One of the most notable things about Scott was his calm, steady personality.
Racing is a raucous exercise. Lots of emotion, lots of intensity, and endless conflict. But amidst the chaos and mayhem, Scott never lost his cool.
He had an uncanny ability to stay calm, even in the most heated circumstances. He never seemed to lose focus on what it was all about: winning the race at hand.
The drivers who raced with him universally talk about what a great experience it was. Scott was a good listener, and he was much more interested in winning together than forcing his will on his driver. He was a natural in terms of collaborating with people.
Scott‘s relationship with Steve Kinser was fascinating. The two men connected on a visceral level, and could communicate at an extremely high level. A nod of the head, a scowl, a smile, a few words here and there … that‘s all it took.
Their partnership was both extremely productive and enduring. Their friendship was well beyond merely a working relationship, and they were strong enough to withstand the inevitable spats and disagreements.
They learned how to vent with each other and move on.
They grew so close they seemed to be able to read each other‘s mind. They came to trust each other ultimately, through whatever adversity — or success — awaited around the corner.
During their time together there were many interviews with each man. Time after time, it was evident that it wasn‘t just the words they used to describe each other, but the emotion behind those words.
While each described the other as “best friend,” that didn‘t fully cover it. It was a rare, genuine friendship that lasts and lasts and lasts all the way to the end.
At the conclusion of the 2014 season, Steve Kinser decided his amazing driving career had come to a close. At the same time, Scott contemplated his own future after nearly 40 years of competition.
Finally, Scott got off the road, and he relished the time at home with his wife Sharon. He was able to spend time with his two daughters, and became an adoring grandfather.
He continued to work, but was able to sleep in his own bed every night. He spent his working hours focused on engine development in a variety of roles; he never lost his passion for finding new ways to coax more power from a racing engine.
In 2018 Scott was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. His career stats are amazing: he was associated with approximately 450 race wins, all at a very high level. He was part of 12 World of Outlaws championships and seven Knoxville Nationals titles.
Whenever Scott talked of his career, he was quick to credit those who surrounded him. He spoke with reverence of people like Karl Kinser and Galen Fox, among others, and he talked of the privilege of working with some of the best drivers in the business.
It was obvious that, to Scott, those were not just words. His respect for others was genuine.
He was especially grateful for his many years working with Steve Kinser. Their mutual respect was enormous, but most memorable was their lasting friendship.
What is also notable is that those who crossed paths with Scott came to cherish their time together. Even his rivals spoke with affection as they recalled long ago memories.
When people talked of Scott there was a recurring description: a genuinely good guy, who also happened to be a badass mechanic that could turn a bunch of tubing and metals into a winning race car.
The end came quickly for Scott. He learned he was sick, and in a very short time he was gone.
I suspect I speak for a great many people when I lament the fact that we didn‘t get a chance to say our goodbyes. I would have liked to have shaken Scott‘s hand one more time and tell him how much I enjoyed his friendship through all these years.
I guess we‘ll just have to make due with our memories. There are a lot of them, to be sure.
And I‘m grateful for that.