Dan passed away this weekend while racing with his friends in the Vet class.
Dan raced almost every race this year along side his brother Devin and best friend Gary Prentice. If you raced with Dan or would just like to express your sympathy send an email to Paul Buckley and I'll try to get as many messages posted here as possible.

SOUTHWICK—Daniel J. Arnold, 36, of 33 Congamond Road, died Sunday, June 15, 2008 in Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine from injuries he received in a motorcycle accident while participating in a Motocross race event. Dan was born in Springfield, April 18, 1972 and had lived most of his life in Southwick. He was a 1990 graduate of Southwick Tolland Regional High School, and the Motorcycle Mechanic Institute of Florida and Arizona. Dan was a member of the Knox Trail Riders, NESC & NEMX Racing Circuit, and the American Motorcycle Association. He was also a volunteer fireman for the town of Tolland. Dan is survived by his mother, Diane Arnold of Southwick, step-father John Arnold of Southwick, his father John F. Hupfer of Rockmart, Ga., a brother Devon Arnold and his wife Meghan of Southwick, a sister Jenelle Barna and her husband Stephen of Southwick, a niece Sara Lynn Sears, daughter of Jenelle Barnes, his maternal grandmother Eunice Eckenrod of Southwick, and his fiancée Kate Gonyer of Southwick. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, & cousins. Funeral services for Dan will be held Friday, June 20, 2008 at 12 noon at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Thursday, June 19, 2008 from 4—8 pm.

The Arnold family will make a decision tomorrow about where to send donations in lieu of flowers.

Here are some thoughts from Dan's friends

I just wanted to send out my thoughts and prayers to his family, girlfriend and his friend Gary. I also wanted to share my experiences with Dan. I met Dan last year at Hemonds. As soon as i met him i knew he was an all around great guy. He never frowned, always smiled. No matter who you were or how good you were Dan recognized you and made you feel like you belonged. I recall some of the races when they double gated us with his class and how he would yell at me as i passed him.
I can say that i was very fortunate to see and be parked next to Dan up at Hemonds this past weekend. I remember he pulled in late Fri Night as i was setting up my pit site. We talked about how we were parked in the same place at last years events. Before he went out for his race on sat we talked about his sweet outdoor shower thing that looked like a rocket and how we talked about the his black trailer, that was well known at the races. He was just all around great guy who loved motocross.
I am very fortunate to have known Dan and have his bright personality around when i would see him. Its amazing how fast things can change and affect you. I want to send my prayers and support to his family, girlfriend, his friend Gary and also Colton. Stay Strong

RIP Dan #72

Your Friend
Bryant Guerin #43

I would just like to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to Dan's family and friends. I can only hope that he's in a better place now, and that his family finds peace knowing that he died doing something that he loved. Godspeed

Mark and Elissa Wolverton
Vet #74

Dan was just a great all around guy, always with a friendly smile and wishing you good luck on the starting line. We send our condolences to his family, God speed Dan.
The Deane family

My family would like to extend our deepest sympathy. This is truly an awful tragedy to have happen to anyone. We did not know Dan personally but once you join an organization, whether it be NESC, NEMA, NEMX, you all become one big family. Everyone helps each other out whether you know them or not. I can't even imagine what his family must be going through and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

The Manchester Family -
David, Darlene, Josh - #46, and Scott - #320y

First I would like to send my sincerest condolences to Dan's Family and friend Gary through this hard time.
I also would like to share my personal experiences with Dan in the past years. I first met Dan at the 2006 NERC, I remember him being a fierce and dedicated competitor. I then raced with Dan for the championship at Mototown that following winter. This is when we really became friends. I loved his excitement on the line hitting his helmet with his hands and yelling to the gate master trying to get excited for the oncoming race. I have to say psyching out the competition. I remember hanging out with him in between the races and how he shared his passion for racing as I did. We teased each other letting the air out of each others tires to try to slow down the competition. I remember him inviting me to his track to practice and just thinking how generous he was for making the offer after such a short time knowing him. I had one of my most memorable races to date with Dan at Mototown where we swapped positions a few times,  we rode within feet the entire race and the last corner at the finish line jump we were side by side for a photo finish. I was sad to learn at the 2007 NERC that we would not be racing together because I had moved up to the B class but we made sure that before and after the races we edged each other on and supported each other. Although we raced different organizations I still felt a bond with him as one of the greatest people I have met in this sport we call motocross. God speed Dan and you will be missed.
Jason Bourgoin #251

I met Dan last year when I started racing late in the year after not racing for 11 years. From the start Dan and I were battling for first or second place, (most times.) LOL! We became great friends and raced clean together. I remember him yelling at me some how during racing when I passed him, or he passed me, I would be all stiff and not wanting to yell back at or look at him figuring I would crash, I don’t know how he could concentrate and yell at me at the same time, but I always Knew when it was Dan! He just seemed to have fun doing everything. Always, after the race day was complete, he would stop by my bus; have a beer and B/S about the ride. Sometimes that was better than racing as we were so excited about the race and what transpired we could not stop talking about it! After that season, he was promoted to amateur class. I told him after the first ½ of the 08 season I would hopefully have enough points to make the move up and again have many battles with him. Unfortunately the second race I went over the bars during practice and broke my collar bone in 6 places. I told Dan that we would have to wait to race together next year. This sport is very dangerous and can bite anyone anytime. After that I still would go to the races to watch everyone. I expressed to Dan and a many others to be safe but have fun. You don’t realize what being healthy really means until you can’t ride, exercise, or take care of your off spring. I still find it hard to believe this has happened to Dan, and has left me dazed, filled with sorrow and wondering whether to ride again. It is fun, but you need to realize how much we all mean to someone else, and it takes something like this empty feeling. I and many other people are feeling, now, to wake up. I will keep Dan, friends and the family in my thoughts and prayers.

PS Dan I hope you are riding high, We’ll ride again someday.

Stefan Zurowski # 48

Our deepest, and most heartfelt sympathies got out to the entire Arnold Family ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with them ~
The Tomaszek Family
Ed, Karen & Eddie # 408

My Family and I Would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Dan's family, fiancee and friends. We did not know Dan personally , but when the racing community suffers a loss we all feel saddened. Again our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
John and Heather Tomkiewicz & Family.
#79vet

Dan was a member of the Knox Trailriders and contributed a great deal to the sport as Trail Boss of numerous Hare Scrambles and Junior Enduro's. He was a great guy and will be deeply missed. - Paige LaLiberte, President - Knox Trailriders

I want to extend my deepest thoughts and prayers to the entire arnold family and Kate. For when I found out about this shocking news it was, almost like unbelievable, for he was such an avid and professional rider. As all knew him for his always smiling grin and willingness to help all and anyone no matter what their problem was. I know of no one who could compare to the type of person he truly was, friendly, funny, caring, helpful, cheerful, stylish, and always out going to the hilt for the younger and up coming riders. For this type of person you don’t come across everyday, maybe not again for along time to come. All tho I didn’t have the opportunity to race side by side with him in motocross, I did have the opportunity to know him and laugh with him over a good game of pool and a cold beer at a local watering hole. For he will be sincerely missed by all of his good buddies, young and old alike....God speed danny, until we meet again...
An old good friend
Doug White

I met Dan last year, which was my first year racing. Dan was the man to beat. If I was close to him, I knew that I was doing alright. I immediately respected Dan by the way he welcomed an old "new guy" and by his tenacity on the track. We had some good battles, especially at the 2007 NERC. I knew the racing was going to be tough if Dan was there, but I was happy to see him every time. I was with Dan last week at Hemmonds waiting for our numbers to be called. We were just shooting the breeze. It was a perfect day. In an instant our live were changed. I will miss Dan Arnold.

Tom O'Keefe #194

Motocross lost one its greatest brothers when the world lost Danny. He was one of the nicest guys you could ever want to deal with. I dealt with him alot between him coming into Popolis for all of his parts and in riding with him at the infamous Snakepit. Not many people would open their home and land to support a track for people to enjoy but Dan was a different kind of guy. He saw a need for a place to ride for his friends and family and made it happen with alot of hard work from him and all of his friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and anyone who got to meet him. You will be missed.
Justin Carlson #129
& the whole Popolis crew

My mom & I send our deepest and most sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Dan Arnold. We all know the risks involved in this 'racin thing' we do. NESC is a family and this makes real an inner fear we bury so well as we pull into the pits each weekend. Though we did not personally know Dan, we know the bike and # and have watched him ride. May God open his arms to Dan as he rides through his final checkers.

Cody Williams #102

On behalf of the Ciancio family, I would like to express our most heartfelt sympathies to the Arnold Family and his fiancée on the tragic loss of Dan. Like others have said, we may not have known him personally but when you are involved in motocross you adopt a new family as everyone is there to help you no matter what the situation may be. That being said, our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and may they find strength in knowing that he was with family when this tragedy happened. Rest In Peace Dan and may your days of racing continue above with many checkered flags.

Mike #80, Lisa, Dave and Louise Ciancio

Our prayers to Dan and his family he's riding in heaven now GOD BLESS #73 Mark H.

First of all I would like to send my most sincere sympathy to Kate, the family, and close friends, of Dan. I speak these words first as a member of the Town of Southwick where I had the pleasure to see Dan grow up over the years from a young high school student to become a young man our community could be proud of. I saw how he, his brother and other close friends were trying to give back to the community by giving our young motocross riders a place to ride. For these efforts we as a community should all be thank full of the efforts he made to make a difference and to give thanks that we had the opportunity to know him.
Sgt. Kevin Bishop
Southwick Police
Secondly I would like to share my sorrows with Kate, the family and close friends of Dan, as a fellow rider with Dan in the N.E.S.C. organization. Dan and I did battle a few times’ on different tracks over the past two years and he was always a gracious winner when he would beat me (which was always). He always was willing to help any fellow riders and to always offer words of encouragement. I had the pleasure to share a few words with Dan Saturday morning at Hemmonds MX Park and at the conclusion of our conversation we shook hands and wished each other a good day of racing. As Dan turned and started to walk away he flashed that big smile that he always had on race day and that is the last memory I wil l have of Dan, him smiling and walking away to do something he loved doing. Motocross Racing.
Dan continue to ride hard and fast and I hope to ride with you again someday.
Kevin Bishop #164VET

Like everyone else, I first want to send my deepest and sincere wishes and prayers to the Arnold family and Dan's closest friends. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. Dan was a one of a kind person. He was always smiling and willing to help others. I raced against Dan in the vet class and he almost always flew right by me. When we were not in the same class he would always rout me on. I was right behind Dan when he went down on Saturday and I can't imagine getting that vision out of my head. Dan was obviously doing something he loved very much and he did it better than most of us. I can only hope that he's in a better place now and that we'll someday ride against each other again. My guess is that he would beat me then too. This is a tragic loss for all of us in NESC, but none of us can imagine what the family is going through. Stay strong knowing that Dan was a great guy and that he'll be rewarded for that. God bless to all of you.

Sincerely,

Bill Leombruno
# 651 Vet B Rider

I would like to express my most sincere condolences to Dan's family, fiancée and friends. I can only imagine your overwhelming sense of loss and grief. Although I didn't know Dan (and I think I can speak for most of us) - we are one, large Motocross family and we share in your sorrow.

It is my understanding that Dan and his family gave the ultimate gift. They donated his organs. This has very special meaning for me.
I am the mother of a 17 year-old son who races motocross. Vincent was born with liver disease. His ONLY chance for long term survival was a liver transplant. When he was two years old - the call came in the middle of the night that would change our lives forever - a liver was available for him. The generous gift of young parents who lost their 3-year old in a car accident.

For the recipients of Dan's gift - they now have a chance at life - a chance they might never had have, if it wasn't for Dan. His spirit will live on through the person who now has a heart that beats strong, the person who received his kidney's and no longer needs dialysis and maybe someone like Vincent, who received a liver and dreams of racing motocross someday.......

Dan - you will never be forgotten.

Laura Anderson
Vincent Grasso's Mom
NEMA Rider #615
125C Over

Our deepest sympathy goes to Dan's family, Diane, John, Dev, and Jennelle. He will be missed by all. I met Arnie about 13 years ago, as a business owner in the Town of Southwick. I've watched him race, in awe of his accomplishments on the track . My wife and I would stop by their trailer before most races to wish them luck and B.S. about the races. I will never forget the site of Arnie, as he raced up the hill at 338 after the finish line, always sporting a huge smile, whether he won the race or came in 10th. Thing just won't be the same with-out him.

