Neil Robert Breitenbach

Neil Robert Breitenbach passed away peacefully in his home with his wife by his side on Friday, March 11 in Tampa, FL, at the age of 52. He was born on August 16, 1969 in Toms River, NJ, to Robert and Eleanor Breitenbach, and grew up in Pensacola, FL. Neil had a successful career as a Telecom IT Enterprise Architect. He met his wife Darlene in San Francisco, CA and they married in October 2000.

Neil developed a passion for cars from a young age, and it grew into a passion for racing as soon as he could get behind the wheel. Other than testing the speed limits with his friends in high school, his first official taste for competing began with drag racing cars in Atlanta, GA. After a move to California he became one of the five original Camaro Mustang Challenge road racing series pioneers and was responsible for creating the logo which is still in use. Over the years, Neil also participated in top speed events, open road racing, and professional stock car racing. His racing allowed him to compete at some of his favorite tracks such as Sears Point Raceway and Daytona International Speedway.

Neil lived with metastatic breast cancer for 12 years and was a role model for living life to the fullest. A few years ago a good friend took him to the Andersen RacePark go-kart track in Palmetto, FL and he was instantly hooked on karting. As he got back into racing competition he also sponsored and mentored younger drivers and enjoyed watching their confidence and skills advance. He was well liked and admired at the track, always helping and encouraging with a positive outlook to share. Karting led Neil to accomplish a lifelong goal of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Another passion surpassed Neil’s love of racing. He founded NDB Motorsports as a way to use his racing platform to raise awareness and funding for new cancer research, early detection and health awareness. He partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and with mainstream media outlets, to spread his message as far as he could. His ultimate hope was to help at least one person live a longer life by learning of their diagnosis in an early stage.

When Neil wasn’t on the track he could often be found in his garage rebuilding and customizing classic cars and motorcycles. During the past four years that was usually done under the watchful eye of Neil’s faithful companion Tig, an apricot colored Cavapoo, who is aptly named after the TIG type of welding. Neil also enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends. Some of his favorite trips were to Hawaii, Germany and Switzerland, and Ireland. In his most recent trip to Ireland he competed in an international kart race representing TeamUSA. During a guys trip to the bourbon trail in Kentucky, Neil developed his taste for bourbon. He often enjoyed his bourbon on nights out with his wife listening to live music.

Neil is survived by his wife, Darlene Breitenbach; mother, Eleanor Breitenbach; sister, Dawn Stone; and 3 nieces and nephews and 2 great nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Breitenbach; and grandparents, George and Nettie Breitenbach and Forest and Sarah Margaret Fisher.

Neil, loved by many, will be greatly missed. A Celebration for Life is scheduled for March 26th at 5pm at Blount Curry Macdill, 605 S. Macdill Ave. The family will receive guests at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Breast Cancer Research Fund at https://give.bcrf.org/RacingforResearch.