Remembering Craig

[Rick Brown]

This thread is intended as a place to put your memories of Craig Angel. There have been some great stories told publically at the two memorial services and I heard many more just talking to people afterwards. I think it would be great to let more people hear (read) them. Please let everyone you know that knew Craig and may not read this forum about this so they can come here and add to it.

[Rick Brown]

To start, here is what Renee said at the August 23rd memorial:

"I first met Craig in May 1980 when we both worked at DataTape in Pasadena and from the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew I would marry him and spend the rest of my life with him and his then 13 year old son, Craiger. I can't say it was all bliss, but it was a challenge and I still felt that we were meant to be together.

In August 1984, Craig and I took a trip to San Francisco. We were having breadfast at the Cliff House and he turned to me and said "Let's take a ride, as I have sonething very heavy to talk to you about". Well, I figured this was it - because of the turmoil I encountered with his son, I felt he was taking me for a ride to tell me to pack my bags and go. He took me on a long ride up to the top of Mt. Tamalpais. I cried the entire time we were driving, as I was so sure this was it. When we reached the top, Craig got out and led me down a small path to the first overlook of the mountain. While I was capturing the fantastic view of San Francisco, I turned around and there was Craig on one knee, asking me to marry him. Who would have thought that this gruff man could present me with the most romantic proposal ever. He asked if I would marry him, one year to the day, at this very spot. I was overwhelmed and couldn't talk. Craig said "Well, do I get and answer?" My answer was "Yes, of course." and on August 24, 1985 Craig and I were married at that very spot.

In September 1980, Craig introduced me to his passion - racing, and within 2 months, I had participated in my first "slalom" at Long Beach Memorial Stadium; drove 14 hours to Eureka, California for a hill climb; and, got my Solo 1 license at Riverside Raceway. I was hooked and so began my journey into the racing world.

With Craig's support, I have succedded in many areas of the sport, such as becoming the first Solo person to serve on the Cal Club Board and spending two years as the Regional Executive; being able to say I was the last person to go upside down both at Riverside and Carlsbad and being the Solo 2 Chairman several times. Throughout this journey, I have met some exciting people and made many wonderful and lifelong friendships.

I have also been blessed with five wonderful step-children, who welcomed me into the family and have supported me through this most difficult time in my life.

Craig always put on this gruff attitude, but for those who really got to know him, he was a big pussycat. He always gave of himself and never expected anything for it. He was always there to lend a hand and sometimes took on more that he could handle, but that was Craig.

How many people can say that they married their best friend? I spent the last 28 years with a man whom I loved deeply and whom I looked forward to waking up to in the morning. I miss him terribly and always will. He was the love of my life, my rock and the person who make me who I am today. Thank you for all the great memories in my life.

Vaya Con Dios!

[Tom Tanquary]

Here's a video I did with the footage I had. It was shown at the memorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqkFcTj6Ys0

I'm having compression problems for some reason so I'll try to get a higher quality version up soon.

t

[John Coffey]

At my first ever NOTLD event back when it was held at the Sheriff's EVOC facility in Devore I placed second in ES driving an Infinity G20, about a tenth behind Don Green. After I got my time slip, as I was driving by the motorhome, Craig Angel shouted, "That was a helluva drive in mom's car!" That was the first (and the last) time anyone complemented me on my autocross driving.

[Rod Bean]

My name is Rod Bean and I’ve known Craig a long time. I was at Craig’s and Renee’s wedding reception and a great event it was. I think they were meant for each other.

But by that time, I had already known Craig for about 12 years. He had had a few lives before that point.

Craig was 78 years old when he left us.

Putting things into perspective, when we met, as members of Pacific Sports Car Club, he was 38. He liked guiding young civilian recruits in the right direction. I was a 26-year old kid who knew everything.

Craig quickly became several things to me all at once.

He was the tough Marine sergeant telling me what I was full of most of the time.

He was the Dutch uncle who tried to council me when I seemed lost.

