03/08/1935 - 06/14/2003
George left us while participating in a Regional Race at Lime Rock Park on June 14, 2003. During his last lap, he achieved the second fastest time, only 0.786 seconds slower than the fastest lap of the race. Not only a participant - he was also very quick.
George has been a stalwart GT-1 driver for many years. He first earned his SCCA competition license in the early 1970s. Through the next three-plus decades, he competed in American Sedan, formula, production and GT category classes and made two starts in the Trans-Am Series in 1989. It was always interesting to listen to him describe the latest GT-1 car that he was building. It was a spring ritual that will be missed.
Our condolences go to George's family and many friends.
A contribution to the National Camps for Blind Children c/o Larry Ward 9 Franklin Street Red Hook, NY 12571 may be made in remembrance of George.
Other information:
SCCA news
Condolence messages can be sent to the family here.
Complete Obituary
If you wish to add to the messages on this page, please send your anecdotes/remembrances to me and I'll post it, photos are also welcome.
Messages from friends and associates:
Harry Adalian - Regional Executive...
It is with deep regret that I mention tragedy takes another piece out of our region this year in the name of George L. Smith. For those that did not know him, he was a GT1 competitor from Troy, New York. George joined our region on June 25th 1982 and for the last 20 years has campaigned many forms of vehicles. Our hearts go out to his wife Karen and their family.
I am truly at a loss for words. When a member of our fraternal family is taken from us it is an effort to understand life's tragedy, but that is one of the few things that lift man's humanity to the form of grace.
We will always be grateful for his contributions to our region, to racing and most of all, his time to us.
Please take a moment to remember George.Dave Wachtel - Activities Director/Membership Chairman/Webmaster
To the family, friends and associates of George Smith
My deepest sympathy to you on your tragic loss. The only meager condolence I can offer as a former driver, is that the tragic event occurred while he was participating in the sport that he loved and that was his passion. We all know the risks and accept them, but it still is truly a shock when something like this occurs.
I know I speak for the Mo-Hud board and membership when I say that this tragedy has saddened us all. George will be missed but will also be fondly remembered by all.On a personal note: Even though I have the membership lists available, I was sort of shocked to learn that George was sixty eight years old. He was very fit, energetic and youthful. If I had to guess, I would have supposed that he was a man not out of his fifties. George never seemed to age like the rest of us.