I was recently reminded that this Sunday would have been David Poole’s 51^st birthday. His absence is still deeply felt by the entire NASCAR community.

It made me remember why I wanted to become a writer.

I’ve always loved to write.  All you need is some inspiration and a few carefully chosen words to weave a story that others will want to read. The possibilities are endless and you’re only limited by your own imagination.

I’ve spent hours searching for that one perfect word or phrase to describe a particular mood or emotion.  But when it all comes together, when you’ve finally gotten it right, the written word can be magical.

David Poole is a perfect example of someone who got it right.

Poole became the Charlotte Observer's NASCAR writer in 1997 and quickly became a fixture in the sport. In the beginning, he was not the most popular columnist but came to be one of the most respected.  Poole didn’t pull any punches but wrote what he believed regardless of the fallout. 

After reading one of his columns, you might yell in anger or shout in agreement.  David Poole had the uncanny ability to inspire passion in his readers. You might not agree with what he wrote but he always made you think and that was his gift.

For many NASCAR fans, Poole served as the historian of the sport. He was there to recount the highs and lows and often expressed what we couldn’t put into words.

When we lost Dale Earnhardt, Poole was there to remind us of the memories that helped ease the pain.

Earnhardt, said Poole,” was the greatest driver, at least of his generation, in a sport that will never be the same. He was its champion seven times and it’s most recognizable figure. He was a hero to millions. He was a star.”

“To his fans he was The Man in Black. He was "Earrrrnnn-harrrrdtttt!"

Poole was also there to share our pain and simply yet poignantly, say what we couldn’t.

“It's hard for us to say what we really feel. Words just don't seem adequate.”

“That's OK. Just like it has always been with Dale Earnhardt, what we're really feeling is right there in our eyes.”

“It's a tear.”

All my life I’ve always loved to write but sometimes words fail me.

It’s been less than a year since we lost Poole but the void he left can never be filled. Writers will come and go but Poole’s legacy is unique. He combined integrity, passion and a love for racing to give a voice to NASCAR fans.