He was a savior whenever, whether I realized it or not, I needed saving.

Best of all, he was fun to enjoy car stuff with, to talk with about any subject, to learn from. For instance, he knew a lot about military history and it was fascinating to discover perspectives I hadn’t heard before.

Neither of us slalomed when we met. Craig and Nancy were rallyists. Pacific Sports Car Club had a long racing history. Slaloming had become popular as a less expensive alternative to actual racing and PSCC had a very enthusiastic slalom team in addition to the still active race team.

PSCC’s race team had an annual just-for fun event for members and guests called the Desert Time Trials. Racers could kick back at the low-key, two-day event and slalomists could get a taste of high speed in a safe setting.

A three-mile road course was laid out on El Mirage Dry Lake with only the insides of the turns marked with pylons. Drivers had three timed runs each day and the course was reversed for the second day.

The Desert Time Trials were what brought me to PSCC. I had run the event in 1964 and when I got around to running it again in 1967, I met Craig and his orange ’65 Mustang. This event seemed to be made to order for Craig.

I really do think that this event was the most fun Craig ever had in a car. He was not often giddy about things but this was an exception. It was obvious that he was in seventh Heaven at this event. I felt the same way. It was perfect!

The problem was, it was an annual event. We had to wait a whole year for the next one.

At this time, there were no stock classes in slaloming. The fast cars in each class were race-prepared and used race tires. Neither Craig nor I were ready to make this kind of commitment with our street cars. But stock classes finally came and that made the decision easier.

I have saved all my results from racing and slaloming and the earliest slalom I have for Craig is a Clippinger Championship on August 16th, 1970 at LA County Fairgrounds. He drove my stock Lotus Elan in E-stock and finished 3rd. I was driving Dr. Fred’s prepared Elan in a different class. I had started slaloming a couple of years earlier and had been trying to convince Craig to start. He finally took the plunge.
The next year, Craig got into it more driving his Mustang once but driving Bob Stockman’s Datsun 2000 roadster several times. And the rest is history, as they say.

Because Craig was the sort of guy who made huge impressions wherever he went, and because I have so many absolutely wonderful memories of him, I have had a very hard time deciding what to talk about here. I’m sure that many of you have the same problem. I’ve finally settled on two significant memories because they just seem to fit Craig’s character so well.

Certain people have made a huge difference in my life by being my friend at just the moment when I needed one. These people have stepped up and done some unsolicited thing for me probably not realizing the full significance of their act. They’ve done it because that’s the kind of people they are.

Early in 1970 I needed a job. Craig hired me at Bell and Howell in a position for which I didn’t believe I was qualified. It was certainly well beyond anything I had done before. To my surprise though, it was a challenge I was able to meet. Looking back, it was thanks to Craig’s mentoring and support that I developed the knowledge, attitude and confidence to make this a water shed moment in my career which led to even better things down the road. So, one more time, “Thanks Craig.”

The other great memory happened in 1988 and I know Renee remembers this well.

Anyone who has ever driven at Riverside International Raceway (RIP) will understand the significance that track had for us.

Anyone who has ever raced will understand the large role that money plays.

In 1988 I had a race car but it had broken the year before at Palm Springs and I couldn’t afford to fix it.

The last race using Riverside’s normal configuration was to be a vintage event on July 16-17, 1988 but I had no car. However, the last Solo 1 to ever be held there was going to be a week earlier.

Craig had been calling people who hadn’t run Solo 1s in a long time to let them know that this would be the last time anyone would get to turn a competitive lap at the famed Raceway and they had better enter this event.

When he found out that I had nothing to drive, he offered his Datsun B210 IT car that already had 7 drivers scheduled! “It’s indestructible!”, he said. There wouldn’t be much practice time for each of us but at least we would get to taste the joy of Riverside one last time.

