Racing Legend H.C. Pritchard Passes Away

Friends,It saddens me to learn that driver H.C. Pritchard, from Sumter, So. Carolina, passed away today. I'll post more info about him tomorrow, after it's released in the Sumter Daily Item. I ask that you keep Miss Annie, Little Harry, Myron and the rest of the Pritchard family in your prayers.Mark Osborne
updated by @mark-osborne: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM

I would like to share a quote from today's Sumpter paper. "He was often heard saying his greatest enjoyment in racing came each week after the race was over and he would offer rides around the track to all the children in the grandstands, making sure everyone had the chance to ride in a real racecar."As a child i was fortunate enough to be one of these kids. His brother, Russell my late father use to take me to the track when we were in town. The memories of getting to ride around the track after a race and playing around his garage where i would climb in and out of the cars pretending to be a race car driver are one of my most cherished child hood memories.Liza & I extend condolences to the entire Pritchard family. All those who knew him will certainly miss him.Sincerely,J. Russell Pritchard Jr.

Russ,One of my favorite paintings I did while writing my book was of H.C. and Charlton McLeod giving after-race rides to the kids. I'm not old enough as this group of kids were, however, I was when H.C. was driving his '55 Chevy.Mark

Mark,At the recent service for my uncle H.C. I had the opportunity to meet your uncle Hugh. I don't think i've been to a more appropriate service for a man which i admired from my early childhood. Your uncle Hugh shared a few stories of he and my late father back in the day around the track and off. He thought you might be aware of any sites or other means that pictures from this era of racing might be viewable? Specificaly looking for those of my uncle and father. Picked up your book as i was checking out of hotel onBroad there in Sumter. Look foward to reading it shortly.Best,Russ