The gearhead community has lost a dear friend.

Mark Adelizzi, the driving force behind the Flatout Gaskets brand, has passed away following a brave battle with a lengthy illness. Details are few at this time, but the love and admiration of his friends aren’t.

“My heart is broken,” said CompetitionPlus.com Editor Bobby Bennett. “Mark was a man’s man. He was your dear friend, who truly always cared about you. He showed his love in his words and encouragement, and very rarely was there ever a time when he wasn’t making some special trinket for his friends.”

“I’ve been numb since this morning when I found out,” Terry McMillen said. “Mark and I go way back. Over the years, what started as a small gasket sponsorship, grew into a one of a kind friendship. He believed in me, and he believed in every member of my team.

“The encouraging words he would text us every race weekend will stick with me for the rest of my career. Mark, you may be gone from this earth, but you will be with me every time I hit the gas! We are gonna miss you like crazy brother.”

From the team at CompetitionPlus.com we would like to say, “Thank you, Mark. This world was a better place because you were in it. Rest in peace, brother.”