Pictured (L to R): Pat Hart, Mark Dietrich
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of a long time friend, supporter, and Car Chix family and team member, Pat Hart. If you ever attended one of the Car Chix events or enjoyed a day at the dragstrip, you probably have met or heard Pat. Pat Hart was one of the biggest supporters of the Car Chix organization and the Racing for a Cure a Quarter Mile at a Time breast cancer fundraiser events. He traveled to all of our events no matter what the distance, no matter what the weather; he was always there for us and backed the Car Chix organization 110%.
Pat Hart would help Car Chix handle the “logistics” as he would put it. He would help us bring in the heavy equipment and sometimes fix it after we would break it (hahaha). He helped us set up the Car Chix Camp with our big pink neon tents at every race and show. Last year, at the Racing for a Cure a Quarter Mile at a Time event during the 60th Annual World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova Dragway Park, he had his camper covered in huge custom Car Chix Stickers. You could see them a mile away!Car Chix owner, Jeanette DesJardins, worked with Pat Hart for several years at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wisconsin. “I consider myself blessed to have been fortunate enough to meet and work along side some the of the greatest — Broadway Bob, Big Willie Robinson, Pat Hart and many others. Pat Hart always joked with me and said I was the daughter he never wanted. He will be truly missed by all of us. Another legend gone too soon,” stated Jeanette DesJardins, “This year’s Car Chix season will be in his honor.”
Pat Hart was an announcer at Great Lakes Dragaway for 15+ years; most notably during the ownership of the late Broadway Bob who put the legendary Great Lakes Dragaway on the map! Through his extensive knowledge of automobiles, sharp witty humor and passion for drag racing; he became one of drag racing’s greatest entertainers and known as the voice of Great Lakes Dragaway.
“I can still hear him on the mic yelling that some car had more issues than a magazine rack,” Jeanette laughed, ” Some of the best times of my life.”
Pat Hart passed away suddenly Friday morning. He was a Husband, a Brother, an Uncle, a Father, a Grandfather and a truly great Friend. “My Mom and I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your kind thoughts and messages. We have tried our best to read and respond to everyone,” stated his Son, Brad Hart.
In memory of Pat Hart, there will be a memorial held on May 4th at Byron Dragway during the Spring Nationals.
“As my father would say Attention in the pits! “RACE FANS, HOT RODDERS” In Cooperation with Byron Dragway, CarChix, and the Midwest Super Stock Mafia we are asking that everyone join us at the Spring Nationals at Byron Dragway on May 4th to… remember Pat Hart as he would have wanted- At the Drag Strip! In lieu of flowers we are asking that donations be made to Car Chix in his memory for Cancer Research (more details will be added later on how to donate),” Brad Hart posted on hisFacebook.
More details will be announced in the near future regarding the Pat Hart Memorial at Byron Dragway. Please check back for updates and LIKE the following groups on Facebook to stay informed:
Godspeed Pat! Tell Bob & Willie we said hello!
What are your best memories of Pat Hart? Share them with us below! Thank you.
