOULD JUST VISIT THE SHOP. IF IT WASN'T FOR DAVE AND THE BT CREW IT WOULD BEEN IMP[OSSIBLE TO WIN THE 2005 POINTS. DAVE & THE CREW WERE QUICK TO LEND A HAND WHEN WE HAD PROBLEMS. MANY PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THIS BUT ABOUT 1\2 WAY THROUGH THE 2005 SEASON I WAS GOING TO QUIT THE CAR WAS FOR SALE WE WERE OUT OF MONEY. THEN DAVE CALLED HE SAID I'LL MAKE YOU ADEAL I'LL BUY THE CAR NOW BUT YOU HAVE TO FINISH THE SEASON. WE MADE THE DEAL AND WENT ON TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER COMPEDITOR OR FRIEND THAN DAVE. I OWE THE CHAMPIONSHIP TO HIM. I WILL MISS YOU & ALL THE FUN WE HAD. DAN MONAGHAN #89 Guest - Jun 30, 2006 - 01:07 AM Post subject: Growing up around the the 1/2 mile banked oval of Delaware Speedway was where I first heard of Dave Lawrence. I remember him dominating week in and week out and never got the chance to meet him back then. it wasn't until back in 2004 when I was working for UPS that I finally got the chance to meet Dave in person. I remember doing the "Hamilton run" in the morning, and looking forward to Dave arriving for the morning entertainment. Dave had a way of making everybody laugh and feel at ease. he said what he thought but said it in a way that you couldn't get mad at, even if he was poking fun at you. At the time I owned a crappy old Nissan pickup truck that I was looking to sell. Dave took me under his wing and offered to put my truck on his front lawn to try and sell it there. Months went by and I keft UPS to pursue other opportunities and I lost touch with Dave until about 6 months later when he was delivering at my new place of work. First thing Dave said after shaking my hand hello, was " Oh, I sold that truck of yours....here's the money" Dave was the kind of guy that would do that. he would hold on to that money even if he knew that I may never come calling for it. he was a true gentlemen, a great father to his kids and a generally decent man. I'll miss seeing Dave around the track and will never forget my memories of him. Keep an eye out for us "Stretch" Memories of Dave Lawrence: PAGE 4 | BACK TO PAGE 2 |
