Miles Nelson

[brickyard1911]

RIP Miles.

Because I "thought" I was to busy with my own group I only made it over to C&B on Friday and Miles wasn't there when I was.

Now I look at Glenn's photos and in several of the football toss pictures there is my campsite in the background in Lot 4. It's so close he could have thrown me the ball. Wish he would have.........so I could have caught it.

[cornutt]

Wow. I am stunned. I'm sad that I never had the opportunity to meet Miles in person. We exchanged a lot of email over the years. He used to slip me something for the Underground every now and then. Godspeed Miles.

[R22]

there is nothing i can add to the accolades and rememberances posted before i read this.

first, i pray for comfort to his family and friends.

then (please pardon me if you don't get it)....
WAY TO GO MILES!!!!

in my heart, i believe he went out on his own terms.
that's the way i want to go.....

see my last INDY, visit my friends at the race, and
open the door to my future.

my last sight of miles was dancing with the beaverville girls,
before that throwing the football (not tossing it) to the kids.

miles was living his life in his way until the end.

i just want to be like miles...........

thank you for the memories and for your example.

RIP

(note this is correct not in error)

here's to you.........

i am happy for the life you shared
and comfortable in believing you used it all before you went.

God Bless you michael and thank you and your family for sharing with me.

[lotuspoweredbyford]

I am very sorry to hear this news.

What a passionate fan he was.

Condolences to his many friends and family.

[gass]

I met Miles Saturday at C & B he posted a story about my son being the young quarter midget racer this was about a year ago. I was at C & B when he was playing football. My condolences to the family.

[turnrightgoleft]

I've never been at such a loss for words. I'm so glad he got to spend so much time at IMS this month, and had such a great time. His coverage was outstanding, and his observations were second to none. His pictures caused the garage doors to slam shut, which I think was the highest compliment. And he loved it. And we loved him.

Again to the family, prayers and well wishes.

[brians.mom]

Michael - I can not believe your news!
We saw Mackie on Saturday at Camp and Brew.
I'd to comment on Glenns post re: your dad's donation to Brian's Wish.

He was SO excited about this, that when you find his camera and you
see your dad and me holding a check - this was a special thing for him.
Evidently he had lost a bet - but he was not going to pay the other
person, it was to go to Brian's Wish.

Mackie - I hope you find Brian. You two would certainly have a good time
together! (and tell him I said hello)!

Mary Ann - brian's mom

[BSJracing]

[hikari]

Deeply shocked and saddened to hear this.

A true race fan and a fine man. Rest in peace Miles.

[Dave Labs]

So sorry to hear the bad news. My best to you and your family.

Dave

[Indy500fanatic]

stunned....

Godspeed.

[nm]

I had the privilege of meeting Mackie only once, at RIR in the infield a few years ago. I was talking to him while he was taking pictures of a practice session.

I have also enjoyed sparring with Mackie here and at his site. I will miss him.

RIP, my friend. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

[NDGator]

Quote: from last month,,,
Originally Posted by NDGator
If I hadn't had dinner with ya before, I would have sworn you were the Chevy Chase's dealer/foil from Vegas Vacation.

Mackie's Response:
I often copy that smart-azz table mannerism with people that talk smack, and tell them I AM that guy.

Via Con Dios Buddy...

I feel sorry for the next seven to sit at his table...

[ecat]

It's always been about the Indy 500!
I realize I have the right to remain silent, but don't have the ability or enough common sense to do so.

Miles....signature....

I have already posted....but felt compelled to say more....I miss you my friend, I too dont have the common sense to remain silent.

Michael...you have no idea how much all of us who loved (and talked about)....your dad, he was the best. Know that his gracious smile (even the new one!) was lit up with love.

Miles was truly one of a kind...Michael, please keep us posted of other details.

ecat.

[billd]

I never meet Miles, but enjoyed reading his posts. Thank you for letting us know, God speed Miles, prayers for your family during this time of loss.

Bill

[Gomer Simpson]

Wow. Mack was often the voice of reason around here. It's not going to be the same.

[gofastturnleft]

Godspeed Miles, you will be missed by many.

We've had some interesting/entertaining/head-scratching exchanges over the years. Michael, your Dad lived life with a passion and a purpose and for that he earned the respect and admiration of many friends. Most people leave this world lucky to have made a small difference or touched a few people over the years. Miles was more than just lucky though in that regard - he had friends from coast to coast and across the borders - you and your family should be proud to know that so many people called your Dad a friend.

