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Khalil Mohmed (1982 - 2010)
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It's with a very heavy heart that we pay tribute to our team's most memorable president, most passionate teammate, most respected mentor, most talented driver and most beloved friend. Khalil had an intense zeal for life and love for others few possess. His life's philosophy was summed up in one of his favorite quotes: "Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth." Few have the courage to do any of these; let alone all of them, each and every day. That’s what made Khalil so special and allowed him to have such an enormous impact on so many people.
Khalil gave everything he did and everyone he did it with 110% ALL THE TIME. He always found the energy to be caring, respectful, encouraging, honest, open, charming and funny all at the same time; that's just who he was. He had a gift for being able to make everyone around him laugh and feel special. It’s rare for talent and humility to co-exist, yet Khalil truly had a lot of both.
Khalil passed away while doing what he loved: racing. If he had to go, he would have wanted it no other way. And he would not have wanted his family or friends to spend their time mourning his loss, but rather to get out and live life to the fullest. In his encouraging tone and with his characteristic smile he would have said, “find what excites you and do it; don’t wait!”
Below are some photos of Khalil and the wonderful memories he shared with our SAE team, or more appropriately, our SAE family, since that’s how Khalil always made it feel. He had an unusual charisma that motivated and entertained, he was never afraid of hard work and he was able to focus on something until it was just right. Our great friend will certainly be missed and although his love for life is unmatchable, his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Thank you Khalil for touching our lives so deeply, for caring so much about everyone around you and for teaching us to cherish every moment by living passionately and without regret.
All our Love,
Your UF SAE Family
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Comments and Stories by Khalil’s friends...
The amount of support shown by Khalil’s family and friends has
been overwhelming. To allow Khalil to continue to inspire
others, we’ve collected as many of these stories as we could
find and would like to share them with everyone. If you have
one you would like to add, please send it to our faculty
advisor at mjb@ufl.edu.
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Khalil's name means "Friend" in Arabic. I think this is a perfect name for
him. Also Superman's Real Name is Kal-El. After my friend Aaron brought
this to our attention I called him Superman a lot (he resembles the guy).
-Bill
He was just beginning. The flower of his life was just opening. Absorbing
the myriad radiant sunbeams that were his talents & intellect & wit &
virtuosity & his potential & Spirit!
Spirit! My Khalil had so much Spirit in every sense of the word! It emanated
from him in everything he did. I will hold that Spirit - Khalil; my son;
my friend; my confidant; my hero, every moment for the rest of my life!
Goodbye Son. The universe must expand to hold all of the love you take with
you.
When Khalil was a boy, he loved to dance! He used to do the Pee-wee Herman
dance: on his toes, making a face like Pee-wee; holding his hands straight
with the fingers tight together. Elbows bent, he'd bring the tips of his
middle fingers together in rhythm to the music - Tequila, by The Champs.
Four times in front and for times behind his back. And he would he would
dance forward and back on his tippy toes. And then he would laugh...and we
laughed with him. I miss you Khalil <-(
-Buddy Mohmed
I'm gonna miss your smile...I'm going to miss you my friend! :( See you on
the other side super star:) This picture always makes me smile! This was
the first night I met you...and one of the best nights of my life! My purse
looked great on you by the way! Xoxoxo
-Sara Renee Blanchard
Khalil won Cayuse Technologies Core Value Award "Harmonious Heart" The Best
Recipient for this Award!
-Ganine Moses
Khalil you will be missed terribly. My heart goes out to your family and
Erin. Nothing will ever be able to ease the pain of your loss. Khalil thank
you for all the gut wrenching laughs while playing volleyball that almost
made me wet my pants as you flew through the air like superman only to miss
the ball; thanks...for all the fun times hanging out in the big town of
Pendleton, and thanks for always having that beautiful smile on your face
that could light up a room. I will never forget you.
-Brooke Mckay
RIP Khalil Mohmed we have truly lost a great friend..... you will sadly be
missed and loved by those you touched with your short lived life....see you
on the other side one day.
-Stephanie Bailey
Photographs from Khalil's last race weekend, loving every second of it.
