FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Thank You Note From Gene Church

The following thank you note was hand written by Gene Church, former H-D Flat Track and Road Racing Champion:

“I would like to thank everyone who helped me and my family this weekend. I know times are tough these days and I’m glad I have friends in the racing family to help us get through these troubled times. I know now why I miss racing so much. The racing community is a special group of people. I don’t know how to thank you enough and I will never forget your help.

“Thanks so much,

“Gene Church (National #8)”

The motorcycle racing community has risen to the call of another former motorcycle racing champion who has fallen on hard times. As of today, Gene and his family still have a place to live, food on the table, and with that comes the hope that things will get better.

As a personal friend of Gene and former WERA and CCS competitor, I would like to thank all of you who stepped up and helped Gene. The memories I have of the Don Tilley/Gene Church duo at Daytona in 1985 winning the BOTT Championship on the infamous “Lucifer’s Hammer” Harley Davidson will never be forgotten. Gene still has a long way to go to get back to where he needs to be in his life, but I think after today he has a whole new take on life and just how much he really means to the people in the racing community. I will continue to keep up with Gene and hopefully help him find some full time employment doing what he loves to do, wrenching on fast motorcycles. If anyone knows of someone in the North Carolina area that needs a top notch mechanic, please contact Gene. He is not in the best physical shape, but I can honestly say from V-Twins to big Inline Fours and all the Wing-a-bago’s in between, Gene has the knowledge and experience that is lacking today in the motorcycle mechanic industry. Please continue to keep Gene and his family in your prayers.

LD Holland WERA # 172, CCS #721 Denver, North Carolina