Lloyd Collins Death – Lloyd Collins, a good friend and a dedicated enthusiast, went away last night as a result of his battle with cancer. The racing community is in mourning over his passing. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet Lloyd through our shared friend, the late Dennis Krieger. Our interactions at various Lucas Oil MLRA events over the course of the past few years have consistently been among the most memorable moments of my life.
At MLRA events, Lloyd’s presence was linked with the spirit of friendship and the enthusiast’s enthusiasm for the sport. The real enthusiasm that he had for racing was contagious, and he had an incredible capacity to bring people together through his passion for the sport. Lloyd and I would have chats about a wide variety of topics whenever our paths met. These conversations would range from photographic advice to express our excitement for the races that were taking place in front of us. My own experience as a racing enthusiast was enhanced by his knowledge and ideas, and I treasured every opportunity that I was able to get to know him better through conversation.
The warmth and kindness that Lloyd possessed left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, even beyond the fact that we both had a passion for racing. Many people within the racing world and outside were drawn to him because of his genuine interest in other people and his readiness to lend an ear to listen to them with an open mind. Not only was he a great fan of the sport, but he was also a friend to everyone who came into contact with him.
As we come to terms with Lloyd’s departure, I want his family to know that my thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time. In addition, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his extended family within the MLRA community. His camaraderie and enthusiasm for racing have definitely left an indelible mark on those individuals. In spite of the fact that Lloyd’s absence has left a hole in our hearts, we will continue to draw inspiration from his memories as we continue to carry forth his passion for the sport and his spirit of friendship.