Saturday: http://www.darrenbeattyphotography.com/WMRRA/7-17-10/928/12997219_3RoEF
Sunday: http://www.darrenbeattyphotography.com/WMRRA/7-18-10/928/13000715_qxbLi
-Erin Machinchick
RIP Khalil-- May God bless you and your family.
-Gabrielle Balatovis
RIP Khalil...we had a lot of great times in Gainesville...my prayers and
thought go out to you and your family!
-Brian Armendinger
There is still a sense of disbelief that this has happened, is hard to say
goodbye to such a good friend, teammate and mentor. Rest in peace Khalil,
you will always be missed.
-Pedro Rivero
We are dedicating our Formula car in honor of Khalil, as our team’s most
memorable president, most passionate alumnus, most talented driver and
most cherished friend. Khalil and his addictive personality had an enormous
impact on our team; in fact, our program may not exist today if not for
Khalil’s ability to motivate and inspire those who got to know him. We
hope to honor Khalil’s memory every time anyone sees our car and recalls
wonderful memories if they knew him or hears a few of the fantastic stories
if they didn’t. On behalf of the UF SAE team, please let me know if there is
anything our team can do for you or for Khalil’s family or friends.
-University of Florida’s Society of Automotive Engineers Formula Team (UF SAE)
I would love to have University of Florida's Formula SAE program dedicate
something to Khalil. I wish they could designate a part of the facility or
area in the name of "Khalil Mohmed" so generations could honor him.
-Bill Prast
Wonderful idea Bill :) With the amount of postings he received, and the
goodness he generated...he is truly someone to be honored. There isn't one
person on this Earth who could ever say a cross word about that young man;
he helped everyone who needed a hand. He was a true and trusted friend to
all he knew.
Honor is given for goodness, or given to someone who went above and
beyond what’s expected or required of them. All of that mentioned spells
out 'Khalil Mohmed' if you ask me or anyone else. We all need to see that
this happens for his memory :)
-JJ Bance
We will be posting a tribute in Khalil’s memory this weekend on our
website; it will include photos and the heartfelt comments from each of
you. I speak on behalf of the entire UF SAE team when I say... it will be
an *extraordinary honor* to dedicate our formula program and facility in
Khalil’s loving memory. We will have a plaque made explaining to everyone
who passes through that the love, dedication, passion, integrity, kindness,
camaraderie and respect of members like Khalil is what makes our program
special. I hope we can learn from Khalil’s example to love without regret,
give without limits and live like today could be our last. I promise each of
you that Khalil’s memory will live on in our walls just as it will in our
hearts.
-University of Florida’s Society of Automotive Engineers Formula Team (UF
SAE)
Khalil, I miss you dude! You were such an
blessed to have been a part of your life.
life and your optimism for any situation.
will always cherish all the time we spent
-Sarin McKenna
I was looking through old photos last night to find this picture from high
school and wanted to share. My heart hurts knowing that you are gone, but I
will always have my memories...and this picture :)
-Michell Mione
I was thinking this morning of a time we were on the way to a surfing
competition on the East coast. We took my car and Khalil insisted on
driving, naturally:) Long story short, he pushed that Mitsubishi to the
max, eventually blowing a tire on the highway, sending us into very fast
doughnuts across the interstate and... into the median. Everyone was
terrified. Everyone except Khalil. He got out of the car with a HUGE smile
on his face, put his arms around my friend Charlotte and I and said, "Well
ladies, today was NOT our day to die." And that was how he lived. With open
arms and not a drop of fear. I don't think I'll ever know another person
like that in this lifetime. Love you, ya crazy kid.
-Chondra Sanchez
No matter how down you were, Khalil always knew what to say to make feel
better or at least make you laugh.
-Viet Vo
Khalil and I did quite a few donuts in quite a few parking lots in
Gainesville. One time was a little more fun than all of the others. We were
in his Fiero that he dropped a V8 in and were making a whole lot of noise.