Here I’m going to quote from an article I wrote about this at the time:


“ Sunday and the moment of truth. Craig had put the killer tires on. My Saturday practice times had been a shade slower than Craig's He held the Solo I ITC lap record and I figured that I had a good chance of getting pretty close to it, if not actually breaking it.

I was the fourth driver in the sequence and all was going well. Craig didn't break his own lap record but got within a second of it. Renee won her class again. And now, it was my turn.

Craig had said this car was indestructible. It really was! When I pulled off the grid, the engine began running very roughly, all of a sudden. At first, I thought it was running out of gas after all the running time it had gotten but the gauge said it still had a little over a quarter of a tank. Then, I thought that the plugs were fouled, and that they would soon clear up. During the warm up lap, it did not clear up. It got worse. Not having driven a Solo I in a long time, I didn't realize that one was allowed to pull off for a mechanical malfunction and try again after it was fixed. I figured: "This is your last opportunity to ever drive on this race track again - RIGHT NOW. It may clear up but, if it doesn't, it doesn't". It didn't. In fact, during any cornering, the engine would stop completely, to resume gradually, at about 3/4 power, when the road got straight again. It was the only time I can remember when I have driven complete laps with my right foot almost never coming off the floor.

When I returned to the pits, after this stirring display of mediocrity, Craig began the investigation, working the throttle from inside the car with the engine off while leaning out the door to view the visibly healthy engine, Craig's attention was suddenly fixed on something. "Oh, oh!. Oh, oh!"

Leaping out of the car, he gently touched the carburetor.......which promptly fell into the engine bay somewhere. Oh well.”


There is so much more to say, so many wonderful memories I will carry with me always.

After the demise of the Desert Time Trials, Craig's adventurous nature carried him and his Mustang to a perilous, high speed, open road night rally in the Baja California mountains which he ran every year, to the Lord Ellis Hillclimb and of course, to the Lone Pine Time Trials, which he, and a few of his friends, saved from extinction. Also to the Braille Rally where the navigators are blind kids from the Braille Institute Youth Center.

These were off-the-wall, odd events known only to a relative few but I think they really defined Craig's idea of Heaven.

That wasn't all. Craig drove his Datsun B210 all over Mexico all by himself, just touring around amongst small villages and deserted roads like some kind of gringo vagabond. He somehow avoided the notorious banditos.

He did the same thing in Alaska and brought back wolf-husky puppies as souvenirs.

This was not when he was young. This was all post-retirement. How can a guy like that but live forever?

There was just no one like Craig Angel. For over 40 years, I was very lucky to have been able to have him as a friend. I will miss him greatly.

Rod Bean

[Renee Angel]

Could everyone add something to this message. I'd really like to save it as a fond memory. Even if it's just "I'll miss him", I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks
Renee

[Bob Beamesderfer]

Two quick things.

One Sunday while waiting at the line, the hydraulic lifters on my first Miata were ticking loudly. Craig was working starter, and said he thought it could be a upper rod bearing. I scoffed and said it was just the lifters. He was doubtful, waved the green flag and I rev'd it up to about 5k rpm and launched. Next time through, I said, "See, just the lifters." He replied, "Well, that's good," and the green flag waved again.

Saturday morning on the first championship weekend for which I was event chief. Eric Clements and I had already roughed out the course on Friday afternoon, but come Saturday morning Craig showed up with his pickup filled with 12-inch cones. "Here are the cones you gotta use," he said. "What do you mean? Course is set," I replied. "We're going to these. People were complaining about breaking their cars," he said. "I hate these little cones. They use them in San Diego and they're hard to see," I replied. "Besides, how many cars are getting damaged?" Craig shrugged his shoulders and said that the fix for those breaking their cars was, "Don't hit cones."

Don't hit cones. That's Craig. Straightforward, no frills, simple solution.

