RGeeProductions
01-10-2014, 12:36 AM
Waterford Speedbowl management was
deeply saddened to learn one of the most celebrated car owners in track
history, Margaret Gaudreau, passed away Tuesday evening at home after her
battle with ALS. Gaudreau, of Norwich, CT, was 68.
Gaudreau, known as “Peg” throughout the racing community, owned Modifieds
during the 1970’s built by her late husband Al, who passed away in April.
Together they fielded one of the most dominant race teams of all-time at
Waterford, claiming five consecutive Modified division owner’s titles from
1972-1976 and more race wins than any other during the decade.
Peg’s number 3 car, affectionately known as “Buddha’s Bullet” after Al,
became widely recognized across northeast racing circles with Dick Dunn
behind the wheel. Peg and her husband made countless lasting friendships
in racing, including some of the sport’s biggest stars of the era such as
Richie Evans and Ed Flemke among others. The Gaudreau’s remain one of the
Speedbowl’s most well-known and respected race teams of all-time.
Peg was hugely involved in the team’s success and was a pioneer in the
inclusion of women in the sport of auto racing. She challenged and was
successful in the acceptance of women in the pit area, a place females had
traditionally not been allowed, further cementing her legacy in track
history. While she bravely battled ALS she was able to attend multiple
race events in 2013, enjoying many friends and a sport she contributed so
much to.
The family will receive friends and relatives Friday from 5pm – 9pm at
Labenski Funeral Home, located at 107 Boswell Avenue in Norwich, CT.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday.
Donations may be made in her honor to the ALS Association, Connecticut
Chapter or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Forwarded By Brian Darling
deeply saddened to learn one of the most celebrated car owners in track
history, Margaret Gaudreau, passed away Tuesday evening at home after her
battle with ALS. Gaudreau, of Norwich, CT, was 68.
Gaudreau, known as “Peg” throughout the racing community, owned Modifieds
during the 1970’s built by her late husband Al, who passed away in April.
Together they fielded one of the most dominant race teams of all-time at
Waterford, claiming five consecutive Modified division owner’s titles from
1972-1976 and more race wins than any other during the decade.
Peg’s number 3 car, affectionately known as “Buddha’s Bullet” after Al,
became widely recognized across northeast racing circles with Dick Dunn
behind the wheel. Peg and her husband made countless lasting friendships
in racing, including some of the sport’s biggest stars of the era such as
Richie Evans and Ed Flemke among others. The Gaudreau’s remain one of the
Speedbowl’s most well-known and respected race teams of all-time.
Peg was hugely involved in the team’s success and was a pioneer in the
inclusion of women in the sport of auto racing. She challenged and was
successful in the acceptance of women in the pit area, a place females had
traditionally not been allowed, further cementing her legacy in track
history. While she bravely battled ALS she was able to attend multiple
race events in 2013, enjoying many friends and a sport she contributed so
much to.
The family will receive friends and relatives Friday from 5pm – 9pm at
Labenski Funeral Home, located at 107 Boswell Avenue in Norwich, CT.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday.
Donations may be made in her honor to the ALS Association, Connecticut
Chapter or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Forwarded By Brian Darling