To me it was just an empty parking lot but he saw it as a race track. He
drove the Fiero as fast as it would go around this racetrack! Naturally
after 15 minutes or so the cops came to check out what was going on, I am
sure people were complaining about how much noise was being made. This is
when it really got interesting. As the cop was pulling in we were pulling
out and Khalil punched it, red light and all. I will never forget seeing
those flashing lights disappear as we flew down 13th street. The cops didn't
have a chance against Khalil's hand built pride and joy at the time. The V8
Pontiac Fiero lives as Khalil does in our memories...we will all miss you!
-Doug Ellie
Khalil, I didn't know you that well, but I remember you always being a sweet
person in high school who always made everyone laugh and feel special. I am
so saddened to hear this news, and am praying for your loved ones. Your life
touched many, many people.
-Shari Walker
You are such a wonderful, amazing, kind person - you made this world a
better place. You will be missed dearly. Rest in peace my friend. ?
-Diana Chen
I can think of no better summary of the way Khalil lived life than the
quotation he listed in his profile: “Sing like no one's listening, love like
you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like it’s
heaven on earth." Few have the courage to do any of these; let alone all of
them, each and every day. I think that’s what made Khalil so special and
allowed him to have such an enormous impact on so many people. I pray we
each learn from his example and use his wonderful memories as fuel for the
courage to love our family and friends and live every day like it could be
our last. Please don’t put this off, thinking you’ll get to all those things
that you know deep inside are important but “life” just seems to get in
the way of doing. Make a list of everyone important in your life and start
contacting them today to tell them. As Khalil has shown us, life and the
relationships it holds are far too precious to wait another day.
-Michael Braddock
Can't believe it!!!! I'm still in shock....... I only knew you for a short
while but I will never forget how you lived life to the fullest!!!! You
taught Rob and me to appreciate the little things in life!!!!! You always
seemed to brighten up the room!!! You're such a caring and loving person and
you were taken too soon...!!!! I know you're looking down on all your loved
ones as their guardian angel. RIP my friend!!! My heart goes out to all
your family, friends, and loved ones!!!!!! You will be missed dearly!!!!!
-Michlynn Gjendem
Too good of a man to leave this world before his time. Prayers are with your
family.
-Danny Lee
RIP Khalil. You will be missed.
-Cindy Wood
R.I.P Khalil. Way too soon man.
-Raf Zdzierak
Completely shocked. It's been a long time, but Khalil could light up any
room and always bring out the best in those around him. Was excited to tell
you we ended up working for the same company, even on opposite sides of the
country. My thoughts are with you and your family and many friends.
-Ryan McKeon
Khalil, still can't believe you're gone. You've touched the lives of so many
people, even from high school. But your memory will truly live on, and my
thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
-Viet Vo
I can't believe this...I had such a blast hanging out with you! You made the
best of every second you were alive. I am praying for you and your family.
-Doug Ellie
OMG I'm stunned, and confused. How could some one with so much life, and
such a stunningly bright light just be gone? You made other feel you
confidence just by walking in the room. Thank you for the pep talk my
sophomore year...you changed my out look on life. I truly feel a loss
knowing your not in this world anymore. Thank you, thank you thank you for
sharing your life with all of us!
-Jessica L Castro
Kahlil, I’m stunned. I just can’t believe the world won’t get to see any
more of your gifts and flair. I'll never forget catching you trying to cross
over to the girls' room balcony one night at the journalist convention in
Orlando. You drove me crazy but you always made me smile and I could never
stay mad at you for l... Teaching you and all the students from First Take
at OHS is one of the highlights of my career. We always had lots of fun
and you were usually the leader of that fun with a good dose of innocent
mischief. I’ll always remember you fondly. My prayers go out to your friends
and family. RIP.
-Pamela Eubanks
Khalil, this is still unbelievable to me. I'll never forget the good times
we had…like how you tried teaching me how to do donuts/burnouts...in my
stealth-like, no-mods civic ;) I think you would've tried that stunt in a
minivan if someone gave you the chance... oh yea, you did... during an SAE
competition. There's video of it somewhere out there. Or whenever you drove,
you were convinced every street corner in Gainesville needed to be properly
apexed, "in slow - out fast". My tire treads were practically non-existent
after knowing you for 3 months. These are just a few of so many moments that
I'll forever cherish. Thank you for the memories and take care, dude. I'll
miss you...
