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12-13-2012, 10:12 PM | #1 |
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R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
We lost a true legend and a great friend yesterday. Clem passed away while away in Canada tending to his late brothers' personal effects who had passed on in late November. He tangled with the likes of Bob Newberry, the late Al Hofmann and Bill Casey back in the 60's through the 80's. Even today at the age of 80 he called me to inform me he had his Maverick running in the 10:50's @ 125 mph At Island Dragway before it was closed.He was a multi-track champion at Dover Drag Strip and Lebanon Valley Dragway while running Modified Eliminator back in the day. Clem was inducted into the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame in 2011. He was an amazing fabricator having personally made several parts for his Ford 6 cylinder modified and today I use a number of items on my stocker he fabricated for me that were not available for my Monza through an aftermarket company. One of my best friends I ever had and will be sorely missed. God Bless and God Speed my good friend...
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Joe Huestis "Annie's Song" Racing U/SA 2724 Youngsville, NC |
12-13-2012, 10:42 PM | #2 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
I met Clem many many years ago. He was one of the neatest people I have ever met. Whenever he was at the track he was having a great time ! I will miss him dearly !!! RIP , Clem.
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Dave Ley |
12-13-2012, 11:04 PM | #3 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
I had a phone conversation a couple of years ago with Clem. Having decided to sell my stocker and search for a faster ride, I had learned that he was interested in selling his SS/CX Maverick. Had I ever met him in person, he might have convinced me to own it. Sadly, I will never see that day. A twist of irony that he should pass in Canada.
R.I.P. M. Lachance
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Dave Turner SS/GT #1153 |
12-14-2012, 09:48 AM | #4 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
Great guy and and great racer for years. Godspeed Clem. Prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
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12-14-2012, 10:00 AM | #5 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
Growing up in Carmel, NY Clem was the "cool drag racer" . He inspired many of us to become drag racers ourselves. God Bless to the Family.
Will Lamprecht Also my brothers Rob, Carl and Ed Here is a video I posted on YouTube with Clem [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VSNHj0kOUI"]Mad Frenchman 1980? - YouTube[/ame] |
12-14-2012, 10:20 AM | #6 | |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
Quote:
God Bless Clem...and condolences to his family.... |
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12-13-2012, 10:45 PM | #7 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
Sad day, I remember watching that car race at Island in the late 80's and early 90's. That car flew, and had a real cool sound going down the track. I think it used to have a four speed in it at one tme. God Speed
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Todd Hoven 1035 Stock |
12-13-2012, 10:56 PM | #8 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
He was always good for a few laughs and loved those stick shift Fords. RIP Clem!
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Sam Murray 1616 STK |
12-16-2012, 12:01 PM | #9 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
Wow....what can I say. Just a year ago I saw Clem after some thirty two years. We ( Clem, Joe Huestis, Doug Smith, Rich Head ) got together for an evening of drag racing at Roxboro Dragway. The next day Clem was inducted into the East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame. We were all there including all his kids. It was a great time.
It was good to see Clem after so many years. Always fun to be with, always trying out "the hot setup" and always polite and courteous to all. Clem exemplified the statement "to never give up". A low buck racer...he was persistent with his race car. He was an excellent fabricator using his skills to make his Ford 6 run hard. I learned a lot as his racing partner for those few years. Man we had many good times. He will be missed by many. To Joe Huestis, you were the thread that kept us in touch....I am so grateful to have finally got some time with him before his passing. Thanks. Fred Pictures courtesy of Dino ....www.doverdragstrip.com Last edited by Fred Rice; 12-16-2012 at 12:32 PM. |
12-16-2012, 01:19 PM | #10 |
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Re: R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"
I'm not sure just what to say. Clem was a drag racer that few who ever met him would forget. I remember him racing at the nostalgia race at Roxboro that week-end. At the cookout on Friday he came up to me and said he had heard we were going to carry some of the cars, that were at the reunion, and go racing on Friday night and could anyone participate. I told him that we do not limit how many cars can come and race. We just go to that old dragstrip and race for fun. Got to Roxboro and here Clem was ready to have some fun. God bless and our condolences to his family and friends.
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