Lefthand Photo Courtesy of Rick Parry                                                                Righthand Photo by Ladabouche at Saratoga Auto Museum

 

NOTE: I WAS BORN IN AMSTERDAM, NEW YORK I spent many nights in the 1950's watching races at Fonda and hitchiked both ways to Amsterdam.

 

Sad News - Rene Charland: Rene M. Charland, 84, legendary stockcar driver who blazed numerous tracks from Canada to Florida passed away peacefully on Monday Sept 30 at the Wilkinson Residential Care Facility in Amsterdam, NY where he had resided for the past several years. Charland was a 4-time NASCAR National Sportsman Champion from 1962 thru 1965. He was one of the original Eastern Bandits that enjoyed tickling the skills of the drivers in the South. He was also a member of the AllStar League for many years. He was inducted into many Hall of Fames thru-out his life span; the NewEnglandAntiqueRacers(NEAR), Dirt Motorsports, Riverside Park, Fonda Speedway, Utica-Rome and Albany-Saratogas as well as many more. He was named as one of NASCARs Top 50 Drivers at Stafford Motor Speedway as well. His career wins exceeded 800, his track championships were numerous and covered many states in the country to achieve his records. Charland made nine starts in the Sprint Cup Series from 1964-1971 with a best finish of 3rd at Fonda Speedway. Funeral Services for Mr. Charland will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mr Charlands memory to Victory Junction.(Gloversville Funeral Services)(10-1-2013)