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In Memory of a Racer: Charlie Canterbury 1953 to 2009

Racers and officials of the Super Cup Stock Car Series are sadden with the loss of fellow racer Charlie Canterbury following the race events at Lonesome Pine Raceway.

Charlie came to every race this year with a huge smile on his face, saying - YES, I will race this year.  On July 18^th at Ona Speedway Charlie made his driving debut in the #87, a sharp looking blue and white Monte Carlo.  Mechanical problems ended his night early at Ona.  Charlie said before leaving the track, I will be back and I will finish the next race.

Charlie was first in line to sign in at LPR on Saturday morning.  He came alone with high expectations to finish his first Super Cup race.  He practiced and with a little help from his friends was able to get a handle on the day.  His fellow racers supplied him with everything he needed, tires tools and even a spotter.

When the race started he ran on the bottom and charged as hard as he could being mindful not to get in the way of the other competitors.  His goal was to finish and gain the respect and experience a driver needs to be part of the series.  Finishing race # 1 was his goal, He was so excited with a 12^th place finish you would have thought he won.

Race # 2 started and Charlie did it again charging to his second finish of the night in 11^th place.

He went to all the other drivers to talk about the events of the night.  If you did not know him at the beginning of the day, you did at the end.  He touched the hearts of everyone with a smile and his desire to be accepted in the series he adopted. 

GOD SPEED CHARLIE

We were privileged with the opportunity to know Charlie and proud he achieved his goal to be part of the our series.  Charlie will be remembered with the Charlie Canterbury Hard Charger Award renamed in his honor.

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Funeral Arrangements for Charlie Canterbury:

Visitation 7 to 9 Wednesday August 12th

Graveside Service 2 PM Thursday August 13th

Lobban Funeral Home

205 S. Monroe Street

Alderson, West Virginia 24910

304-445-2700

Condolences may be expressed through this address:

Oassie Canterbury (Mother)

7C73 Box 157B

Pence Springs, WV   24962

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