FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: It is with great regret that I have to inform you of the passing of a key member of the Daytona Safety Crew. Donna Lowrance, simply “Donna” to all of our crew has been a keystone in our meal team. Along with Rick, Donna came in hours ahead of her normal work schedule to prepare breakfast for the crew. She found it easy to serve each and every individual a breakfast made to order. She would take the time and have the energy to make even the newest recruit feel welcome and special. After we would leave at 0700 Rick and Donna set the 4th Turn Grill up and open for the regular business day, then find time to prepare our lunches, stock us up with ice, beverages, and coffee. Donna wouldn’t stop until she was sure all of our needs were met. Donna’s performance and attitude were especially awe inspiring in March because she had spent weeks serving the huge crowds of the NASCAR events during Speedweeks. I have been there to see how much work was required of Donna and Rick during those events, and I am thankful they have anything left by the time we pass through their doors. It is truly impossible to describe in a few lines here just how much I appreciated all that Donna did for us and for me, or just how much I admired her personally, and how honored I was to have known her. I remain stunned and saddened by her passing. Egor Emery Eustis, Florida Here is the notice I received from Daytona International Speedway: As many of you may know by now, Donna Lowrance, a long time Americrown and Speedway employee passed away this week from medical complications. She will be missed by her speedway family. A memorial gathering is planned for this coming week, Monday 12/17 at 5:30PM in the Speedway’s Victory Lane. Please join Donna’s family and her many friends as they come together and remember her. There are many fond memories to reflect on individually and maybe even some you may care to share with others at this celebration of her life and friendship to us all. Please enter the infield via the Turn 4 Tunnel and follow the signs to parking available in the Blue (Busch) garage, behind the Daytona 500 Club. After parking, please use the garage to racetrack roadway on the West side of the 500 club to access Victory Lane. Patrice Ramirez Executive Assistant to the President Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, Florida