Charlie 'Chuck' Koppien passes

Alan Nyhus · 11-17-2023, 09:14 PM

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.

11-17-2023, 09:14 PM	#1
Alan Nyhus VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lower Dakota territory Posts: 1,180 Likes: 1,074 Liked 799 Times in 236 Posts	Charlie 'Chuck' Koppien passes 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. __________________ "That'll never work....."