Watkins Glen double national - July 8-10th

God that's awful. He was paddocked right next to me, and loved seeing another Honda Prod car. Right before heading to grid, while we were both climbing into our cars, he didn't wish me luck on my attempt to break the FP record, but simply said "Go get it." Pretty awesome from a guy I had known for about 15 hours.


Like every other time something like this has happened, I just wish I knew more. Just more knowledge, so we can all learn from it and better protect ourselves. Physical conditioning of the driver? Car maintenance and prep? Cage design? Safety equipment? I know it does nothing to undo what has happened, but additional knowledge is a huge key to preventing something similar from happening in the future, as a slight chink in the armor of any one of those things can have severe consequences.
 
kruck":gqla2cdq said:
God that's awful. He was paddocked right next to me, and loved seeing another Honda Prod car. Right before heading to grid, while we were both climbing into our cars, he didn't wish me luck on my attempt to break the FP record, but simply said "Go get it." Pretty awesome from a guy I had known for about 15 hours.
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That is the kind of guy that Ken Buchel was.

My last discussion with Ken was in the tech shed at Summit after our race on 7/10. We were chatting about something that had happened on track during our race. His words to me were "You did the right thing, you always do, that is why I like sharing the track with you." I will carry those words with me for a long time.

dave parker
 
Eh, damn. Kenny was a nice guy; always had a big smile and a "hello" for me. Too, too bad.

Tom and I were up at the Glen a couple weeks ago; wanted to drive up to Rochester to see him. Called the hospital to confirm he was still there and they had no record of him. We 'assumed' that meant he may have been moved. Obviously not. Sorry we didn't just get in the car and go anyway.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
 
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I was at Summit Point the day he broke the HP track record, he could drive for sure, and later saw him drive the car in FP trim. So sorry to hear of his passing, he and his family, and friends will be in my thougths and prayers.
 
Very sad news. My deepest sympathy to Ken's family.
He was a very good driver, having raced with him many times.
I will miss him.

Johannes Krauss
HP Scirocco
 
Sad news indeed, we paddocked by each other at Summit, and of course raced close also. Great guy and racer.
Our prayers to his family.

Jim & Betty Harrison
Round Man Racing
FP Miata
 
As most of you know by now Ken Buchel has passed away. There will be a life party for him on August 27th at 5:00 PM. This will take place at:
Fox Chase Golf Club
300 Stevens Road
Stevens, PA. 1757

Those of us who raced with him are going to miss his humor and laid back attitude at the track. When ever you saw his yellow Honda in your mirror you knew you were in for a fight for position but a clean fight. Ken's family would like to thank the SCCA family for their help, thoughts, and prayers.
 
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