-Vanessa Santisteban
It’s a lesson for me to see how you made such a positive impact on so many
little bro. It was a privilege to have watched you grow up into such a
wonderful man. I know a soul like yours will never die. I love you! I miss
you!
-Hilliard Robinson
Oh my gosh. I am stunned and so sad. You were such an awesome person and you
made high school so much more fun. I've never enjoyed bantering with anyone
in my life as much I as enjoyed it with you. My thoughts and prayers go out
to your loved ones and my heart will always remember you. You were truly one
of a kind...
-Michelle Mione
All of your comments and stories shared here have been wonderful. I always
knew what an amazing, charismatic, passionate, bright, and inspiring person
Khalil was and I'm so honored to have known and loved a man who was able to
touch so many hearts. Please continue to share.
Xoxoxoxox Khalil, I love you. I miss you. I'll see you again baby. xo
-Erin Machinchick
Erin, I didn't know how to contact you to tell you how sorry we are for
your pain and sorrow. I regret we didn't have the honor to meet you face
to face... Khalil and our daughter Jennifer went through school together.
Growing up Khalil was in and out of our house like one of our kids; he
and my husband Tim would talk for hours bench-racing :) Tim built high
performance engines, and they picked each others brains being the motor
heads they were. Khalil was one of those who you'll always be honored to
have known. You my dear are so very lucky to know you were the one he
selected to give his heart to completely. Find comfort if you can knowing
you have his undying love... if you ever need us for anything, please feel
free to call upon us anytime.
-Jeanne and Tim Stefancik
This is Khalil's cousin, I am heartbroken by the sad turn of events. We
haven't met, but you have been in my thoughts daily. You must be just as
amazing as he to have captured such a good heart.
Fatimah Valentin
My heart is broken. You were one of my bestie's in HS and always stayed
in touch since graduation.....I'm thankful for all the memories I have of
us and the stang! It just doesn't seem real. You were an incredible man
with a smile that could light up a room. You will truly be missed and never
forgotten.......May you rest in peace.....
-Robin Croft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YVibRqo6D4
A video of a collage of pictures used from his Facebook account remembering
Khalil's life. The Lord took Khalil home on 7-18-10. If you knew Khalil,
please feel free to share a story or anything on the comments below. Thanks,
God Bless..
-Miriam Mohmed
"I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. The sinners are
much more fun. Only the good die young..."
I guess all we got was one hell of a good wedding weekend my friend...
-Adreinne Gang
I'm speechless. Khalil, you were one of the first people I met at OHS.
From the beginning, your warm heart and infectious being led the way to a
great friendship. From Warrior football to First Take, I will always fondly
remember the great times we had. Rest In Peace, my friend.
-Erica Tabor Gaddini
Oh Mary, words are all we're able to do being here in Ohio.. please know my
friend.. we're with you and the family in mind and spirit always. I called
Tim at work and told him about this happening,.. he is deeply sorrowed. He
said "that boy shared the passion of speed as much as I do".. "hell, look
when he dropped a small block in his Fiero!"
Tim said he'd go and look at all the pics Khalil would post at different
strips.. he always kept up on him :) Tim drag raced for 15yrs so he shared
and understood the love Khalil had for speed.
From one mother to another, I could never fully understand the pain you're
feeling at this moment.. but know this, I'll raise a glass and toast to one
of the most caring and loving women I know,.. that gave the world a gift to
those lucky enough to have known him. .."salute" my friend.
-Jeanne Stefancik
Khalil, I am so saddened to hear this news. I will never forget our times in
First Take. I will NEVER forget that guiltless yet charming personality of
yours. These memories are a blessing to me now... May angels lead you in…
-Kristen VanTassel
Khalil, R.I.P. Sweetheart.. you will forever be remembered, our family was
blessed to have known you, Mary and John. You were like one of our own,
we will cherish the memories we have of you and Jennifer going through
school. You honey were the only one who could relate racing and speed in
general w/Tim, racing was his life also.. I knew once you two 'motor-heads'
got together there was no stopping you from the infamous "bench-racing
sessions".
