A NOTE FROM CHUCK -

I wanted to take a minute to let every fan and friend know what Bob Perino has meant to me and so many others.

Mr. Perino was seldom in the pits with us during the regular racing season, but always found his way on Eastern States Weekend. Not because he didn't want to be with us; but more so that he didn't care for the attention or the glory of being a car owner. He didn't ...need or want to be known as "The Man". But he was. Not only to me, but to many of the people whose life he touched.

He became a car owner after his son Roby and I lost our ride, coming off our very first championship. Mr. Perino loved his son, he loved racing, and the love he showed me because Roby is my best friend made me feel as though I was part of the family. And in Bob Perino's heart, I know I was.

Mr. Perino was always a generous man. Not only to me, but to all the others who ever came into his life or into Perino's Market. It's nearly impossible to describe how inspirational he was to so many. He always supported me. He believed in me. And he always supported the things Roby and I wanted to accomplish. I was truly blessed to have had him in my life. And though the profound sadness will be with me for a long time, my sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that I had the privilege to know him.