Former Speedbowl Championship Owner Al Gaudreau Passes
Waterford, CT — aterford Speedbowl management was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Al Gaudreau this past Saturday. Gaudreau, of Norwich, CT, operated one of the most successful race teams of all-time at the famed shoreline oval. He passed away at the age of 70.
Al, affectionately known as “Buddha” by the racing community, along with his wife Margaret “Peg” Gaudreau owned Modifieds during the 1970’s with Dick Dunn behind the wheel. Their number 3 car became widely known across the northeast as “Buddha’s Bullet”. The combination won five consecutive Modified division owner’s titles at the Speedbowl from 1972-1976 and more races than anyone during the decade.
In the 1990’s Gaudreau and his son Tommy competed in the Late Model division. Tommy along with drivers such as Tom Fox piloted the car to numerous more victories and championships. In recent years Gaudreau enjoyed his son’s drag racing efforts at the track on Friday nights.
Gaudreau made numerous lifelong friendships through racing with some of the sport’s biggest names such as Richie Evans and Ed Flemke, as well as many others. Gaudreau’s race teams were among the Speedbowl’s most well respected of all-time in addition to being extremely competitive.
“Our deepest sympathies are with Peg in addition to Al’s family and friends” Speedbowl owner Terry Eames said in a statement Monday. “Al was part of the fabric of the Speedbowl for decades and he will be sorely missed by us all.”
The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday from 5pm – 9pm at Labenski Funeral Home, located at 107 Boswell Avenue in Norwich, CT. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at the funeral home at 11am.
Donations may be made in his honor to the ALS Association, Connecticut Chapter to help his wife who is living with ALS.
Sources: Brian Darling/Waterford Speedbowl PR