LETTER OF THE WEEKFor his winning letter, Bob Ross wins a fantastic IRWIN JACK EVO handsaw. Get to work Bob!The all new IRWIN JACK EVO handsaw looks and performs like no other. The unique design will help cut through virtually any building material quickly and comfortably. Available at Bunnings and all good hardware stores nationally.RICHARDS REMEMBEREDI FIRST met Jason Richards face-to-face at the Homebush V8 Supercar event in Sydney in December of 2009.Only a matter of weeks previously, he had stood on the podium at the Bathurst 1000 celebrating a great second-place success.After autographing a photo, we had quick chat during which I said: “You only have to improve that result by one OF ANY place next time."This prompted a big happy grin along with his reply in agreement.The enduring memory one has of any person is the last encounter and both fondly and sadly, this is mine of a nice-natured, friendly young person, a tremendous ambassador for the sport, and a top class competitor.I'm sure I speak not only for myself, but I feel certain for all motor racing fans and spectators that his untimely passing leaves everyone from four side of the fence' with the deepest feelings of great loss.Bob Ross Seven Hills, NSWED: The record books may not list Richards as a 'great' V8 racer, but he will be remembered as a great fighter and a great human and that's what matters.REQUESTING ROSSIHEY GUYS, love your mag ... But I was very, very disturbed that you didn't have Valentino Rossi in your Top 100 (AA1472).Vale has been an inspiration to a worldwide audience for most of his life. He is the absolute legend of motorcycling racing; the things this guy does on a motorcycle is like a God.Do this great man justice, and do a page on the legend that he is. Valentino, you are an inspiration, not just as a rider, but a great man!Jamie Brown EmailED: Jamie, the top 100 list was a reflection only on a racer's 2011 season, not on any past achievements. And by that measure, Rossi had a shocker last year. Let's hope this year is a better one for him. NUMBECRR UNCHREGARDING THE double page spread on 'PUB AMMO' (AA1472) ... Which rocket scientist from your office worked out the number of kilowatts/horsepower for useless fact number 22?I can only assume he had already been at the pub for several days and also that he cannot work an electric calculator, because no matter how many times I work it out on my abacus I still only come up with about 10 per cent plus of his total calculation. Perhaps it was the typist then, eh? Lucky I am on the ball.Still, thanks for a great year of motorsport coverage, and best wishes to all at your office.John Cross Sydney ED: John, we suck at maths. ENLIGHTENED READINGLAST OCTOBER, I went on a trip of a lifetime to Canada. Three-and-ahalf weeks of seeing one of the most amazing countries in the world. I had two things that I really wanted to do.One was to get a photo next to a Ford F350 Super Duty, which I accomplished, and the other one was to get the book by Michael Waltrip called In the Blink of an Eye: Daytona, Dale and the Day that Changed Everything. Now, after reading the books by Whincup, Skaife, and Lowndes, I was super keen to get my hands on this book, and I did. And it takes motorsport books to another level. It is a must have for any hardcore motorsport fan.After reading the book, I was inspired by Michael's story of how he won his first race at the Daytona 500, and mesmerised by the impact that Dale Earnhardt had on not only Michael, but the whole NASCAR community. I now know how much of a legend he is.But what I think is so sad is what is left of the empire Dale built. In 2001, when Michael won the 500 (after 462 starts!), Dale Earnhardt Incorporated in its three car operation was successfully running 1-2-3.ROB ROSS EmailMichael Waltrip in six races at Daytona with DEi finished no worse the fifth_ His racing workshop at Mooresville was the envy of all race teams. It was the NASCAR powerhouse.Michael Waltrip in six races at Daytona with DEi finished no worse the fifth_ His racing workshop at Mooresville was the envy of all race teams. It was the NASCAR powerhouse.Since 2005, DEi has been merged two times, first with Ginn Racing and then with Ganassi. His famous workshop, nicknamed 'The Garage Mahal', is now a museum. The once powerhouse of NASCAR has nearly become obsolete, a mere shadow of what it was.This makes me think of HRT. The former powerhouse of VB Supercars has had some tough seasons of late.They have lost their owner in Tom Walkinshaw, and the group just seems to have lost its way_And it would be devastating for HRT for be forced to merge with another team to secure its survival, and risk being a midfield team in the category.I don't think it will ever come to that, but let's hope this doesn't happen.I hope people will get Michael's book and read it; it is so worth it. And I really hope HRT picks up its act and gets back to the pointy end sooner than later.Andrew Johnson Brisbane, Qld SHAKEHANDS, GUYSI CAN'T help but think Kelly Racing is running a great risk of PR disaster by trying to grind their fleeing young gun Dave Reynolds into the ground.There comes a point sometimes, regardless of the paperwork, where you only get out what you put in, and the healthiest solution can be bitter medication sometimes, but short term taste versus the long term health should be a consideration of all involved.As Jason Richards' short life has shown everyone in the V8 world, we aren't all here forever, and good guys don't always finish last.Shake hands guys, wish each other good luck for 2012, and donate the lawyers' fees to a Cancer charity.Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away ..Darren McRae Email ED: Darren, couldn't agree more. And a nice idea about the lawyers' fees. Are you reading this, Rick and Todd?