Most people would have had to live to a very very old age to touch as many
hearts as 'you have' in such a short time with us... You're a special one
indeed :) We love you..
Mary, John,.. please, give a smile through your tears knowing you raised
a truely amazing son,.. one who touched the hearts of all who knew him :)
He will live on forever in our hearts. If we can do anything, we're here..
Love,
Jeanne and Tim Stefancik
I am truly regretful that we never did the ski trip we talked about doing in
BC or Washington. You were a true friend to me during a time and place where
friends were few. I'll never forget the Karaoke, the blackjack at Wildhorse
and all the other fun times we had. You will be truly missed.
-Rob Hillier
After school sandwich time and physics were some of my fondest HS memories
because of you. The world is a little bit darker now.
-Mandi Nulph
Khalil - The moment anyone at Osceola met you, they loved you. Even better,
they loved to hate your confidence that was often ill-defined as arrogance.
I loved being your co-anchor. I loved your warnings to stay out of trouble
with Chondra. You drove Ms. Eubanks crazy and you always spoke your mind,
which is why when you said sweet things I always knew you were being honest.
The snippets of conversation we had beyond high school were positive moments
in my life and I was lucky to know you. We all were. RIP
-Misses Dre Baldwin Nguyen
Today my tears say what my words cannot. I wish I could express Khalil’s
intense passion, glowing warmth, immense kindness, deep devotion, amazing
love, respectful nature, inspiring attitude and incredible personality. But
my words cannot do Khalil justice. You had to know him to realize what a
special person he was to all those he loved and who loved him. My prayers go
out to all of Khalil’s wonderful family and friends. May we strive to live
each day as fully as Khalil did in celebration of his life...
-Mike Braddock
I don't even know where to begin. You gave me so many memories, from
skipping school with Joe, in true "three amigo" form to go surfing or for
Mexican food or to just drive around and yap each other's ears off. You made
me my first falafel (which for the record, was "life-changing".) You taught
me the right song lyrics to songs I'd been signing wrong my whole life. You
were and will always be the epitome of what a real passion for life looks
like. My heart is broken and I'm going to miss your smile and hearing you
on the other end of the phone when one of us needs to vent or muse about
our crazy, unpredictable choices. I hope you don't think I'm going to stop
talking to you :) I know you'll be listening somewhere and I know the advice
you'd give by heart. It doesn't seem fair that you're gone already. But you
lived more in your short life than most people do who grow to be 100. I will
miss you terribly. I already do. I love you, K. RIP, my dear friend.
-Chondra Sanchez
It's so hard to believe. You were always such a good friend to my brother
and I know he misses you dearly. Your legend will live on forever and you
will never be forgotten. There are so many people who love you and are
always going to remember you. I know you will be looking down on all of the
ones you cared for, We love you and miss you rest in peace Khalil.
-Katrina Bailey
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Comments from Khalil’s friends on Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association:
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I wish I had more time to get to know you Khalil...thanks for introducing
yourself when you did
-dwschultzy
I knew Khalil from the track this year. He was a really cool, down to earth
guy with so much enthusiasm for riding and racing..
Pity his life has been cut short by such tragic events.... we'll be out
there the next time for you.
Got your van back in Seattle... and had a good time during our "convoy" on
the way back!
-Jason H
Khalil was my first WMRRA buddy.
He made a crack during our New Rider Classroom session about racing his
Honda Ruckus because he didn’t have a bike yet. It got a good chuckle and I
thought to myself, "I think I could get along with this guy". When I showed
up to my NRS, Khalil (and his big blue van) was the first guy I saw, being
nervous as hell, I thought what a relief it was to see a guy I recognized.
We ended up pitting next to each other and helping each other out that day
and at a few other track days and race weekends since.
