Noted race promoter Charles W. "Chuck" Painter, 63, of LaGrange Highlands died on February 18, 2017 in a Suburban Chicago area hospital. Painter promoted several “high profile” open wheel racing events including the “Wolverine Nationals” in the late 90’s. The July 1996 Badger/NAMAR/MARA sanctioned event at the Hartford (MI) Speedway set a then record purse for a two-day midget race paying out $72,100.
Painter then moved the event to Kokomo Speedway in 1997-98 adding sprint cars to the midget event. Painter also promoted several other events at Midwestern tracks over the next few years. Painter was a graduate of Lewis University, and a life-long fan of the Chicago White Sox and auto racing in general.
Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester, IL (2 blks West of Mannheim Rd.) on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Service and Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. Cremation following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Nurse Health Center, 110 Calendar Court, LaGrange, IL 60525.
- administrator on Feb 21, 2017
- Article Date: 2/21/2017 by Bryan Gapinski