[George Schilling]

Up until the time I became the CASOC club rep, I really didn't know Craig that well.......his participation had tapered off.........I only saw him occasionally..........I remember thinking he was a grumpy old fart. My perspective sure changed when I started attending committee meetings, I began to see Craig in an entirely different light. He always sat in the same place, at the end of the head table. He like to sit with his legs crossed. He was a man of few words, but I appreciated everything he said. I don't know what it was, but when he spoke, he commanded the room in a quirky kind of way. And you never knew what he might say.

I never realized how much he did for the our club. Getting chalk, getting cones, scheduling California Speedway, taking care of the motor home........he seemed to do it all at Renee's command..........bitching about it, but still complying. I remember his course design procedure. While some agonize for weeks about course design, Craig came with the design in his head, I think. Craig would just drive around the lot, it seemed very random, barking out orders when to throw out cones. I don't think I've ever seen a course go up faster.

I just watch the video Tom made of Craig. Sure brought back fond memories of him. I had hoped to see myself with Craig in the video, but it was not to be. But I did have the privilege of being the announcer at the end of the video announcing Craig's time and that he had just taken the lead in class. I miss him.

[KJ Christopher]

I rarely interacted with Craig and didn't know much about him - just the stories that circle around. At the last Lone Pine event I spent a few hours in the RV with him, just chatting. I was a typical conversation, just topical stuff and old people stuff. It did involve a lot of bitching about the guy taking down the time manually on the cards. We talked about my grandfather who passed away over 10 years ago and my grandmother, who I later found out passed away while we were talking. He was such a down to earth and straight forward guy, and I felt like we connected. One of my favorite things is learning about history from the people who were actually there. I used to listen to my grandfather talk about depression era living in Arkansas for hours. All the little details are so interesting to me. I had hopes of spending more time with Craig, soaking up as much as possible on the Cal Club history and socal car racing in general. That was a missed opportunity on my part. But I will always remember his dedication and love for the sport and our chat at Lone Pine.

[Michael Wolf]

I only found out moments ago that Craig passed in August.


My life has been in utter turmoil of late, and I haven't even had the chance to deal with this. As some of you may know, Craig was more than a friend to me, he was the father I never had.

Please give me some time to deal with this, as I was on the phone trying to call Craig ten minutes ago, and found out when I was trying to find out from this board what was going on.

If anyone wishes, please feel free to call me (weekend or after 9pm weekdays only unti Oct. 24th - as I'm out of cell phone minutes.) I don't have any idea what happened, when, how Renee is doing, etc.

Pardon my damaged brain, my cell phone number (my only phone) is (208) 596-8401.


I'm going to go have a good, long cry - then sit down and write my thoughts about Craig to share.

[Michael Wolf]

Craig holds a special place in my heart, my mind, my past. He is among a very short list of people I admire, and is one of only two or three on that list that I have ever met.

Craig was a special breed of person. In my life, I have met few with the qualities he had, few who deserved as much recognition for who he was, and what he accomplished.

To me, as with many others, Craig Angel was autocrossing, and autocrossing was Craig Angel. But my experiences with Craig went far, far beyond a hobby I got into after calling that phone number in Ontario 17 years ago. And as my experiences exceeded autocrossing, so does my admiration for the memory of him.

Profound.

That's the best word I can think of to describe his influence in my life.

Craig was the father I never had. He took me under his wing in autocross. I feel he sensed something in me that was good, something few other people in my life have sensed. And I believe what he sensed was my potential, my honesty, my integrity - qualities which Craig embodied. Craig was one of few people who believed in and practiced the philosphy of altruism, the belief that the best way we can live, is by giving of ourselves - a philosphy I embrace, largely because of Craig's influence, his guiding my youthful fervor, primarily by his own example.

And thus why Craig was autocrossing and autocrossing was Craig. Because he gave of himself more than anyone else I knew. I like to believe that besides my poor social skills, that my enthusiasm for helping in my clumsy, sometimes overbearing manner, was why many people looked down on me in the autocrossing circle when I was involved back in SoCal. I tried, as best as I could, to emulate Craig, so that I could give of myself, and earn the respect he had. Okay, so I didn't quite have all the right skills - but he taught me to put my heart in the right place, and I tried.

