John Fitch: Found

Yes, that John Fitch. He was missing, but has been found. Not many details, I'm just glad they found him.

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/connecticut/silver-alert-issued-for-salisbury-man

Missing Salisbury Man Found Safe

Salisbury, Conn - State Police Troop B has confirmed that 94 year old John C. Fitch of Salisbury has been found safe in a neighboring Massachusetts town. No other information is available at this time.

http://www.registercitizen.com/articles/2012/01/08/news/doc4f0a46a8f305c745503981.txt

By MIKE AGOGLIATI

SALISBURY – State police are searching for a 94-yeard old man reported missing since Jan. 8.

Salisbury resident John Fitch is described as a white male, approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. Fitch was last seen wearing a black trench coat, grey pants, dark shoes and a tan hat.

Fitch has emphysema and is dependent on oxygen, which he does not have with him. He also suffers from mild dementia and has a scar on the left side of his chest. Fitch is possibly operating a black 2005 Mercedes Benz C240 station wagon with yellow racing stripes on the side. The car’s marker plate is CT P.O.W. 779 Fitch is known to frequent Lime Rock Park and the Falls Village area.

If located, contact State police at troop B in North Canaan at (860) 824-2500 and reference case CFS1200015267.

Further proof that getting old ruins just about everything.

For those who don't know who he is:

http://www.racesafety.com/fitchbio.html

He was also featured in "The Quest" documentary (which I still haven't seen )

http://www.questdocumentary.com/index.html

Woody wrote: Fitch is possibly operating a black 2005 Mercedes Benz C240 station wagon with yellow racing stripes on the side.

At 94, he still has racing stripes. How cool is that?

I'm happy to hear he was found safe.

The guy was a real innovator.

Does anybody know how the heating oil tank situation with him turned out?

He also frequents Lime Rock Park. They guy's still got it.

I'm glad they found him. He has made huge contributions to society, the inertial barriers he invented have saved countless lives.

His problems with the oil tanks are a perfect example of why more people should SSS: Shoot, Shovel, Silent.

I had the honor of hearing him speak about 15 years ago to the Ford Motorsports Enthusiasts club. He was fascinating, tons of stories from the glory days of racing.

See also: "A Gullwing at Twilight" about his ride at Bonneville.

Seems to be a grand old gentleman.

They don't make 'em like that any more. And won't, ever again.

and let's not forget:

Woody wrote: For those who don't know who he is: http://www.racesafety.com/fitchbio.html

The lower pictured car is a Fitch original. It is based on a Corvair. Fitch was a Corvair enthusiast. One time at Lime Rock during a Covair club track day he drove the car to visit with us..

That's the Fitch Phoenix.

kinda looks like a corvette/camaro/javalin mashup.

Almost every time I go to Lime Rock, and I'm there at least 15 times per year, John Fitch is there and in that car.

Background on the oil tank story?

Fitch bought an old house in Connecticut, found that there were 2 1000 gallon heating oil tanks buried on the property and they were leaking. So he notified the state and had them dug up at his expense. There is a question of possibly 3000 tons of allegedly contaminated dirt. Now the state says he owes them some fantastic amount of money for environmental remediation, like $70/ton to dispose of the dirt then putting another 3000 tons of dirt back in the holes and paying fines.

http://www.automotivetraveler.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=550&Itemid=131

http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/tanks-lot

When I'm 94 and suffering dementia, I want my APB to mention race tracks and racing stripes!

David

the EPA will haunt you to your grave and beyond.

Curmudgeon wrote: http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/tanks-lot

I read that one. I'm applying for Russian citizenship tomorrow

a401cj wrote:

Curmudgeon wrote: http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/tanks-lot

I read that one. I'm applying for Russian citizenship tomorrow

not necessary. in russia, citizenship applies for you.

in soviet russia, underground tanks leak you

DWNSHFT wrote: When I'm 94 and suffering dementia, I want my APB to mention race tracks and racing stripes! David

I want mine to mention sex toys and finding me before the jealous husband does.

dyintorace wrote: He was also featured in "The Quest" documentary (which I still haven't seen ) http://www.questdocumentary.com/index.html

I went to the premiere. It was a great film, and John was there too.

Glad he is safe and sound again.