Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

The author re-emphasizes the special relationship Pre had with his fans from Eugene, Oregon and other places in Oregon. He had rock-star-level popularity and never forgot from where he came. The author quotes several acquaintances of Pre's and their brief remembrances of him. Pre is characterized as a kind, honest, focused man. He helped his community and talked to people like a human being and not like a celebrity. He liked to work with his hands, as evidenced by the garden he grew in the backyard and the sauna he built in his garage. He cared about women's track and followed it closely. He took his dog to class and drank beers like a regular guy. But, everyone agreed, his races were far from regular. They had a unique ability to electrify an audience.