It is no small coincidence that I consider Craig like a father to me. In July 1994, after hearing his stories of getting Shooshoo from Alaska, Craig allowed me to go with him to Alaska once more. Well, okay, so I financed the trip, but still - the then 65 year old retired drill sargeant (I shall always remember him as a retired marine drill sargeant) put me in the passenger seat of one 1978ish Datsun B210, and we drove 8000 miles to get a dog. And after only 3000 miles, he handed me the wheel, and said "drive." Yes, Craig let me drive. I was honered, and more nervous than I had ever been in my entire life. He guided me over frost heaves (sure, they had to first come when I took over, dammit). And he was patient with me, though never did trust me to drive anywhere near as fast as he did. But, he trusted me.

And on the way back, I finally came up with a name for the cute fuzzball of a dog I got on that trip. Craig certainly did not approve, for I named my dog after him: "Angel". Angel is still alive, though I fear she won't last much longer.

Not long after, I came to live with Craig and Renee. I love Renee to death, but she probably still hates me, and aside from my personality quirks, I know the root cause. Renee was jealous of the time I spent with Craig. And looking back, I can't say I blame her. Craig was ever-patient with the situation with Renee and I. I hope she can one day forgive me, and come to understand I never had any negative intentions towards her. But I certainly do understand her underlying reasons. Craig was a great person, and I sure as hell wouldn't have wanted to share him with some punk kid either. Anyway Renee, please don't hate me. Can you really blame me for wanting to be close to Craig? He was a wonderful guy, and more of a father than I ever had.

Anyway, I lived with Craig and Renee for a year. I had what was until a few years ago, the most difficult time of my life. My career and business were ruined, and I was driven into poverty. Craig was supportive enough, and never financially. I left Ontario on July 1995 and moved to my aunt's farm in Arkansas, spending the next 5 years recuperating, and reestablishing my life, coming into success finally. Craig helped me out here and there, even driving to Arkansas to help me with vehicle issues and to alleviate my debt to him, see, that's where the truck came from - that big old mean-ass truck Craig drove used to be mine, and in consideration of my debt to him, he traded one of his B210s for it.

And in Spring of 2000, my successes led me to fulfill a dream that started on the way to pick up trophies for an event some 7 or 8 years prior - when I decided I wanted a car like Craigs. And all doubt I had about how Craig saw me was lifted when he sold me the Tiger; something I am well aware was not appreciated by a number of people, including Renee.

See, that day, two life-long dreams were fulfilled: having a damn fine car, and having the approval of a father-figure. To me, being offered the privilege of buying the Tiger was the culmination of years of effort seeking Craig's approval.


Craig was unlike anyone else I knew. He took me under my wing in autocrossing, and even when I tried my hand at Solo I. No, he wasn't the most gracious person when this punk kid beat him at it; but a lesser person wouldn't have even gone that far.

Craig had qualities I rarely see in others. His altruism was almost unique in my experiences in autocrossing. And no offense to anyone, but his hard work and all he gave to the autocrossing scene in Southern California was really taken for granted. And maybe a lot of the issues I had with others stemmed from this observation on my part.


Craig and I only ever had one disagreement. It was a fundamental disagreement that occurred at a time in my life when I had to shut out any and all sources of stress. And as all of you should know, having a disagreement with Craig is stressful. A couple years later, Craig and I resolved the difference of opinion - Craig actually recognized his error in thinking and gave me the closest thing one could ever expect from Craig resembling an apology (he also gave me the closest thing anyone could ever expect from him in the form of praise when I tied his time in the B210 at Solo I!)


I last spoke to Craig just this past summer, though I do not remember exactly when. Craig was his usual supportive, logical, caring self. We spoke about his new puppies, about all of the dogs he had lost - all relatives of the dogs I have. Hearing him speak that last time, I took for granted his mortality. 'He'll be around till at least 85, maybe even past 100 if I know him.'



