moonlight machine
Diamond
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Location
- marysville ohio
I am sure most of you did not know him, Chuck Looper my friend and mentor died in his sleep Wednesday night. In all my years in racing he was the best fabricator I have ever known, He would help anyone, he taught me so much over the years. his welds were fantastic row of dimes perfect. A wealth of knowledge of metals, procedures and welding and of life in general. He had an incredible sense of humor and was always laughing about something. He worked on Dan Gurney's Eagle race cars in the 60's. You say you destroyed your race car? If you have an upright and a few magnesium bulkheads left he could build you a new car, beautiful aluminum tub with rows of rivets and parts that fit better than possible. Flawless aluminum wings and aerotube suspension parts. He was the man that had been there and done that. In the Team Rahal garage at Indianapolis after the Honda powered cars were too slow to qualify the team leased Penske Chevy cars. Roger Penske walks in the garage, sees Chuck and says "you guys brought out the big guns". He knew everyone who was anyone, driver and owner alike, never bragged about it and always helped the newby. I was with him on Monday, all was normal, I had no idea it would be the last time I would see him alive. I am terrible with words especially when you can't see through the tears. Make every day count guys, you never know how many are left. RIP Chuck.
