FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: Celebrating the Life of Mike Moore, NESBA Mid-Atlantic Director (1966 – 2011) It is November 6, 2011, a brightly sunlit Sunday morning in Millville, NJ at New Jersey Motorsports Park as Mike Moore, NESBA’s Mid Atlantic regional director, straps on his helmet and uncharacteristically taunts a few of his fellow control riders; “Are you ready to go play, or what?” On this fateful morning, those were unfortunately the last words uttered from Mike Moore as he set out onto the racetrack eager to play with his comrades. According to a corner worker on the scene, one of the few eyewitnesses to this dreadful event, Mike had apparently lost control of his motorcycle in the Thunderbolt chicane. Though he struggled to regain control of his motorcycle as he went off-track, he and the motorcycle impacted the armco-barrier beyond the corner exit. Mike was immediately airlifted to Mainland Hospital in Atlantic City, NJ where he was immediately placed on life support. For those of you that knew Mike, he was “all business” when it came to managing track events and safety was always in the forefront of his every thought and action. Regardless of his circumstances, Mike would address issues with unflinching precision and always remained the consummate professional. Whether Mike was riding his motorcycle for fun, doing a 40-mile sprint on his bicycle, or conditioning himself for a marathon, the man always had a plan. Bob Blandford, NESBA President comments, “Mike is a rare individual and so few times in life do we meet someone with such conviction and pride in all that they do.” Blandford also adds, “There are no words that I can think of that can express this loss and I can only pray that his wife and loved ones can find comfort in knowing what a truly remarkable man Mike was. All of us will miss him terribly.” Mike Moore was born February 16, 1966 in Pickens, SC. Chatting with Mike leaves little doubt to this man’s southern upbringing, both in his politeness and charm. His aspirations brought him to the Northeast where he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School and was later a Principal at The Vanguard Group, a financial services group based in Philadelphia. Mike gave nothing less than all of himself in all aspects of his life: work, play, and devotion to his wife. So few manage to achieve this in their lifetime. Mike is survived by his lovely wife of 19 years, Julie Koedam Moore. Next week would have marked their 19th wedding anniversary. Mike was not only an extraordinarily driven person, but was also an incredibly loving and devoted husband. To observe Mike and Julie, even from a distance, you can’t help but gaze in wonder upon this grand love affair. How validating and poetic that he donned his leathers with the letters MAMJAM (the initials of both he and his wife). Julie stated that Mike considered NESBA his second family and is moved by all of the prayers and outpour of support from this community. On this day, November 9, 2011, we are deeply saddened to state that Mike has passed on to a better place; a fight to the very end. While it’s hard to put the loss of life into some meaningful perspective, one can be only awestruck by the number of lives that Mike has touched, both on and off the track. Mike may be gone, but he will always live in our minds and hearts. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loves ones. Death is not an end, but a horizon to that we cannot know… Godspeed #353 Bob Blandford NESBA President www.nesba.com