Dirt
TRIBUTE
Chuck Weck 1956 – 2022
By Kayla Zadel
Chuck Weck of Marengo , Illinois , passed away after a tragic racing accident at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove , Wisconsin , on Saturday , July 30 . He was 66 years old and doing what he loved .
The loss comes as a major shock to friends and family . Weck was a skilled drag racer , driving for more than 40 years , and had been a proud member of the Chicago Wise Guys for over 20 years . However , during the Mopar / AMC event , his blown HEMI-powered C7 Corvette hit the concrete wall at 200 MPH . Weck was transported to the hospital and later pronounced deceased .
According to the Kenosha County Sherriff ’ s Department , deputies and fire / rescue personnel responded to the emergency call at Great Lakes Dragaway after Weck lost control of his Corvette and crashed . The report also states that he was wearing full safety restraints and a helmet while operating the race car .
Weck had an impressive racing resume and was a mentor to many racers in his community . He held the Chicago Wise Guys ’ speed record of 254 MPH in 2021 , was 2020 ’ s quickest and fastest driver with a 6.07-second , 239-mph pass ; he was the 2008 Chicago Wise Guys champion , and a multi-time top 10 finisher . Furthermore , Weck was a former NMCA multi-event winner in Modified Production and a former Goodguys Street Rod Shootout winner .
Not only was Weck an amazing racer , but he had a big heart . He was a loving husband , father , “ Grampy ,” uncle , and brother . Additionally , Weck loved rescuing dogs . Aside from his family and drag racing , Weck loved the pack of dogs he adopted . His family asks that donations are made to these local shelters in his memory : On Angels ’ Wings , Roscoe Rescues , and Illinois Saint Bernard Rescue . Weck ’ s daughter , Carly , stated , “ I ’ m certain he is smiling down knowing he is still helping these rescues .”
Weck was known for collecting unique race cars . He even had a hand in building the famous 1953 Studebaker Pro Mod , known as “ Studezilla ,” now owned by Scott Palmer . Weck also enjoyed match racing nostalgia Pro Stock cars . The wellknown drag racer in the Chicagoland / Wisconsin area was loved and respected by many in the racing community . He was a “ give the shirt off your back ” type of guy and a businessman . Weck touched many lives and hearts during his years , both on and off the track . DI
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAN SMITH
22 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 178