But such was not to be.


The last time I saw my own father was in 1994, actually while I was living with Craig. My father holds no place in my life - I haven't seen him since then, haven't spoken to him since he tried to contact me 5 years ago. At our last meeting, my father admitted molesting my sister from age 3 to 13, so you can imagine I have good reason for not speaking to him, even though he is at this stage dying of cancer. But I shall miss Craig as I would a father; for after that last time I saw my father, Craig really became mine, in many ways.

Finding out he passed has been extremely difficult for me. But not having him around to call when I need a sane father figure to speak to will be far more difficult.

And since I realize that a lot of people down there still hold ill or otherwise non-positive feelings towards me, I can say this: I sincerely hope that the memory of Craig's life touches each and every one of you, that his memory can drive you to be your best, as his life, his teachings, and his ways did with me. Craig felt I was a decent person, worthy of taking possession of the Tiger. Perhaps Craig would want me to pass the Tiger along in a similar fashion. I guess I can only hope that Craig can inspire each of you to try to live your life altruistically as Craig did.



I miss you Craig, and I shall never forget the important things you taught me, the important lessons I learned from you.



I shall post, separately, a few anecdotes about Craig.

[Michael Wolf]

When Craig Scared the Sh*t Out of Me - #1

July 1994. After heading out in an old POS Datsun B210 from Ontario, California; having driven 4 and a half days up to Alaska, picked up some dogs (oops, wasn't supposed to be but one), and gone a couple thousand miles back; we got that B210 onto the Cassiar Highway, then (is it still?) a topographically correct gravel (read: mud, when wet) road of some infamy. We had been driving since what, the previous morning, so I'd say close to 30 hours, non-stop. It was mid-day, and I wanted to document this highway, so I tucked myself into the seat as we started off from turning right off the famous Alaska Highway onto this stretch of gravel laid between trees, and turned on my video camera. It was very quickly I realized video wasn't going to happen. I still have the tape, but remember seeing more floorboard than road.

Craig was still gathering up speed when I abandoned the video camera idea (in an autocross, you only have to worry about lateral plane forces, on the Cassiar, its all three dimensions). And boy was Craig ever gaining speed. Craig, I think, liked to show off his driving skill...maybe, or maybe he was like me (or I like him?) and just drove as fast as possible because...and who needs any other reason than that. So, 25mph past my safe limit of sanity and bladder control, I'm getting ready to die. We were on a slick, muddy road in the middle of absolutely nowhere, an area still known as a true "frontier." It was raining. It was getting dark. We were going from shoulder to shoulder on this road from hell. Parts were falling off the car. And yes, I was scared. Big time. So, I put 70lb Shooshoo off of my lap and onto the floor. I made sure Yukon and Angel were tucked safely in the back. And braced myself for impact, hoping we slowed down enough, or didn't hit a tree when we did go off the road. I didn't want to say anything - Craig hadn't slept in 20 or so hours. He had already yelled at me for going too fast not 800 miles before. Suggesting Craig that I was afraid he was going to kill me did not seem prudent at the time; for I feared he might do it just to spite me.

And at that moment, when I was sure I was going to die anyway...


...A logging truck went roaring past us.




I trusted Craig without fail ever since then.


And you know, if I didn't know better, I think Craig looked over me and wondered if I was happy...because I think he had been taking it easy because he saw how uncomfortable I was. Not long after that, I fell asleep.

[Michael Wolf]

I was sitting here at my computer, reading the news, when I was reminded of a post I've been wanting to make - to encourage people to list the things Craig taught them either directly, or through example.

And dammit, the man taught me, through example, that reading the news is a good thing to do. And while I had realized the important reason why the news should be read rather than heard a few weeks ago, it was only just now that I realized it was Craig who taught me to read the news. I just never realized that reading the news was important because otherwise, we weren't able to think critically about the information we receive via news. And without critical thinking, we are merely puppets, devoid of individuality, and unable to make informed decisions. Broadcast news removes a great deal of our ability to think critically about news.

