He has won multiple championships in different forms of drag racing; national, divisional and in the bracket world. But that’s not what defined Kyle Seipel as a person. For that, one has to look past any accomplishments and glimpse into his mind.

I have to admit I didn’t know Kyle all that well prior to the beginning of the dynasty he and his partner Peter Biondo built starting in 2010; the Spring Fling brand of events. Naturally, I knew of him in following the sport, but our relationship began on April 21, 2010 at the very first Spring Fling event held in Bristol, Tennessee. It was there where I put a face to a voice I had only spoke with prior. What I learned in the ensuing years was a man with a deep determination to go through life enjoying every single moment.

There have already been numerous words spoken about the man, that there is not much else to say. Always quick with a smile and a laugh, his outgoing personality is what will always shine through after his passing this week.

The story has been told many times before, but it was sometime in 2009, when two good friends from opposite sides of the country hatched an idea for a race, one they both wished they could race at. Obviously most every racer has what they feel as a better idea for a race, but these two decided to do something about it, and so hatched the idea for their very first Spring Fling event in 2010. The world may not have been ready for it then, as less than 200 racers showed up to do battle, but it was Seipel and Biondo’s vision to treat each racer not as a participant, rather as a customer that made quite a bit of difference.

Speaking after that first event, Seipel said, “When we were taking down the banners from that first race, both Peter and I felt as if we’d probably never do it again, as the losses were a setback. We had a great time but the inordinate amount of work required to promote the event along with guaranteeing the purse, we had lost quite a bit of money.”

But their customers spoke. Between phone calls, e-mails, cards and letters, each detailing they couldn’t wait for the next one, Seipel and Biondo chose to “roll the dice” and try another one the following year. A feat which has grown now to three events a year, which only further chronicles the infectious determination and impact Kyle has had on anyone he has met.

With a persona as big as life itself, Kyle; with the nickname of Big Nasty; one who may have been Big but was anything but Nasty. From the pros to the sportsman, he was the consummate professional willing to help anyone who asked. And that is what defines the man we all knew, one which will be missed but never forgotten.