March 28, 2016: [Updated August 5, 2016]
We just learned this today, a tragic loss to our racing community and all of us that knew him. Mark was from North Bend, WA.
I wonder how many times he sent us safely down the 1320 at Pacific Raceways over the years…
Please feel free to add your heartfelt comments at the bottom of the page honoring Mark Lyle, they will remain here with this tribute to our fallen friend – Edwards & Young Racing
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NHRA Chief Starter Mark Lyle Passes – NHRA – March 28, 2016
Pacific Raceways Remembers Mark Lyle – March 28, 2016
NHRA Chief Starter Mark Lyle Passes While Vacationing With Family In Mexico – Was Attempting To Rescue Friend – Bangshift.com – March 28, 2016
Mark Lyle Never Had ‘A Bad Day At The Office’ – CompetitionPlus – March 29, 2016
“…’From the time Mark came on the scene to be our official starter, he gave his whole heart to it.’ Enders said. ‘He was extremely passionate about what he did. It’s one thing to love your job, but it’s another to go the extra mile to make sure the racers, the crew chiefs and the crew members know they’re cared about. He always took the time to send a note or a text message or come by and talk, and that goes to show what kind of person he was. He literally built a relationship with every person at the track and that speaks volumes of his character’…”
Mark Lyle – NHRA photo
Mark Raymond Lyle
March 26, 1957 – March 27, 2016
Mark Raymond Lyle Mark Raymond Lyle was born March 26, 1957, and died unexpectedly March 27, 2016, while vacationing in Mexico. He grew up in Montesano, Washington, then moved to Redmond, Washington, where he met and married Marcia Hill. They raised their three beautiful children in North Bend, Washington. Mark’s career revolved around his passion for cars and horsepower. He owned CJ Auto Parts in Renton for 18 years, then managed Kenworth Northwest for five years. In 2000, Mark joined Pacific Raceways as a track starter and worked his way up to NHRA Division 6 certification team starter. In 2012, Mark was named the official chief starter for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. He was only the third person in the sport’s 61-year history to earn this prestigious national position. It was his dream job! Mark is survived by his loving wife, Marcia; his children, Kim (Rob) Webster, Cari (fianc‚ Mike Murray), Lyle and Chris (Candace) Lyle; his mother, Pat Leslie; his brothers, Ken Lyle, Jim Leslie, Bob Leslie and Tom Leslie; five grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews. There will be a private family memorial, and Pacific Raceways will host a big celebration August 5-7 during the 2016 NHRA Northwest Nationals. – Published in The Olympian on Apr. 14, 2016
The crew at Pacific Raceways honors Mark Lyle on March 29, 2016
The crew at Pacific Raceways honors Mark Lyle on March 29, 2016
March 30, 2016:
My humble attempt at a tribute for Mark Lyle. Photos captured from the Internet
For Mark’s family, the entire crew at Pacific Raceways, and all our fellow racers that knew Mark… Roger Young, Edwards & Young
I found this wonderful tribute to Mark on YouTube:
NHRA Tribute at The Strip:
Better days:
Lyle named official NHRA chief starter – NHRA – February 1, 2012
Chris captured Mark in 2014 at Pacific Raceways during the Northwest Nationals
Mark Lyle sending Chris down the strip in 2011…
NHRA STARTER LYLE REMEMBERED AT PACIFIC RACEWAYS by Susan Wade – August 5, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers for Mark’s family and all his many friends.
Needless to say, Mark was a GREAT starter and shared his knowledge with many of those working the starting lines today. I know many working the strip at Pacific Raceways consider Mark their mentor and they work their butts off giving us a great track every weekend. Much of that knowledge came from Mark.