NASCAR is in mourning today,
following the sudden and unexpected passing of veteran public relations
representative Denny Darnell near his home in Tennessee Saturday.
A graduate of East Tennessee
State University, Darnell began his career as a sportswriter at the Kingsport
(Tenn.) Times-News. At various points, he served as general manager at
Bristol Motor Speedway, director of communications for the National Hot Rod
Association, head of motorsports public relations for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco
Company during Winston’s long run as entitlement sponsor of NASCAR’s premier
stock car racing series and PR spokesman for Dodge.
Dozens of rookie PR reps -- and
more than a few greenhorn reporters -- learned the business of motorsports from
Denny. His easygoing, southern charm combined with fierce attention to detail
and an encyclopedic knowledge of the sport to make him the go-to guy in the
NASCAR garage. He had an uncanny knack for keeping his head when all around him
were losing theirs, and in an era when PR types often gauge their effectiveness
by counting how many times they say “no” in a 24-hour period, Darnell was truly
a breed apart.
“I not sure if I can make that
happen or not,” said Darnell on literally thousands of occasions. “Let me see
what I can do.”
As word of his passing spread Saturday,
Darnell was universally recalled as the best in the business at what he did, and
one of the most respected individuals in the sport.
David Grace Photo |
"Shocked to hear about Denny Darnell,” Tweeted NASCAR Hall of Famer
Darrell Waltrip. “One of the nicest guys that's ever been in racing, he'll be
missed. Go rest high on that mountain, Denny,"
"Denny Darnell was an incredibly nice man,” echoed former driver Jeff
Burton. “Always enjoyed talking to him. He called me Champ, even though I never
won one.”
When Denny made his retirement plans known near the end of the 2013 season,
many of us had mixed emotions. We were pleased that he was finally easing out
of NASCAR’s fast lane, spending less time in airports and more time with his
wife Jean, son Trey and baby granddaughter Harper. At the same time, however,
we struggled to imagine how the Media Center could possibly operate without
him, or how we would make it through Speedweeks at Daytona International
Speedway without his ear-to-ear smile, slap on the back and ever-present, “How
you doin’, buddy?”
Like any professional sport, NASCAR
has its share of egotists, self-promoters, backbiters and con artists. Through
it all, though, I cannot recall anyone – not a single, solitary soul -- who
didn’t love Denny Darnell.
He was a great PR man. Better still, he was a great man.
Farewell, old
friend, until we meet again.
Dave:
ReplyDeleteVery eloquently stated.......Denny to me was always about how can I help and always did it with a smile.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him at NHRA, Winston and our final and most special moment when Ryan Newman won the 2008 Daytona 500 in a Dodge when I worked for Penske Racing along side Tom Roberts.
As you said, everyone loved Denny, a great PR man but more importantly a great husband, father and friend.
I can hear the call now at the Pearly Gate..."Jeff Byrd, Raymond Beadle and Paul Candies you have a visitor"
All the best,
Wally McCarty
."Jeff Byrd, Raymond Beadle and Paul Candies you have a visitor"
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more.
Once in a lifetime a man become the best. And before we know it, he's gone to the next venue.
Rest in peace Mr. Darnel your work is done.