Khalil always had a great attitude and smile on his face; he was genuinely
stoked to be racing. He was one of the guys that I always looked forward to
seeing at the track. It was always a pleasure to bench race and BS with him;
he really was one of the good ones.
Khalil, I'm gonna miss you dude. Race weekends really won’t be the same
without you. Godspeed my friend.
-Will
I remember seeing Khalil at the NRS meeting, and we all did laugh when he
said he'd race the Ruckus. I had a feeling we would be friends. He's got
a warm smile and personality. We had some fun Sunday morning practice and
I wish he could have had a second chance. Definitely feel like I have been
robbed of a future as friends.
Will miss and think of you every time I race, Godspeed Khalil.
-Mike Alton
I’m in shock, I was talking to Khalil before the race because he needed to
run tire warmers on my generator. He was excited for the race same as I was;
we were able to chat it up for a minute. I was very fortunate to be able to
help my kind friend. He sounded full of joy and happiness. I am so sorry to
hear about your loss; you will be very missed I will always think of you as
a fellow brother. RIP Khalil.
-John Lafayette
I will always remember Khalil's smile and laugh. The time he came and corner
worked with us and had a huge grin on his face when he came in for lunch.
Godspeed my friend, thank you for reminding me to laugh at the little
things.
-Lady X
I didn't realize, I said hi to him that morning. My heart's breaking for
everyone who knew him. I'm ready to cry and I only met him for a few
seconds.
-Chris Sarbora
I grew up in Khalil's neighborhood and have been Good friends with him since
1999 or so. I would like to tell everyone a little bit about Khalil...
Khalil was The Most Passionate guy regarding motorsports and mechanical
engineering. He was truly talented. I'm pretty sure he learned a lot from
his step dad. One of Khalil's first projects was to stuff a Chevy 350 into
a Pontiac Fiero w/ supporting mods. At one point he was fabricating a turbo
kit for it, but when he got it running it was N/A. I never rode in it but
I know it was Fast. Many times I would stop by and he would be covered in
grease working his tail off and making good progress.
Another one of the many endeavors was building a turbo kit from scrap parts
for a 2002 V6 Honda Accord. This was one of Khalil's friends and Khalil did
all the work just for a challenge. Personally I was skeptical. But sure
enough a few weeks later the Accord was running 8 psi or so and making good
strong power.
Khalil's step Dad was with all respect One Bad Azz Dude. I will never
forget the first time my friend Will introduced me to Khalil. Khalil gave
me a tour of his Dad's Ginormous garage. Just to paint a picture 11-12
sportbikes, 3 of which were turbocharged and one '78 Honda six-cylinder CBX.
Motorcycle fairings and exhaust manifolds hanging from the ceiling. Then the
automobiles. His step dad had 4 Porsche 914's, 3 of them had high HP Chevy
350's dropped in (and they were FAST). They had a few other Porsche 928's
(maybe the reason he was reppin the #928) Khalil and his Dad were like mad
scientists. Khalil would say "open that drawer" and I pull the drawer open
to reveal half a dozen turbochargers. It was a full blow shop.
I mean Khalil's cats and dogs were named Turbo, Nitrous & Boost!
Khalil went with me to Austin, Texas when I bought a 500whp '95 Nissan 240sx
that would run 10 sec passes easy. After purchasing and a # of dyno passes
we stayed at a friend’s house in Austin. Khalil, Will and I could not sleep
at all. We kept taking the car out and just looking for people to race us.
Khalil was a graduate of UF and a part of Formula SAE. He was President of
the club in 2005 and shared a lot of the driving duties.
http://grand-am.staging.racersites.com/news/index.cfm?series=k&cid=8368
I know he was a Huge Surfing Enthusiast & a good surfer as well.
What can I say? I was so lucky to know Khalil. He was doing amazing things
with his life. Obviously his Girlfriend would know best (It's been a few
month's since I've spoke with him). I hope I won't offend posting this. I
just felt like reminiscing & sharing w/ people what a real class act stand
up guy Khalil is.
