In Memory Of Joe Murphy April 26, 1968-November 12, 2012

David Polenz Racing and Polenz Motorsports Is Saddened With The Loss of Close Friend and Sponsor Joe Murphy

We regret to have to inform you of Joe’s passing. As you may know Joe had a stroke 17 months ago, and although his recovery from that was nothing short of miraculous, unfortunately Joe had another cardiac episode last Monday 11/12/12 at which time Joe lost his life.  

17 months ago the doctors said he wouldn’t make it 48 hours, and he did; then they said he would never walk or talk again, then he did. Joe was not going to hear “you won’t ever” or “you can’t ever” and he and his wife Keely started on a path of recovery that no one thought was possible. Joe’s determination not to let this beat him was inspiring to anyone who knew him. While this was so inspiring to all who witnessed it, his sheer will to beat it came as no surprise to those of us who knew him closest. Joe approached everything he did with such gusto that you just knew that he was going to make it happen.

Just 6 months after his stroke Joe was able to return to work, his enthusiasm when he returned was incredible. He put together a sponsorship package for David with Circle K/On The Run and Redline Power Rush that would not only keep David behind the wheel the whole season but would allow him to do some traveling races too.

When Joe contacted us about sponsoring David 2 years ago it didn’t take us long to realize what a great person he was and we became close friends very quickly. He and his family became part of our family. That’s just how it was with Joe. He was always thinking of others, and charity work was one of his passions. We were able to work on several projects with Joe and Circle K/On The Run over the last couple of years and it was awesome to be a part of it. Even after Joe’s stroke when he was down but not out, he still looked to keep helping others and we were able to continue doing that. Joe was that kind of person, help those who can’t help themselves.  

This past summer Joe took David in to his home, he helped him work on being the best he can be as a person and taught him how that will help him in his life and career as a race car driver. Joe was not just a great mentor for David but he was a great friend to him as well. Joe looked at him as his son and told me on several occasions he just wants what is best for David. I believed that to the bottom of my heart, but I also know that Joe loved being in victory lane and spraying GazZu and Redline all over everyone. Joe’s favorite saying was “this is a once in a life time opportunity” and he would say it every time we were in victory lane. I know with the drive and knowledge he shared with us that we will be in victory lane many more times and Joe will be right there with us.

Joe’s Funeral services were held this past Friday and Saturday in Virginia, Joe’s wife Keely and his 3 daughters Lauren, Morgan and Reagan worked hard with several family friends to give Joe a beautiful send off. We were able to do a couple of things for them that Joe would undoubtedly would have loved. The pictures are below: 

David Following The Hearse In The #33

David Cruising in Memory of Joe

Doughnuts In The Churck Parking Lot For Joe

There is no doubt that Joe would have loved this!

It was an honor for us to know Joe and be his friend, we will miss him and his enthusiasm for life and his sheer will and determination in getting things done, “the right way” as he would put it. We love you Buddy! Sit back and enjoy the show, it’s gonna be a good one thanks to you!!!!! R.I.P.