Comments on: R.I.P Jerry Karl

By: Nancy Pryor

Nancy Pryor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:08:56 +0000

Few people know what a great driver and great person Jerry was. I was fortunate to have known Jerry. I worked parttime in the office for Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving at Ontario Motor Speedway 1971-1973.
I met Jerry the day he arrived at OMS in 1972 for the California 500 with no ride, no money…That day he managed to get the ride with “Smokey”…
In 1973 Bobby Unser told me that Jerry was just as good a driver as he was. And that if Jerry had the equipment that Bobby had, Jerry would be able to beat him. That same day Vince Granitelli offered Jerry one of the two backup STP rides. Jerry asked me what I thought he should do. I told him I wasn’t qualified to help with that decision. I told him to ask Bobby Unser. Bobby told Jerry that if he was offered the #1 STP car to take it. Bobby felt that the backup cars were not maintained adequately. Bobby said to stay with “Smokey” rather than accept a ride in an unsafe car.
Those that might not recall: Opening day of practice at Indy Art Pollard was killed in one of the backup STP car. Swede Savage died from burns due to an accident during the race in the other backup STP car. And Gordon Johncock won the race in the #1 STP car.
If I have the years wrong, it has been 35+ years…
My sincere sympathy to Linda and Jerry’s Children and grandchildren…I can only imagine how much you miss him.

By: Stephen Hobbs

Stephen Hobbs — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 06:02:12 +0000

I was hurt by the loss, I never met Jerry in person. I have talked to him on the phone from time to time. He was a big help for me when my father pasted away two years ago. Jerry was there for me. I wish his family the best. He is a great person!

By: John Miner

John Miner — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:56:17 +0000

I have a Big Game trolling Lure company here on the Island of kauai Hawaii! I have made lures for Jerry in the Past! He seemed like a Super Guy who Loved to Fish! The Last emails I received from him he was working his tail off to finish his new boat! He Ordered some more lures and He shipped me some Royal Purple in exchange! The package never did arrive! The last Email I received from him was 2/16 11:45AM and that was the last! I emailed him several times with no reply! I couldn’t understand this! and I keep thinking about him! Yesterday 3/16 I sent him another email stating I hope everything is OK But would you Please reply! His son Replied with the sad news! God Bless Him and his Family! Aloha John “Bird” Miner

By: Elaine

Elaine — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:51:47 +0000

I am so saddened to hear of Jerry’s death. He was such an incredible individual who lived life to the fullest and on the edge. He loved his his family deeply and had to suffer the loss of his oldest son.

Jerry will be very much missed in my heart. My sincere sympathy goes to Linda and his children.

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