-Bill
As soon as I saw those pictures above, I remembered two different
interactions with Khalil. The first was after the rider's meeting the day of
Claude's accident. I asked him if, as a novice, these types of situations
dissuade him at all from racing? He smiled and said not one bit. We went on
to have about a 10 minute conversation and he was very excited to be out at
the track and racing.
My second interaction with Khalil was the last race weekend at PR. I believe
it was during the novice race. He went down with another rider in the bust
stop. We were over there picking up his bike and camera bits and as I was
walking past him while the paramedics were asking him the questions (Where
are you? What day is it, etc) they asked him what he was doing and his reply
was "I'm f***in' racing!!!" with a shit eating grin on his face. It was
classic and another example of how enthusiastic he was about this sport.
RIP Khalil.
-Lisarips
This just kills me. I’m speechless. I wish I could do this last weekend over
for so many reasons!
I was the rider that was involved in the crash @ PR with Kahlil in the
bus stop. Never met a nicer guy to run into literally! We talked about
the incident like 2 veteran racers would with no one pointing fingers or
placing blame. I was looking forward to seeing him again and racing with
him. Although our interactions were brief I hope there are more people like
you involved in this sport. U will be missed!
-Peter N Drott
I got to meet Khalil this year through novice racing and he made a lasting,
positive impression on me. It is tragic to see someone so full of life go so
early but I take comfort in knowing he went out doing what he loved. Rest in
peace Khalil.
-Dave Stubbs
Khalil was a wonderful person. I knew him through the novice program and
immediately became friends. I would pit with him every time. He was the type
of person who you can't not like. This is a huge loss. My heart goes out to
his family
-dbrockett
Even though I only talked with him once in the pits Khalil seemed like a
real stand up guy. Round 1 this year at lunch I was wondering through the
pits and he waved me over just to tell me thanks for being a corner worker
and offered me a drink. You will be missed...sorry I didn't make it back for
some bs'n.
RIP #928. Salute
-CpjMech
Erin, I was pitted next to you and Khalil at the last round (round 4 at
PR) and although I was racing with Khalil when he went down in the bus-
stop, I was told by my pit mates how worried you were for him - totally
understandable when you see things like that happen right in front of you.
I made a point to come over and see how he was doing and how his bike
made out. Besides the NRS we attended, it was the first time I'd had a
chance to speak to Khalil. From that brief conversation I could tell he was
determined, driven, and passionate about racing. He was also quite calm and
level-headed about the whole ordeal and I can't say I would have been the
same. He was mature beyond his years.
Best wishes going forward, thanks for posting here and updating us all. I
personally won't be able to attend any of his services but my thoughts will
be on Khalil every time I throw a leg over my race bike.
-young lion
I just wanted to share a couple of pics I had on my computer from the NRS.
They pretty much show how it was all season, Khalil in front of me. The
last race at PR on Sunday he was gridded behind me and I got a fairly decent
start, was feeling pretty good about myself until Khalil ripped by me on the
brakes going into 3. And I mean ripped, I felt like I was standing still. I
actually let out a laugh inside my helmet. When I think of Khalil, it’s that
moment I think about. Brings a smile to my face.
-richmeyer
Khalil, Rich, and I became pretty good buddies over the season, we seemed to
pit, start, and hang out with each other every chance we could. No matter
what was going on he made people smile. I remember crashing and destroying
my bike, coming to the pit to find out he had wrecked after the restart from
my crash...and no more than 5 minutes after checking to make sure we were ok
we were back to laughing and bs'ing. He lightened any situation
-dbrockett
Your notes overwhelm my heart. Khalil would call his dad and talk for hours
everyday about his bike, what he wanted to do to the bike, how can he go
faster and do better, get to the front and stay in the front. I didn't want
to know when he was riding but ask him to call me when he finished. So
every Sunday on his way home he would call tell me he's fine which wasn't
always true but he knew my fear and wanted to reassure me everything was
good. I knew he was on the track Sunday he had called his dad Saturday
and walked him through every second of his day. When the call came in my
world shattered, my heart is forever broken and there are no words. Reading
this thread brings me comfort and his dad I thank his racing family for
everything you've done.
#928 (Khalil’s) Mom
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