Death of Robin Patrick in Road Accident

August 19, 1998 Contact: Jeff Cadavid (201-707-0023)

On August 13, 1998, a serious accident involving Last Minute Racing's race transporter took the life of one dear friend and valued colleague, and left another seriously injured. Hal "Robin" Patrick and Arturo "Art" Molinary had just started their trip to the SCCA World Challenge event at Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, when they suddenly came upon a tractor trailer accident on Interstate 95, a few miles from the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey. Although Robin made an attempt to avoid the trucks that were in the middle of the road, they could not keep from colliding with the back of one of the parked trailers. Robin lost his life in the accident, while Arturo sustained two broken ribs and some serious cuts and contusions. Arturo was released from the hospital later that day.

Robin, was the Crew Chief of Last Minute Racing, and co-owner of Patrick Motorsports in Stratford, Connecticut, where the Last Minute Racing race cars were built and prepared. Robin was born on May 20,1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, and came to this country twenty years ago. He had been formally trained as a factory Aston Martin Technician, and was a member of the Aston Martin factory vintage racing team. He spent many years pursuing his passion, motor racing, by preparing other's cars and campaigning his own Mini Cooper in various vintage and club events. Robin met Alain Chebeir, owner/driver of Last Minute Racing, in 1987, and when Alain decided to become a professional race driver in 1994, Robin helped Alain organize a program to realize his dream. Since then, their relationship grew into a deep friendship and partnership, evolving into Patrick Motorsports. Robin's guidance, support and experience have been instrumental in the young team's success over the past few years. Robin is survived by his wife, Marie, and daughter Nadine, and will be missed by many.

Arturo Molinary has been a friend of Alain's since 1985, and has been the Transport Driver and Crew Member of Last Minute Racing for several seasons. He has been one of the strongest supporters of the team, contributing his technical abilities as a mechanic and body man, his hard work as general task master, and his encouragement as a dear friend during the formative years of this team. Art is recuperating from his injuries at home with his family, and we are thankful that he is expected to make a full recovery.

The entire Last Minute Racing family has been deeply shaken by this loss. Driver/ team owner Alain Chebeir had this to say: "Words can not describe my emotions. This is a terrible tragedy. I have lost a great friend and a trusted partner. He will be greatly missed, but will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. My prayers go to his family, and especially his daughter Nadine". Johannes Van Overbeek, Last Minute's other driver said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Patrick. I will never forget Robin's quick wit, kind nature and broad smile. He is and will continue to be in my thoughts as a close friend and advisor. My condolences to Marie and Nadine during this tragic and difficult time."

Team Manager, Jeff Cadavid: "The team would like to extend our most sincere thanks and gratitude to our sponsors, racing colleagues, friends and family for the incredible outpouring of support and condolences we have received over the past week. Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers will be with the Patrick Family as they deal with this terrible loss, and with our friend Art Molinary, as we wish him a speedy recovery."

As a result of the concern and generosity of our racing family, the members of the teams and administrators of the SCCA World Challenge, a memorial fund has been established for the assistance of the victims of this horrible accident. Donations can be forwarded to SCCA Pro Racing, attention Mitch Wright, 9033 East Easter Place, Englewood Colorado 80112.

Last Minute Racing plans to continue on this season, dedicating its efforts to the memory of its friend and mentor, Robin Patrick. Despite all that has to be accomplished, efforts are under way to attend the next race at Watkins Glen on August 22; however, friends, fans and supporters will definitely see the team in competition at Pikes Peak on September 27.