They better move over Jan Opperman will be trying to pass em both,heaven is full of some very special drivers right now.RIP Chuck

Here's a link to what the local television station had about Chuck. I remember seeing Chuck and Richard Poe have some pretty good races at Cape Girardeau, MO.

http://www.wsiltv.com/p/videos.php?v...&vidType=smMov

Big Mike

I am the husband of "Uncle Charlie's" niece, Lisa. I met Uncle Charlie in 1986. Later that year, his sister, Joann, got sick in Southern Illinois and eventually passed away that same year. Charlie was the ultimate brother to his sisters, who showed tremendous love and support. During that time, I got to know a man by reputation and by personal contact that was a gentle, special, caring, loving, and fun gentleman. He really loved his family and was quick to welcome me into the family. Recently, my wife and I watched our wedding video from later that year. We both smiled when Uncle Charlie took the screen. That's how he will always be remembered... someone who made those around him smile! I only saw him race one time in Southern Indiana. When we arrived at the racetrack, we mentioned the name, Chuck Amati. We were immediately greeted with a smile and the comment about how great the "One Armed Bandit" was. I was proud to know him. His family will be touched by all the love shown to him on this posting. You are obviously a special group of people. My email is moebruiser@san.rr.com. If you want to relay any messages directly to his family, I will make sure they get them.

Uncle Charlie, we will miss you dearly. Your old buddy, Bob....

Sad news indeed. I got to watch Chuck race growing up several times, but only got the chance to race against him a couple of times. Probably my biggest win, and fondest memory, was a 4th of July weekend 50 lapper at I-55 in Pevely in 1980. Chuck was driving for Ray Marler out of Farmington, in a ride that Kenny Schrader normally was in. He led the first 25 - 30 laps or so with me right on his tail, and finally I was able to slip under him off of turn 2. I was able to hold on for the win and I'll never forget that as soon as I climbed out of the car on the front stretch, Chuck was the first guy there congratulating me on the win. I hadn't met Chuck before and didn't get to cross paths with him much after that. Getting the win, one of 3 that year for us at Pevely, was great, but passing the 'One Armed Bandit' for the lead and having him make the effort to get to victory lane to offer a handshake is what made it extra special. A class guy all the way.

Wow, i was so bummed out to read this earlier today. I did not know Chuck very well, but met him a number of times with my Dad over the years. He was just one of those guys who always put a smile on your face.

I think i first heard about Chuck in a story told to me by my dad about when he drove my grandfathers midget at Manzanita the week before Turkey Night in 1970. Chuck was wearing a bubble shield on his helmet, kind of like the ones some of the motorcycle racers wore at the time. I don't know if he had worn it before, but apparently Dad and Grandpa agreed that it was not the right thing for a midget on a fast half mile. As the story goes Chuck came to the same conclusion after hot laps when it basically tried to yank his head off the whole time he was on the gas. Dad said the shield came off as soon as he got out of the car and ended up in a trash can in the Manzy infield shortly after.

The last time I talked with Chuck was at an indoor race at Duquion last winter. it was the first time i had been to a race since my Dad passed away in January. I was walking in from the pit area to watch hotlaps and saw Chuck in the grandstand and decided to grab a seat by him. We talked a bit before and after hotlaps. nothing really significant was said, it was just your typical quick Racer to Racer conversation, but somehow it made me feel a little better on a tough night. i think that was just part of the magic or charisma that alot of the other posters had mentioned when talking about him. He was just one of those guys that had a little something extra that is so rare to find.

The racing community has lost a great driver, but Heaven has gained a helluva Racer.

Steve

Attachment 515

thought you guys might like this one.

shane

hell of a racer and a great friend. RIP Chuck

The Marion Daily Republican has news of Chuck's accident
and should have the funeral arrangements:

http://www.mariondaily.com/homepage

Dave


____________________
God's speed Chuck Amati!

My best friend is gone forever. I have traveled millions of miles with Chuck and have never regretted a one of them. He loved racing and it was truly "the love of his life". It was bittersweet last night to go through all the pictures from the 60', 70's, 80's, 90', 00' what a racer. He loved all of you and was always amazed when we raced out of state and someone knew his name. He was grateful and thankful for the wonderful career he had. He life will live on through his grandson Shane. Thank you for your prayers and concerns. We will need them especilly during the next few days.

Watching Chuck in the late 70's and 80's at all the southern Indiana dirt tracks was definatly what gave me my inspiration to become a sprint car driver. The countless battles I saw between him and Larrry "Buckwheat" gates, Dick Gaines, Bob Kinser, Leon Gentry, just to name a few were totally awesome.

Chuck's personality and charisma around the track was 2nd to none, he was always a winner! :checkered: