Brian McCarthy, the Area 9 National Director, passed away suddenly from cancer on September 25. Brian was an avid Formula Vee racer, and was always the champion of the budget racer. Brian was 72.

Brian was a strong supporter of the club and served as the Area Nine National Director for two terms.  If he had an opinion he certainly would voice it, but at the same time he would listen to what the opposition had to say.

Brian is probably most famous for his two heart attacks. Both happened while Brian was behind the wheel of his racecar. The first one ended with an off in turn seven at Thunderhill. The second ended when he self-reported to pit lane at the Road America medical station. After receiving a new stint Brian drove home by himself from Wisconsin.

Brian did not want a service. His sister is going to spread half his ashes on top of a hill in Oregon where he always wanted to build a house and his friend Rob Shaw is going to spread the other half at Turn five at Laguna Seca. Brian introduced Rob and his wife to each other at that turn.

The Formula Vee community will have a gathering in the paddock at the October 21 finale, where everyone in attendance will have one final rum and coke in Brian’s honor. Good bye good friend, your memory will last forever.