SCCA: World Challenge Crew Chief Dies in Street Accident, Crew Member Injured
21 August 1998
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Hal "Robin" Patrick, crew chief of the Last Minute Racing SCCA World Challenge team, was fatally injured August 13 in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 95 near New Jersey's George Washington Bridge, while en route to the August 15 Road America World Challenge race in Elkhart Lake, Wis.Last Minute Racing crew member Arturo "Art" Molinary, of Stamford, Conn., was riding with Patrick and suffered two broken ribs, serious cuts and contusions. He was treated and released August 13.
Patrick, of Milford, Conn., is survived by his wife, Marie, and daughter, Nadine, 13.
Patrick was born May 20,1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States 20 years ago. He had been formally trained as a factory Aston Martin technician, and was a member of the Aston Martin factory vintage racing team. Patrick spent many years pursuing his passion, motor racing, by preparing customers' cars and campaigning his own Mini Cooper in various vintage and club events.
Patrick was also co-owner of Patrick Motorsports in Stratford, Conn., where the Last Minute Racing race cars were built and prepared. He met Alain Chebeir, owner/driver of Last Minute Racing, in 1987, and when Chebeir decided race professionally in 1994, Patrick helped him organize a program to realize his goal. Since then, their relationship grew into a deep friendship and partnership, evolving into Patrick Motorsports. Patrick's guidance, support and experience have been instrumental in the young team's success over the past few years.
The Patrick family has arranged for a visitation to be held Thursday, August 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford, Conn. 06460 (203-874-0268). The funeral service will be held Friday, August 21, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Turnpike, Trumbull, Conn. at 3:00 p.m.
Molinary has been a friend of Chebeir since 1985, and has been the transport driver and crew member of Last Minute Racing for several seasons. He has been one of the strongest supporters of the team, contributing his technical abilities as a mechanic and body man, his hard work as general task master, and his encouragement as a close friend during the formative years of this team. Molinary is recuperating from his injuries at home with his family, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
"Words can not describe my emotions^this is a terrible tragedy," said Chebeir. "I have lost a great friend and a trusted partner. Robin will be greatly missed, but will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. My prayers go to his family, and especially his daughter Nadine."
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Patrick," added Johannes van Overbeek, Chebeir's Last Minute Racing teammate. "I will never forget Robin's quick wit, kind nature and broad smile. He is and will continue to be in my thoughts as a close friend and advisor. My condolences to Marie and Nadine during this tragic and difficult time."
Condolences can be sent to Last Minute Racing at 155 Monterey Avenue, Pelham, N.Y. 10803.
A fund has been established for the assistance of the Patrick and Molinary families, and donations can be forwarded to SCCA Pro Racing, attention: Mitch Wright, 9033 East Easter Place, Englewood, Colo. 80112.
"The team would like to extend our most sincere thanks and gratitude to our sponsors, racing colleagues, friends and family for the incredible outpouring of support and condolences we have received over the past week," said Jeff Cadavid, Last Minute Racing team manager. "Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers will be with the Patrick Family as they deal with this terrible loss, and with our friend Art, as we wish him a speedy recovery."
Last Minute Racing plans to continue on this season, dedicating its efforts to the memory of its friend and mentor, Robin Patrick.
