WE LOST BUD GATES, A great CORVETTE RACER AND ICON

[James G.]

BUD GATES, long time Automotive dealer and Corvette racer in the 50's and 60's passed away September 1, 2015 at the young age of 91. Bud was such a fun guy and a avid CORVETTE FAN. He attended the CARLISLE RACE CAR REUNION in 1998, 2004 and 2009. His association with Corvette Race cars was very significant. He sold Chevrolets and Corvette at his CHEVYTOWN store in Indianapolis
He was born August 28, 1924, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Bernard Thomas Gates, Sr., and Marion Ketchum Gates, both of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Gates was a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, where he played football. He attended classes at IU Law School in Bloomington. Mr. Gates attended St. Mark Catholic Church of Richmond and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

www.orpfh.com.

[Joe R.]

Re: WE LOST BUD GATES, A great CORVETTE RACER AND ICON

Thank you Jim. I met Bud in 1998 at Carlisle as he was re-united with his 61 Race Car owned by Marty Fowler of Kennett, Mo. Just passed the information on to Marty as he kept in contact with Bud throughout the later years after the Carlisle Race Car Reunion.

JR

[James G.]

Re: WE LOST BUD GATES, A great CORVETTE RACER AND ICON

Thanks Joe. I sent MARTY a email, but it came back. I must have a wrongs address.

[James G.]

Re: WE LOST BUD GATES, A great CORVETTE RACER AND ICON

History shows that Jim Jeffords sold the 1956 SR-2 [BLUE CAR] car to Indianapolis Chevrolet dealer and racer Bud Gates . Bud raced the car in SCCA events in 1958-60 and also had good friend Bob Spooner do some of the driving. Gates raced the car again at SEBRING 1959.

Gates also raced a FAWN BEIGE 1961 ROP#687 Fuel Injected car at SEBRING in March 25, 1961. Finished 3rd in class, 22nd OA with co driver Harry Heuer NCRS member MARTY FOWLER found the car in 1981 and restored it to ''race condition'' He still owns the car today. The hardtop is ''red'' as when presented at tech in Florida, the car had no top and the SCCA tech would not let it race without a top. So Bud borrowed a red top from a spectator car.

Bud raced in 82 events from 1958 thru 1967. He had races in many other chassis beside Corvette. GENIE, LISTER, McLAREN, and APACHE were but a few of the great cars Bud drove. He was a real competitor. He had 50 finishes and 13 podium appearances

[Tim G.]

Re: WE LOST BUD GATES, A great CORVETTE RACER AND ICON

I had a '67 Corvette from his dealership. I still have his number in my phone log. I wish I had met him.