Friend - Colleague - Race Fan: Amy Branch

Amy Dyan Branch 

April 21, 1975 - July 11, 2016

It is with great sorrow and an immense feeling of loss, Skirts and Scuffs shares the news of the passing of one of our own. Amy Dyan Branch of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma passed away Monday, July 11, 2016 at her home. Amy leaves her parents; her daughter, Katie; a sister, Kimberly; brother-in-law Steve; five nieces; two nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

"It's beyond heady, I don't think there are any words." That's how Amy Branch described her time at Kansas Speedway earlier this year. Acting as a media representative for Skirts and Scuffs, Amy had the opportunity to speak with several members of the NASCAR community. It was an experience she hoped to relive again and again.

Although only a member of Skirts and Scuffs for a short time, Amy impacted our lives in such a positive way. Her personality was bubbly and infectious. Her sarcasm and sense of humor made her lovable and down to earth. She fit right in with our group from day one. We were lucky to have her and honored to allow her the opportunity to share her love of racing via the site.

In addition to her weekly column Teardown Tuesday, Amy acted as a moderator for the NASCAR subreddit. Through the subreddit she made many friends and had the chance to share her love of racing with fans around the globe.  Behind closed doors Amy was a diehard Jimmie Johnson supporter and also took a liking to up and coming driver Matt DiBenedetto. Just recently, Amy traveled to Daytona International Speedway with friends and met her longtime favorite, Rusty Wallace. She was giddy over the experience.

The team at Skirts and Scuffs sends our condolences to the Branch family during this difficult time. Amy was a member of the S&S family, which makes her a sister forever. There is a private family memorial planned, as Amy requested that her ashes be scattered over the Pacific ocean at one of her favorite beaches in California. In lieu of flowers, Amy asked for donations to be sent to NIMH in her name. Anyone wishing to send their thoughts, prayers and memories to the Branch family can do so in the comments section below.