Craig taught me a great deal about critical thinking. I owe a great deal of my ability to get through tough times and solving problems that require critical thinking to Craig.

And I wonder, what did Craig teach others?

Were the lessons I learned because I was around Craig so much? Or, as I hope, did he just set a damn fine example of how to be to others as well?


To me, what a person teaches us are the most important things to remember about that person. And in this day and age, we have the ability to not only provide a living, interactive memorial for someone who touches us; but to keep that person alive in a way, by allowing others to view these things we remember, these lessons we were taught so that they might learn them too.

This is the best thing I know to do to honor the memory of Craig. I hope some of you will agree, and that you will join me.

So, here are some more things that Craig taught me: (I will add to this list as my screwed up memory allows me to articulate and recall)


~The honor isn't in winning a trophy, having the top time of the day, or having the best story to tell; it is in humbly providing the best experience for everyone.

~Pizza and beer are much better enjoyed in the company of people who helped clean up after an event, than with your club, your friends, or fellow winners - or, tire dust is much better washed down when your hands are covered in cone juice.

~Altruism is the way to go and to hell with egotism.

~Autocrossing is for everyone, and even bad drivers like me, with their heads up their butts and far, far too conceited about their own abilities can still have fun getting the doors blown off by some jerk in a nicer car (I can't say crappier car, 'cause its hard to get crappier than a Fiat), even if the guy is 60 years older than you.

~Corvettes aren't 'the sh*t' - Sorry GRA guys (and mom now, she's marrying a Corvette driver *hangs head in shame*) Seriously though, Craig taught me its not at all about the car, its the driver. And that just as much fun can be had in a Datsun B210, or a Fiat X1/9, or a ratty old 240z automatic as in a blazing fast Corvette, or even the real deal, a Sunbeam Tiger (and for the record, I don't have as much fun in the Tiger as I ever thought I would.)

~Telling the truth, no matter how much it hurts, is always better than making up some lame lie. It's also easier.

~Late apex. No, really - LATE APEX!

~Designing courses is the best way to get back at everyone for not helping setup and tear down. This lesson came after I stopped autocrossing unfortunately. I thought designing courses was about making it fun for everyone. Of course, Craig's courses WERE fun for everyone - they just had a few little "kinks" in them to mess with drivers who were usually too stuck up to help clean up. He did that so he could say, as I'm sure many of you got told: "hey, you don't like it, get YOUR a** up at 4am and get out here and setup the course then."

~The most important lesson Craig taught me, was to be truly independent. Our friendship waned in the past few years after I moved up here. I still called Craig when I needed fatherly advice, or wanted to talk about issues that no one else I knew was intelligent or well-versed in enough to talk about, or when I just needed someone to reassure me that I wasn't always right. And now that he's gone, I am truly, utterly on my own - independent. And at the ripe relatively old age of 40, I guess that makes ME the old fart.

I miss you Craig.


I will always remember what you taught me, and try to be as good a person, and as good a teacher as you were.

[Mike Simanyi]

Michael, I don't think I've ever met you.

But damn, you nailed The Essential Craig. Nicely done sir!

Mike

[Tom Berry]

Mr Prez
You might not know him as Michael Wood.

[Renee Angel]

Mr. Simanyi:

Michael Wolf has changed his name. If you want to know more about him - just ask me, I'll be more than happy to tell you.

Mike did share quite a bit of time with Craig; however, his comments & remembrances are very one sided. I know he will miss Craig terribly, as we all will, but to say I was jealous of his relationship with Craig is an abomination.

I spoke with Mike at great length about the comment he put out on the message board. I feel sorry for Mike, as Craig was a father figure to him and probably, his only friend.

