Ed Key, finest kind

[spyderchick]

Roger and I have been busy with work and family lately, so we were unable to attend the Midwest Banquet on Saturday. This morning I received a sad and touching email from Ed Key letting us know he's retiring from roadracing. I was a bit surprised not to see anytthing here this morning, so here goes.

You know a true racer when you meet one, a racer who has fuel for blood and pistons in his heart. Ed was this kind of racer. However, he was also more, as he was thoughful about his racing as well.

Roger and I knew of Ed in the 80's when Roger's best friend, Kurt Horvath got into competing in CCS events. We'd head out to a corner and you would hear Ed's name called out as dicing for position and many times winning the race. Over the years, this became expected.

We eventually stopped coming to races. Kurt was busy and racing was expensive, we really didn't know too many other people racing at the time, and we had a daughter to raise.

Fast forward 15 years to the late 90s. We decide to start coming out to CCS events at Blackhawk Farms again. Kurt wanted to get back in to racing, so we did a little spectating, hung out for the Wegman Benefit auction a few years running (Yo! Gordy!) and generally had a good time wishing we could be out there. Of course, we still heard Ed's name being called out on the loudspeaker.

One night Roger was going through some old photos from way back when, and saw a nice pic he had of Ed Key. Next time we were at the track, we sought him out and Roger explained that when Kurt was racing, Roger would take pix, (old school film, for you youngin's). He would lead a few riders and snap a few shots so he would be ready when Kurt came through the corner, which is exactly how he got such nice photos of Ed.

And the rest is history. We went from fans to friends over night. Ed always had a great story, insight on what he was working on, and free advice, if you knew the right questions to ask. ;) When I got my license, Ed was always patient and respectful, (although I think he was secretly shaking his head as to what I was doing out there...LOL) Rhiannon and Roger got thier licenses and both notched some wins. Throug it all Ed was cheering for us, and basically being Ed.

In my business, you meet a lot of people, I know low people in high places and high people in low places, but my favorite person through all the years, the first pit we would visit on getting to the track, without fail, was always Ed's pit. Just knowing he was there made it 'right' and as it should be. Going to the track will never be the same, as my compass will be broken without Ed at the track.

Ed, we love you, and Roger Rhiannon and I will always be honored to count you as our friend. We owe you a drink, (or several) for all the good times. I fully expect you to hold us to that!

[flyboy75]

Awesome post!!!

[roadracer162]

Thank you for sharing it all

[Shipley81]

Awesome post, and a seemingly fitting tribute.

[jigs]

I'm still in shock,having been at the Banquet to hear his speech...most of us weren't really prepared and probably still in a little shock and denial...a career like that,and the staying power will never be seen again...there is only one Ed Key....and if it weren't for the hand,he'd be good for another 5 years at least....this probably won't seem real until the first event.....living legend,part of the landscape...I'm sure he's given it alot of thought..but,I hope things change...

[Jeff]

Ed was always a staple in CCS for me.  A true icon of the sport.  Few people will ever achieve what he did, and I wonder if any who do could do it with as much grace, style and charm as he did.

It was an honor to have raced with you Ed.

[barb_arah]

When I first started dating Ed, he would go racing on the weekends, and I would be home wondering what in the world is this racing thing about.  Eventually, I told him I wanted to go along to check it out. I remember thinking that first time, I am not too sure about this, so I asked if I could go again, as I needed to see more of this sport, before I could make a final decision.  Let's just say, after 35 years, of contemplating Ed's racing, I have decided he is amazing!  He maked racing look so effortless.  He is my hero and I am so proud to be his wife.

[ScubaSteve]

Sad to hear this! Glad I was able to race against "the man" on a SV! Our battle at Race of Champions at Homestead in 04 was the best race I had been in and still talked about down here today!
Best of luck in the future Ed!

[SV88]

Ed is definately an icon and a class act (appart from his fashion sense..lol) on & off the track.  I didn't learn much frm him on the track because i'd see him for a couple of corners @ the most as he lapped me.  He will be missed & again ,showed a lot of class & humility in deciding to hang it up @ this time.

Best wishes to a stellar racer but more importantly to a great person!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Wont be the same in lightweight races without seeing his "pajamas" running around out there.

[twilkinson3]

Like jigs I'm still a bit in shock...you get  to expect certain people at the races and Ed was a fixture....one most of us lightweight guys measured ourselves against....going to feel weird to not have him there tutoring us as he whipped around the track...

I said it at hte banquet that night but for the world at large - I've learned more from Ed in one lap at BFR than I did the whole rest of the year...truely going to miss you Ed

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

I'm glad to have been able to see Ed racing for many years now - Ed's a great guy, great competitor, and always enjoyable to talk with. It will certainly be strange not seeing Ed racing and hearing his name constantly spoken over the PA at Midwest Region events anymore.

Best of luck with what ever you choose to do in the future Ed!