A Very Sad Day For NHRA

Losing Mark Lyle is a huge loss to the entire sport. Mark was one of the best people that I ever had the honor of meeting at the track. He was always fair in his rulings and I believe that he tried to look at things from a racer's prospective instead of just being a company guy. For the racers on the west coast we really got to know Mark as the Division 6 Starter. This is still unbelievable. I can still see his smile through his rubber covered face. It appears that he passed being a hero which is very appropriate. Mark will be sorely missed by many. Godspeed my friend.

 

Very sad news, I recall e1 at Mission on hold parked in the lane next to Phil Cocuzza waiting for the showers to stop and cleanup for an hour and saying to Mark your not going to send me down this track and he replied Terry until I'm 100% satisfied I won't risk your safety. RIP Mark

 

I had two experiences with him on the starting line-once I was late getting my driver to the burnout box and he was very patient with me-I was so impressed when he did that. The second time was when I left a video camera on the starting line after a run. When I came back to get it, he looked over to where it was (same spot where I left it) and we had a good laugh at my absent mindedness. He was first class in my book.

 

Truly a dark day for NHRA.. Mark was one of the best, and his heart was in this sport everyday.. GODSPEED MY FRIEND

 

A very sad day indeed. Mark was a professional and a Gentleman. When he would look over and nod at me, before a run, I was sure that the track ahead was as safe as he could make it. Rest in Peace my friend

 

Sad Sad Day for all of Drag-racing , Mark was from our neck of the woods and when he got the job as Chief Starter , he was truly amazed . What he didn't get was what we all knew......he was the best and NHRA thought the same . A class act under pressure and a true professional , we will all miss him......Rest in Peace Mark .

 

Sad news!
Godspeed Mike!