2007 WAS a great year for Jimmie Johnson, Tony Pedregon and Carl Edwards to name a few. But if you ask me, 2007 can’t be done fast enough.

Don’t get me wrong. I still LOVE waking up every morning, I love everything ABOUT my life. But 2007 wasn’t as kind to some friends and loved ones.

We started the year losing friend and driver Eric Medlen to a freak, tragic accident. But as John Force so eloquently pointed out today at his Annual Holiday Car Show, the research data that was gathered SINCE Eric’s sad death definitely SAVED John’s life. Classic John Force positive energy… finding that silver lining in a terrible tragedy.

I’m still trying to find that positive after-affect in the loss of MY good friend and racer turned crew chief Del Dalrymple. No Del wasn’t mentioned in the same breath as Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon or any OTHER famous Motorsports guy. But to Southern California friends, he was every bit the GIANT of a friend. Del passed away almost quietly Thanksgiving Day at the age of 47. Way too soon. But if Del were here today, he’d smile and say, ”Son, it’s not up to us… it’s up to God… and I’m OK with that."

So I guess… allright I KNOW that I have to be ok with it too. But even though Del wasn’t a household name or a famous Rock Star Cup driver, I guess I feel WORSE for the people that NEVER knew him. I’m a beter person for that experience.

Del Dalrymple. Gone from here, but ALWAYS loved, and NEVER forgotten.

God Speed my friend…

This is Nuttz on NASCAR