Renee

[Earl Merz]

This picture was taken Sunday afternoon at this years at Lone Pine. Renee had wore out a tire on the Sentra on Saturday, so on Sunday Craig, Renee, Pat, and I all drove my beater of a Honda. The smile on Craig's face as he got out of the honda at the end of his runs is something I will never forget. Craig will be missed.

[Sebastian Rios]

How do I get a Craig Angel memorial sticker for my car?

[Rick Brown]

How do I get a Craig Angel memorial sticker for my car?

There's two versions. Jayson did one with a 7 with wings. I've done some with a 7 and Craig Angel - Semper Fi wrapped around it. Can't speak for Jayson, but I'll make some more and bring them to the next event. If I get a chance I'll make some for the board meeting.

[Sebastian Rios]

Just a friendly reminder about stickers...Thanks in advance.

[Renee Angel]

Jayson & Rick:

Please print as many Craig Angel Memorial stickers as you can for this upcoming event. Whatever the cost is please let me know.

There are a number of people who would like to have them on their car.

Thanks
Renee

[John Coffey]

There are a number of people who would like to have them on their car.

Me! Although I can't make the event, hand an extra one to Toby. He wanders by my shop once in a while. Thanks.

[Tom Zevin]

To all and especially Craig's family and friends,

My sincerest condolences about Craig,

I worked with him and he was my Manager at Datatape in Pasadena. One of the best people I ever knew and worked with.

I also have a deep passion for racing and talked with him about his exploits many times.

One particular thing I will never forget. A colleage of mine got promoted and they were going to have a celebration lunch, outside of work for her that day.

She was promoted from equal position and experience to mine at that time to a higher position.

Craig was so concerned that I would feel bad that he drove me from work to lunch and back in an incredible car of his, a Sunbeam Tiger just like Maxwell Smart used to drive but Craigs had a really mega-powered V8 in it. I don't know what speed we set down the little side street we started off on but I think the FAA probably sent out scout planes to see if that missle was going to take off........I'll never forget that rush.

Years after I left that company, I saw him, I believe dressed in a Matador's costume, at Speedzone in Pomona when I just happened to go there to race the karts. He was doing perhaps an SCCA banquet or something and we talked about old times and racing once again.

Craig always gave great mentoring, advice and conversation but just genuine warmth and compassion for his fellow human being no matter what was happening with him, them or where he was.

I will always miss him and the comments here in this thread reflect that superb immortal wonderful character throughout.

Thank You, Craig!

--TZ

[Tomi Lin]

I met Craig when I joined SCCA in 1989. My first Solo II experience was driving my Mustang in F Stock class. I was really green and didn't know what I was doing. At this time the Solo II events were held at Irvine Meadows. or Lion Country Safari. He was competing in the same class and always placed in the top of the time sheet while I always came in last
I always get very excited about autocross weekends.
One sunday morning as I was on my way to the event on the 133 fwy, I saw on my rearview mirror this red Camaro IROC approaching fast. There was this onramp that connects the 133 to the 5 fwy. which was a 360 degree downhill turn. Well, the red Camaro zoomed passed me at a high rate of speed and I saw Craig at the wheel with this little boy sitting on the passenger side smiling! He then took the onramp turn and was gone! Off to the autocross!!!

I will always remember that of Craig.

[Johnny Ellison]

I am the little Ellison brother, I remember Craig and Renee from lone pine back in the early 80s this was a very strange race for me but I have been comming out every since. It has become a sort of family reuion for us, and the oldest brother is now spread out over the course. We miss him and we miss Craig In the early days Craig and Rene used to scare me, but then I became amused and I am sure they could not relate to me either, especially when I started bringing out the oil burner. I bonded with Craig at that point because he was the only person that seemed to know, making comment about burning oil. Actualy I use WD40 as a fuel inhancement for race day.
I can speak for our whole family, we all thank Rene for continuing the Lone Pine event ( and everyone that helps) and we will miss Craig
Johnny & Sharon Jerry & Rene Pat & Bill Crista & Brandon Ujena - The Ellisons