[Spike]

Wow, I'm truly shocked to learn of Miles' passing. He was passionate about his love for racing and very much a big part of our online community here at TF. It won't be the same without him.

Best wishes to you, Michael and to your family.

[SDandTSfan]

Miles helped me live my childhood dream and I will never forget that experience. He helped me realize my potential with photography and gave me the push I needed. He was an amazing guy and I feel privileged to have been able to take photos for his website. I wish I had been able to see him this month though. Its going to be very weird not having him around anymore.... I will miss him very very much.... well I guess I already do.

[porscheman]

Schocked and saddened to hear this news. Enjoyed his posts but never had the chance to meet him.

RIP and God's Speed.

Porscheman

[cleanupcrew]

I'll echo the good rev-ed's comments ... we didn't always see eye to eye with Miles, but in recent years came to an accommodation and basic respect that worked for all ... and no one can argue about his passion, interest and knowledge of Indy racing and the Indianapolis 500 - or his seeming ability to turn anyplace and any time into a vast party with him at its center

and I cannot imagine a better way for him to spend his final time here on this earth than how he spent the last few days - at Indy, which he loved, with his friends both new and old ...

This C&B photo probably best represents Miles Nelson - only thing missing is the beads:

http://campandbrew.com/cb/gallery%5F...byes%20028.jpg


Godspeed to Miles and condolences to his family ....

[Mack Too]

Some more great posts from Dad's friends:

"Thanks again to everyone for all the posts and well wishes on both this site and trackforum. I let my brother and sisters know about everyones posts as well. We all are impressed. My Dad was a great father and a good friend. Fueler Dad was a big hit at the Bar at Times Square in the New York New York Hotel and had some friends there. If you have a few moments please let them know, and have them play Don't Stop Beleiving (his favorite song) in his memory. Thanks all. Mike."

Mike .... funny you should mention that. That was the first place I thought to go to have a drink in your Dad's memory tonight. Suffice to say, everyone there was stunned, and the Bar at Times Square not only played his song (several times) but also bought the house a drink in his memory.

I hope the toast I made to his memory was in some way adequate.

Fueler

Fueler, Thank you a million times for going there tonight. It is great to hear what they did for my Dads memory. We have our own favorite piano bar (at Disney World in Orlando and Dad went there several times with me and my wife) and I know what a round of drinks for the place cost them. He was as big as a hit with them (in Orlando) as he was in Vegas. It is a testament to his personality and likeability; the likes of which I can only dream to aspire to, that shows how many lives he touched.

Thanks to everyone a million times over. The Nelson Family.

[Roadrage]

I had no idea it was his favorite song when I shot this little clip.

Mackie - Don't Stop Believing


Gotta love the name tag!

[skypigeon]

I just saw this. Good Lord.

Many prayers for his surviving family, especially little Mackie. She must be heartbroken.

[WhirlinGraphics]

This May was the first time that I crossed paths with Miles at the track. I think it was on the Friday evening before bump weekend? He was outside the KV Racing/Will Power garage just watching them work on the car. Said that he had been getting photos to help out Clint (c7) for his spotters guide. He gave me a compliment saying that he always enjoyed reading my posts. He also mentioned something about missing his flight home to Nevada and that he would just catch the next one. I think, basically, saying he was having too much fun in the Racing Capitol.

"Mack Too"/"Mackie" is a great asset to the racing community. He will be sorely missed here at TrackForum for his insightful contributions.

My thoughts go out to the friends and family of Miles Nelson.

[Plectraholica]

I never had the priveledge of meeting face to face but I really did enjoy his posts.
Judging from the pics from Glenn, he really knew how to live life to its fullest.

Godspeed fellow race fan!
Rich

[JohnMc]

I, too, have already posted on this thread, but I want to say that Miles presented me with the best ever weekend I have had as a sports fan. I covered the Firestone Indy 200 here in Nashville for Mile's Ovalicious/IndyRaceReports site and Miles insured that I have a press pass to do the job properly. I was looking forward to seeing him this year and acting as his personal "valet." The Piano bar in Downtown Nashville would have been on the agenda as well. He wasn't just about racing, though. He was cool about everything. By the way, his BBQ ribs were terrific.

[mdkiel]

Much prayer. A true loss.

[skypigeon]

http://www.indyracereports.com/

Must-read material. Michael, you're a good son.

[Cale]

When I first opened the thread, I thought, Not Mack? So very sorry. I always enjoyed reading what Mack had to say. Prayers for the family.

Thanks for everything Mack!! We enjoyed your company.