You guys are grieving over Al. That's good, but my memories of him have no grief attached. When I think of him, I see he and Bill Sirois (another great loss) setting the world offshore class one speed record at 148+ mph WHILE ON FIRE! Wish I had done that........ I am going to do a column on Al very soon for HB. What a character......

Looking forward to seeing your column.

My memory of Al comes from a race in the mid-80's at Grand Haven Michigan. John Delia was on the dock ripping his son's ass for something that happened out on the course. He was totally humiliating the kid right on the dock. Copeland is pulling the Popeye's boat into a slip- it's not even tied off and he's out of it and on to the dock. Makes a beeline for Al Jr. and hugs him like he's not seen him in a year. Jr. was probably 18 at the time. I remember thinking that I wanted a relationaship like that with my son someday. 20 some years later, I do. In part because I've always remembered that moment- knowing what was truly important.





I also remember Al Jr's stunningly hot, blonde 18-year-old girlfriend.

Almost forgot: Al`s favorite " Let the good times Roll "

That Stunningly Hot Blonde Is Now His Wife Of Many Years And A Personal Friend Of Mine..

Cool story, thanks for sharing.

I agree, celebrate the life. I can only hope when I pass people will remember the fun I had.

I too was first mesmerized by all the activity (Especially Al) in the 8os here at the Grand Haven Races

So many stories so little time

We have access to race footage from back in that time

Here is a bit of trivia ( TX you should know this )

Who was the Substitute commentator for the Grand Haven Races that did not often do that job??

I know when i was watching the Grand Haven Racing Footage races over this winter i was surprised because i forgot he was commentating

Any guesses ?

Walter Cronkhite?

Brownie your columns are the first thing I read each month. Great stories. Cant wait for this one. Thank YOU!
Quinlan