R.I.P. Clem Lachance, "The Mad Frenchman"

[joe huestis]

We lost a true legend and a great friend yesterday. Clem passed away while away in Canada tending to his late brothers' personal effects who had passed on in late November. He tangled with the likes of Bob Newberry, the late Al Hofmann and Bill Casey back in the 60's through the 80's. Even today at the age of 80 he called me to inform me he had his Maverick running in the 10:50's @ 125 mph At Island Dragway before it was closed.He was a multi-track champion at Dover Drag Strip and Lebanon Valley Dragway while running Modified Eliminator back in the day. Clem was inducted into the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame in 2011. He was an amazing fabricator having personally made several parts for his Ford 6 cylinder modified and today I use a number of items on my stocker he fabricated for me that were not available for my Monza through an aftermarket company. One of my best friends I ever had and will be sorely missed. God Bless and God Speed my good friend...