Rene Charland has Passed Away

I just got a message from RR member Brad Charland that his Grandfather, Rene Charland has passed away.

R.I.P. Rene. Condolences to friends and family. Now chewing that stogie at the Big Cigar Store in the Sky. Rene was one of the "Eastern Bandits" who came down to Richmond's Southside Speedway every Friday night along with Eddie Flemke, Denny Zimmerman and Red Foote from Connecticut and Massachusetts. My privilege to have watched that outstanding bunch of racers.

A nice write-up on Rene - "THE CHAMP" - at the vintagemodifieds.com web site:

http://www.vintagemodifieds.com/rene_charland/

Had the pleasure of watching him race a few times in the early 60's.... Always fast and good....

May he RIP......

Very sad news. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and to all the race fans who enjoyed Rene's career so much.