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GENERAL => MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE => Topic started by: Landspeed Larry on June 18, 2018, 07:42:26 PM

Title: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: Landspeed Larry on June 18, 2018, 07:42:26 PM
  It is with a heavy heart that I must report to the racing community that Fred is in the hospital. He is on a respirator because of failing organs. He is not going to make it. Please direct your thoughts and prayers to his wife Bonnye and longtime friend and race team pilot, Brenda Sue.
    I first met Fred on the internet in 2008 when he asked questions about the Production class. After many email and calls Fred flew to my home in Pa. and our friendship became Vance & Forstall Racing. Little did I know what amazing results were to follow. One after another the records flowed until Fred had all nine in the 1350 class. A feat never before accomplished and not likely to be repeated. With a top speed of 235 mph. To say Fred rode the wheels off his bike is actually true. At one meet he stayed in throttle as an aero imbalance leaned the bike further and further over until the tires lost traction. I think Fred was disappointed the bike was clocked at 200 and he was a little slower.
    On pavement he set a number a records and helped Brenda Sue become the fastest N/A rider at 234 mile and 239.6 1.5 mile.
    Fred and I share the same birthday but he is a year younger. I call him my little brother. Save me a creeper when you see your friends Bob Sellers and Bill Warner. You have had a heck of a ride, I am so glad I was apart of it.   God Bless Fred.   :fiddy:  LSL
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: sportbikeryder on June 18, 2018, 08:32:08 PM
Not great news. The world will be a little slower without Fred in it.
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: Oz Booster on June 18, 2018, 09:36:42 PM
Oh no,  Fred is a great guy  , I always looked forward to catching up on the salt ,
That stroke sure knocked him around , but good to see he was getting about as he recovered
My thoughts go out to Fred his family and friends   
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: blt1 on June 19, 2018, 12:39:49 AM
Fred has helped me a lot and has always answered my questions. Going to miss him but heaven has gained a fast angel. My prayers for peace go to his family and friends that were closer than I.
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: Jayski on June 19, 2018, 10:44:21 AM
Very sad.  My prayers will include him, his family and friends. 
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: Landspeed Larry on June 20, 2018, 09:40:40 AM
Fred passed away this morning. Gone to meet his racing friends on high. Always to be remembered for his sense of humor and kindness towards animals.
  From his earlier days of road racing to his Land Speed career, he did it for fun but he did it well. We will miss you my friend, but we will never forget. 
               

                                                                      REST IN PEACE           Larry Forstall
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: scott g on June 20, 2018, 10:01:56 AM
Fred was one of those people we want to be like when we get older.
Quiet, but with a quick wit………. Private, but open and caring with friends.
 
Humble, but with a streak of ambition to the best in the world
 
And, on more than one occasion,
he WAS the best in the world !

Miss you, my friend
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: zrxdean on June 20, 2018, 10:56:07 AM
RIP Fred.
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: piratediverjefff on June 20, 2018, 09:28:53 PM
Really sorry to hear it,shot the shit with him several times at Mojave.Super friendly and a great guy,he will be missed. :thumb:
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: MJ Williams on June 21, 2018, 06:29:50 AM
Race in Peace my friend
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: hussainooo on June 21, 2018, 12:33:08 PM
RIP FRED YOU WILL BE MISSED.

HUSSAIN..
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: knecum on June 21, 2018, 10:25:30 PM
 RIP Mr.Production !!! Fast Fred Vance !!!  You'll be missed by many. Say hello to our fellow racers !!! GodSpeed!!
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: Stainless1 on June 21, 2018, 11:52:31 PM
GodSpeed Fred...
Yes the stroke slowed your communication abilities a little, but your friends still knew what you were trying to say.  It was always good to see you on the salt... you always had that spark in your eyes and the desire to help others race. 
I was hoping to see you at Bonneville again this year, I guess you will be busy racing with a lot of my other Bonneville Heroes
You will be missed by many of us my friend.
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: osti33 on June 26, 2018, 08:23:38 AM
RIP Fred. I read about Fred's passing a few days back on facebook. You will be missed by many. I know my dad and I will sure miss all of the good times we had with you out at Bonneville. All the dinners and sunrises on the salt. Good times.

Godspeed Fred. You are missed.
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: TeXXan on June 26, 2018, 12:29:16 PM
For those wishing to attend a celebration of Fred, Bonnye has posted the details on his FB page.

B
Title: Re: Fred Vance nears life's Finish Line
Post by: 80 Theory on June 30, 2018, 07:28:20 AM
RIP Fred,

I first met Fred in 2011 at the Texas mile.  I had visions of breaking his SCTA Production record........Fred politely explained that if I could only go 201 in Texas, his record would be safe from my effort.  Checking the SCTA 2018 Rules & Records book, Vance & Forstall still hold seven 1350 records.  I'm sure some of those records will last a long time.