FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Greetings: My name is Kevin Oliver, and I would like to comment on the article regarding the recent crash at Barber Motorsports Park involving Shelley Scott Gruber. Shelley was my best friend of 26 years Starting in 9th grade, we grew up living next door to and going to school with each other. I remember when he got his first car (a raggedy but fast-as-hell Chevy Camaro). I also remember when when he got his first bike (a Suzuki Katana). While Shelley loved dearly the sport that ultimately ended his life, he knew the risks. That’s why he was always an educated and responsible rider, who took great care to make sure his machine was in tip-top condition and suitable for safe riding. There is some considerable misinformation about how and why Shelley died. But his wife and family, and others who cared about him are convinced that it was just his time. I am quite sure that Shelley would not care for too much haranguing over his death. Rather, he would want the integrity of the sport to be upheld. Shelley’s wife Kim, and his children Shelley, Jr. and Jordyn are in need of and greatly appreciate your prayers and support. Thanks to you all on their behalf. Regards, Kevin M. Oliver Lithonia, Georgia Editor’s note: In a follow-up phone interview, Oliver said that Shelley Gruber was 39 years old, and that his son Shelley Jr. is 7 and his daughter Jordyn is 5. Oliver said that Gruber died following surgery to repair a torn aorta, when surgeons were unable to restart his heart. Oliver also said, “I wanted people to know that he loved the sport, and that his wife and children are being very well cared for.” FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I just wanted to let you know that I was offended by Karen Lehane’s article (on nbc13.com) regarding the tragic fatality of Shelly Gruber at Barber Motorsports Park. The most offensive part of her article was the insinuation that the fault lies on the company hosting the track day, specifically the statement: “The company bills itself as providing the thrill of riding on a racetrack: no cars, signals, driveways, cops, gravel, double yellow lines or other distractions. It states it provides the pure joy of riding in a safe and controlled environment.” I worked in road racing for seven years with my last job as Media Manager for the AMA Superbike series in 2002. It is always a very tragic event and time when a rider loses their life while participating in a race or track day and no one takes it lightly. However, the focus our media puts on the event is to support the family who lost their loved one, not to place blame. I’m sorry that Sportbike Tracktime was portrayed so poorly by Karen Lehane in this article as it is clear it was written by someone who has no idea about the sport of motorcycle racing. Ms. Lehane chose to portray motorcycle riding/racing as a “death sport” without including the facts involved and that riders know the risk that involved, as do all of their family and friends. Further, had Ms. Lehane done more fact checking, she would have been able to include in her article that more people die in motor vehicle crashes every year than on motorcycles. I would venture to also say that most motorcycle riders, racers and/or enthusiasts would agree that it is much safer to ride at a track in a controlled environment vs. on the street amongst cars and drivers not paying attention to and for motorcyclists. Reporters like Karen just piss me off as they clearly are people that write the articles with a predetermined personal opinion of motorcyles. My deepest condolences go out to Mr. Gruber’s family and friends during this time of loss. Sincerely, Dorina Groves Phoenix, Arizona