KROSNOFF'S LOVE FOR LIFE RECALLED BY RACE FRIENDS.Byline: Rochelle Kaplan Daily News Staff Writer Jeff Krosnoff Jeffrey John Krosnoff (September 24, 1964 - July 14, 1996) was an American race car driver. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in La Cañada, California. Krosnoff competed in Japan in Formula 3000, where he was active from 1989 to 1995. , the rookie Indy-car driver from La Canada Flintridge who was killed in a crash July 14 at the Toronto Molson-Indy, was remembered Monday by longtime friend and fellow driver Tommy Kendall Tommy Kendall (born October 17 1966 in Santa Monica, California) is an American race car driver and television broadcaster. He is best known for his SCCA Trans-Am Series career. at a memorial service in his hometown. ``If anyone ever met Jeff for two minutes, they'd know he loved life,'' Kendall told an estimated crowd of 1,100 gathered at Descanso Gardens Descanso Gardens is a 160-acre botanical garden and historical site located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, California, USA. Situated in a natural “bowl” in the San Rafael Hills, this calming, urban retreat is just 14 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. . ``God took Jeff completely, because if He'd left Jeff just a crack, he'd have crawled back through it,'' said Kendall, recounting his friend's ``irrepressible spirit'' and ``indomitable in·dom·i·ta·ble adj. Incapable of being overcome, subdued, or vanquished; unconquerable. [Late Latin indomit will.'' Family members, friends and colleagues - including drivers Jimmy Vasser Jimmy Vasser (born November 20 1965 in Canoga Park, California ) is an American racing driver. Vasser was the 1996 Champ Car champion, driving for Chip Ganassi, and has scored ten victories in the category. , Richie Hearn Richie Hearn is an American auto racing driver born January 4, 1971 in Glendale, California. He ran in the Toyota Atlantic championship for two seasons, winning the title in 1995. In 1996, he began driving for John Della Penna in both the IRL and Champ Car ranks. , Danny Sullivan For the search engine expert, see . Daniel John (Danny) Sullivan III (Born March 9, 1950 in Louisville, Kentucky) is a former racing driver from the United States. He is best known for winning the 1985 Indianapolis 500. and Johnny Unser, team owner Roger Penske and ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. motor-sports host Paul Page - were among those who paid tribute to the 31-year-old driver. ``When I think of Jeff, I think of a man who gave me a lifetime of friendship in six months,'' Page said. ``To say he was special would be a gross understatement. Jeff Krosnoff was unique.'' A man of many interests, Krosnoff also played drums in a band called Mach V, which included Kendall and childhood friend and driver David Kudrave. ``The truly great champions follow a variety of loves,'' Page said. ``It was so with Jeff.'' Krosnoff, who will be cremated and his ashes interred at Descanso Gardens, was killed when his car shattered after making wheel-to-wheel contact with another car. With only three laps remaining in the race, Krosnoff's car went airborne, killing course worker Gary Avrin of Calgary, Alberta, then crashed into the catch-fencing above the concrete wall and spun, scattering parts and pieces across the course. All speakers fought back tears as well as cracked smiles while recounting personal memories of their friend. ``That I truly believe Jeff was the very best racing driver I have ever known is of less consequence now,'' said Racer Magazine publisher and longtime friend Paul Pfanner. ``What matters more today is that I truly believe he lives on in my heart, and hopefully yours.'' Krosnoff is survived by his wife of four years, Tracy, parents Jack and Jeanne, and sisters Karen and Tanya. A memorial fund in his memory has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. The fund will be donated to a charity of the family's choice to be decided at a later date. Donations should be sent to: The Jeff Krosnoff Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 2030 Main St., Suite 900, Irvine, Calif., 92614, attention Elliot Ichinose, account number 6643-291-644. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: KROSNOFF |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion