Retired veteran Toronto Sun reporter Dean McNulty died Monday after a battle with leukemia. He was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in January after a career covering motorsports.
NTT IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe, an Oakville, Canada native, said he won't soon forget the passionate reporter.
"Dean was a staple in the Canadian Motorsports world for as long as I can remember. I loved reading his articles on the sport at a time when I was following racing more than I was competing in it," Hinchcliffe said. "When Dean started following my career it was a huge help, as he had the ear of the racing world. No doubt he played a part in getting my name out there to the people that helped me get to where I am.
"On top of the passion for racing and the journalistic ability, though, Dean was a great human being. He got to know my family and was genuinely interested in how everyone was doing each time I saw him. My favourite memories of Dean will always be the impassioned conversations on various racing topics we’d have once he clicked off the recorder! It’s a sad day for racing fans everywhere, especially back home."
INDYCAR President Jay Frye echoed the sentiment on behalf of the industry, praising McNulty's sharp coverage.
“The INDYCAR community is deeply saddened by the loss of Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame journalist Dean McNulty following his courageous battle with leukemia. Dean was a cornerstone for acclaimed motorsports coverage throughout his tenure at the Toronto Sun, providing his readers with keen insight into the sport and keeping them informed on the careers of the country’s racing talent. He will be missed, but his contributions to motorsports will be forever lasting.”