Personally, T.E. was a friend. Getting to chat with him--even for a few minutes--was always a highlight of the weekend.
© 2018 Michael L. Levitt
All sports have their anchors–those who simply make things happen while, at the same time, always seem to have a moment for some comforting conversation.
For Honda motorsports–club racing to Indy–that was T.E. McHale. You needed something, whether it was a contact, some budget or just a genuine hello? You went to T.E.
Thomas Eugene McHale, Honda’s recently retired, longtime manager of motorsports communication, passed away on Monday, December 20, from colon cancer. He was 68.
An example of his generosity–and when he could have just simply said no. During the evening of the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, we ran into him in the media center. So, we asked, if you’re totally bored this evening, would you be be interested in talking to our midnight tour?
Despite everything else on his plate that evening–never mind sleeping plus a Penske-run entry contending for the lead–he strolled in on time, took a seat at the front of the house, and answered our guests’ questions.
And, of course, he did so with a smile, grace and warmth.
T.E. McHale, second from right at the front of the room, welcomed our guests to the 2020 Grassroots Motorsports Midnight Tour at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Photography Credit: Chris Tropea
Personally, T.E. was a friend. Getting to chat with him--even for a few minutes--was always a highlight of the weekend.
Bet he was glad he got to see Honda win F1 one last time! Sorry to hear about his passing.
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