New Hampshire Auto Racing Pioneer “Blazing Buddy” Bardwell Passes
Gilsum, NH — New Hampshire auto racing pioneer “Blazing Buddy” Bardwell passed-away on Monday, March 30th, 2015, following a brief period of declining health. He was 90.
Inducted into the prestigious New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2011, the World War II Navy veteran’s career behind the wheel spanned over six-decades.
Traveling widely and winning frequently, his early racing weekends began on Thursday nights at Keene, NH, and continued on Fridays at Rhythm Inn in MA, Saturdays at Claremont, NH, and Sundays in Brattleboro, VT.
Driving his trademark #13 1934 Ford coupe adorned by a pair of steer horns on its roof, it’s estimated that Bardwell competed at over 80 race tracks throughout the Northeast and Canada.
He was particularly-tough at New Hampshire’s Claremont Speedway where he was named to their Hall of Fame.
In later years, Bardwell and his Hudson Hornet-powered 3-window coupe remained very active on the vintage racing circuit, running regularly with several clubs including the New England Antique Racers.
Buddy is survived by his sons and their spouses; Buddy R. Bardwell Jr. and his wife Gail of Gilsum and Gary R. Bardwell and his wife Susan of Winchester. He leaves four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Buddy is predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Horton who passed in 2008 and his longtime friend Ruth Mitchelides who passed in 2006.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 10 to 11am at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave., Keene, NH. 03431 cheshirefamilyfh.com. A celebration of life service will be held at 11am in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place in the family lot with military honors at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Main St. Keene, NH. 03431. Flowers will gladly be accepted, however, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Buddy R. Bardwell Sr. to the charity of one’s choice.
The entire New England Antique Racers (NEAR) family takes this opportunity to forward its sincere condolences to Buddy’s family & many friends on this sad occasion.
Sources: Dave Dykes/NEAR