September 28, 2016 – Upon hearing the news of Chuck Minert‘s passing, I tried my best not to feel sad or shed a tear. Chuck would not approve. He is the last guy who would want friends choked up or moping around because of what? He died? Get over it, already. Clean that air filter, top off the fuel, wipe the goggles and line up for moto 2.
Chuck hated attention even in his later years when most retired racers crave to bask in the spotlight one more time. Keith Mashburn said the Trailblazers offered Chuck the coveted Hammer award. Chuck respectfully declined the offer. He was a humble man, but I think it was something else. Chuck never really retired from racing. Instead of looking back on the good old days, he showed up every weekend and raced motocross right up until close to the end of his life. Maybe he was thinking, “You can give me an award when I quit.” He never did. The Trailblazers did get Chuck into their Hall of Fame. Click here to read his bio.
So I promise not to shed a tear, Chuck. Instead, I’m going to put the helmet on and go for a ride. You can read a tribute to Chuck by his long-time racing companion, Jody Weisel, by clicking here.
