Fans React to the Passing of Quick Times Racing News

By Becky White and QTRN Readers

I’m sorry I haven’t gotten this finished quicker. I’ve been working on it and it seems every time I thought it was about ready, something happened to keep me from getting it on here. I find I am kind of missing getting to be a part of the beginning of another racing season. Last year, it really didn’t matter; I was in SO much pain, I didn’t even hardly know racing season was getting under way! One of my favorite things over the years has ALWAYS been the letters from friends and supporters. I’ve had a few since the last ‘printed’ issue went out and I thought you’d like to read excerpts from some of them. All your letters have always been special. But these letters I’ve gotten in the last three months are all extra special.

I absolutely cried when I got one that read, "Of all the people in drag racing who deserve an Oscar, a Wally or an Iron Man, it is you!" Enclosed with this note was a necklace with a Wally on it. I just came unglued.

Then there was this one that made me laugh so hard, I had to call a good friend and read it to her so she could get a kick out of it, too. "Dear Becky, I have enjoyed the paper since 1986. The first time I ever knew your face is when someone told me whom that lady was who just chewed out Ronnie Buff on the starting line at Shadyside Dragway in the summer of 1985. Thank you for all your work over the years. God will help you to move on. (Keep this money, it for the next two imaginary years of QUICK TIMES.)

"I am very sorry to hear you have to quit the only magazine for the ‘Little Guy.’ I have never been a full time racer but your magazine was something I looked forward to each month for a number of years.

You went to the trouble at Wilkesboro Raceway, after you had put your equipment away, to go back to the starting line to take a picture of my ’81 Malibu wagon to put in your (my) magazine. THANK YOU FOR THAT.

If you EVER start a new magazine, please bill me for a subscription. May God bless you and your family."

"Becky, please don’t give up. We all love you and we will miss your paper, but you can make it, just hold on in your faith. You are a nice lady and good friend. Good luck and God bless you."

"I just got my last issue of Quick Times. To say I’m gonna miss it would be completely understated. After reading it, I was speechless (something hard for me to do). I never knew the sacrifices you and your family made. I will continue to remember you in my prayers."

"From one old ‘war horse’ to another, I wanted to let you know…I UNDERSTAND! It really saddened me to see Quick Times come to an end… but it may be God’s way of saying… there is something else you are destined to do. I can really understand how frustrated and depressed you must be. You have always been a do-er…used to calling your own shots. You have dealt with the good people of the sport and the DORKS! You have seen the best and the worst of the sport. In all this… our paths and lives have been parallel. I’m praying for you."

"I wanted to let you know I enjoyed getting the paper every month and reading it. I know I haven’t seen you that much, but I know every time I have seen you, you had a smile on your face and I know a lot of people are going to miss you and your paper. You will always have friends in ####, SC. Always & forever, your racing buddies."

"Very sad to read you have to give up on the magazine. You filled a need and it did well…it will be missed. Many words come to mind, but probably you’ll get plenty of those. So, a check is enclosed and just a few selected words. I will guess you have a lot more friends, and credibility, than you think. Too many words…take care and good luck."

"I’ve been thinking the last few weeks trying to come up with something to say, but I can’t. I don’t know what to say; I kind of always thought you and Quick Times would always be there. I started buying QTs at the track when we would go watch. That was in the early 80s and I have every one since then.

Wanting my picture in Quick Times was always a goal of mine and winning the QTRN award you gave us in 1985 means more to me than anything I’ve won since I started racing. I don’ know what to say; I really look forward to the paper every month. It was one of the few things that hadn’t changed.

I think I hate change as much as you but it seems it’s the only thing we can count on. I hope drag racing continues to change only for the better. I think a lot of the people you talk about are just passing through and won’t stay for the long haul.

Always remember…even though we met through drag racing, that’s not what made us friends. You’ll always be a friend, drag racing or not. I know giving up the paper was very hard and I wish there was something I could do or say to change your mind. But only you know what’s best for you. Thanks for everything."

"Picked up the phone several times after we got the last Quick Times. Put it back down because I’M too emotional for YOUR good right now. It’s such a big decision and such a labor of love, although now I’m thinking you must be a little masochistic. For years, you have stood up and taken a beating for people who wouldn’t stand up for themselves and when you needed support where were they?

It’s a hurtful situation…but on the other hand, I’m sure you’ve been shocked by some of the folks who HAVE stepped up over the years. I don’t know, Becky, you’ll make the right decisions and you’ll land on your feet. My only advice…TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Put the energy you’ve been using on ‘others’ where you need it the most…ON YOURSELF! That’s going to be hard for YOU to do, but I think that’s what you need to do. O.K., enough preaching, although this is Sunday.

I guess I just ‘connect’ with some people in a special way although we don’t see much of them. You’re one of those people I’ve always felt close to. I understand why you always fought the uphill battle and, most of the time, by yourself…maybe you were the original ‘Army of One.’ TAKE CARE Becky and do whatever needs to be done for Becky and screw the rest!"

"I’m really sorry to hear you are retiring, but after reading your last editorial, I can understand. It is sad how people take things and other people for granted. And I can’t believe the people who don’t pay their bills.

I’ve always enjoyed reading your articles, can’t say I always agreed with you, but I knew every word you wrote came from your heart. And that’s something everyone had to respect. Agreed or not. So Quick Times and Becky White’s editorials and letters will be great missed. But I do hope this is not the last I’ll hear from you. I will always be grateful for the times you printed my race car photo and my letters. You definitely gave me my share of exposure. Thank you.

It sorrowed me to read some of the things you went through trying to make a living for your family. You will always be able to look back and hold your head up high for all the things you did overcome and have accomplished. We can’t change the world, but if we contribute anything, it’s something we can be proud of. And you have made your share of contributions. Do take your retirement with pride. And as they say, when one door closes, another will open. And maybe your next job will be a reward for all your hard work and dedication."

I’ve had many others with just one-liners, too many to print. But they have all helped me feel as though all these years of hard work were not in vain. I really am sorry I had to cease publication on the paper, but since the track operators don’t see the all the good reasons to keep it going, I just can’t do it. But I have enjoyed the stuff I’ve done on this website, even though it hasn’t been much yet and I will do more. I get enough phone calls to keep me informed about what is going on in the sport. Just because I can’t do the paper any more doesn’t mean I don’t still care. I do and I have been doing a pretty good job of keeping. Your calls are welcome. 704-732-1160

Becky White

Read Becky's farewell QTRN editoral HERE.