R.I.P Rich Shafer...:( Local guy.

[Elbow]

"Rich Shafer (Mr. Cool Shirt) passed away late on the afternoon of Oct. 3rd from complications after a wreck at Turn Three of the Crow Mountain Hillclimb. It was Rich’s second run up the mountain.

Rich was full of life and always looking forward to the future. He loved his family, he loved his friends, and he loved racing. For Rich the words “you can’t do that” were a challenge to be overcome rather than a statement of limits. More than once he said he was lucky enough to still be able to get in the car (after two back surgeries), and he’d continue to mash the gas pedal until he couldn’t do so any longer. He turned sixty-six last April and could still outdrive guys half his age."

www.atl-scca.org

[Kevykev]

RIP

no i will not say the cliche phrase "He died doing what he loved"

[MongolPup]

Sounds like a true car guy, those are in short supply and every one we lose is felt.......

[JessAlba452]

That is sad to hear. Rest in peace Rich.

[Cool Cat Racing]

I talked to him several times at NASA events. He was almost always there beating the crap out of that Camaro. So sad to hear this.

[matthewAPM]

I have known Rich for many years and was a good family friend (before I was even born). Very sad to see someone that has been part of the racing community for so long go like he did. Me and my families prayers will be with there family.

R.I.P Mr. Shafer

Godspeed

[EJ25RUN]

RIP

[Formally...]

Sad to hear this. I remember him from when I used to autox years ago. Very freindly and helpful guy. Seemed to really care about helping fellow car guys. Need more like him. RIP.

[LazE1]

I just met Rich when we both went through NASA Comp License School at Road Atlanta in August. We hit it off immediatly since he is an "Old Guy" like me. He was a "Big Happy Guy" with a great laugh and easy manor. Good Man!

And yes, that is the way to go out....doing what you love!

Young guys don't think much about that, but older folks do..and that is what I hope is my final story..."died doing what he wanted to" (not in a Nursing Home/Hospital/etc)

[speedminded]

That stinks! He was the founder of Cool Shirt...an item that has forever changed motorsports. Originally invented for surgeons then eventually used for racing, sporting events, and other strenuous fields.

[southside]

That name sounds familiar the funeral is right up the street from my house.