Sadly missed by,
Robert Slate
Wiona Slate
Robert Slate Jr. #789y
Mike Robare

I met Dan in the spring time at my first race and he told me I was doing good that I needed more riding time so I took his advice and did so, so me and some of my friends went to his track in Southwick Mass he gave me a chance to learn how to ride Dan always came up to me at Southwick and said good luck to me. I did not know many others there other then Dan and my friends I met him by my friend Stefan Zurowski they both r true friends. I am so sad cause of this I am taking time away from racing now so I can deal with the pain of this well Dan ur with me in my prayers and I hope to see u one day again.
Thanks,
Ron Surrell #48

I am having a hard time finding words to express my sympathy for Devon, Kate and the rest of the Arnold family. Dan was a brother to every motocrosser in New England. Who didn't smile whenever you saw that mechanics shirt and broom headed your way to sweep your gate. As everyone has said, Dan always had kind words and he had a way about him that was always laid back and relaxed. Dan will be missed by everyone.
See you at the start gate in the clouds Arnie.
Jessica Bishop #164

I would like to extend deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dan. I never had the pleasure of meeting Dan, but we are all Brothers. I know you are now in a better place. May God Bless You.
Mark Uvanni
NCSC #129 Vet

I met Dan once last season at my only race that year. It was before the 2nd moto at Southwick 338 under the pavilion, waiting for our turn to gate. The amazing thing is I can say from this brief encounter that all the good things I just read about Dan from the people who knew him well is spot on what I remember about him. Because of other obligations I hadn’t raced for over a year. We talked about racing and he also mentioned his track. Having a friendly competitor like that can make all the difference at races, and it did on that day. I would like to give my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Walter Zygmunt
NESC # 34

To the Arnold family, my deepest regrets for losing a great son, fiancee & friend. My time with dan was great! I traveled with dan frequently and raced with him. He was always happy! I'll miss him and remember him always. May he rest in peace, your freind Dan Theroux # 820 [the big dummy} The Theroux Family

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Dan's family and friends for this tragic loss. I first met Dan last year, we raced in the same class. He was often the man to beat. Always gracious, always a competitor. Dan, we will miss you.
NESC #179, J. Barrett

To the Arnold family and Kate our deepest sympathies. Dan was a great friend, outgoing and always made us feel welcome. I will truly miss his beautiful smiles. Dan will forever be an idol to the little guys, and in our minds we truly believe will be with us as our racing angel. Rest in Peace Dan
Love the Straut Family Nathan #55 30+B, Michelle, Maisie & Jack (Wilbraham, MA)

My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Arnold family for their great loss. I first met Dan at the Mx of Nations last year. We had a great time! I’ll never forget how much he made us laugh that last day there. Out of all the great memories I left there with, the ones with Dan will always stand out. I will always remember the times I would see Dan hanging over the fence cheering me on at my races. He always had a smile and a thumbs up for me no matter how I did. I will miss his support and friendship. I will never forget him.

Mike (#610), Pepsi and Gail Pelletier

I need to send my deepest sympathy to Devon and the entire Arnold family, as well as Gary and all of Dan's friends. I've read that obituary 50 times and still don't want to believe it's true. I've been depressed for two weeks over this. I really feel for Bill for having had to witness such a tragic crash. I want to thank Paul for putting up this message board, it's really helping me to deal. Laura's post helped me immensely. I only knew Dan for about a year, but it only took a minute to realize he was solid. I've been racing on and off since 1991 (yes I'm aware I'm still a novice) and of all my years racing, 2007 was the best without question. There's something about vet class racing that brings an extra degree of camaraderie to the sport. Last years 30C championship was the best. We were all friends. Dan won every week, while Stefan, Ron, Jeff, Tommy Okeefe, Santa Luce, Parm, Bourgoin(early on),The Team Justice boys, and Myself battled for 2-10. Every
guy you passed was your friend, and when you got passed your buddy would yell over at you. It was the most fun I've ever had racing. I remember at the NERC ,Tommy O'keefe ripped the holeshot first moto with me on his rear wheel in second. Instead of thinking "hey good start!" I'm like "sh*t!, where's Arnold?" (I've never been mentally strong racing,haha). Needless to say, Dan was by me before we reached the table to bump. Worst part is, little bro Devon beat me every week in the 250C. I couldn't do anything last year but chase an Arnold. I was happy to see a good portion of these posts are the guys I named above. It showed me they felt the same way about last years good times. I'm upset I broke my ankle in April and didn't get to a chance to hang out with Dan a little more this year. I think we'll all appreciate each others company at the races a little more now because of Dan. We won't forget you Dan! Dave Smith # 943