Charlie 'Chuck' Koppien passes

[Alan Nyhus]

Charlie Koppien, formerly of Sioux Falls, S.D., passed early this morning. Anyone that's been around Div. 5 drag racing for any time will remember Charlie as a hard core Super Stock racer with his SS/LA '65 Chevelle wagon 327-250. He had many Divisional wins, culminating with his winning the Div. 5 Super Stock Championship in '79. Charlie is a twin brother to the late Bob Koppien, both of whom are older brothers to Steve Koppien.

There's so much to say about Charlie that's it's hard to know where to start. He was an absolutely driven racer and a real thinker about not only his driving, but also his opponents driving styles and habits.

This evening in Sioux Falls, there was a ceremony lighting the holiday trees around Falls Park culminating with a nice fireworks display. Watching it, I couldn't imagine a more fitting send off for Charlie.

The World is a better place for Charlie having been here.

[Neal Derochie]

Al, for those of us that had the opportunity to race with and against Chuck it is a sad day, Rip

[Alan Nyhus]

Here's a link to some Autoimagery shots of Charlie's wagon. In a weird twist, I'm in the other lane in this qualifier at Brainerd in '82.
https://www.autoimagery.com/gallery-...000DeAtpveVGh0

Class win at the 25th U.S. Nationals:


Thunder Valley Dragway, Marion S.D.

[Abe Loewen]

Sorry to hear this. My condolences to the family. Chuck was my friend.

[Larry Hill]

May God speed
Patsy and Larry