Chris Hartwig, a profound businessman, and long-standing Road America Board Member, passed away on April 28.
“Everyone is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chris Hartwig. He was a member of a lengthy kinship amongst racers and a valued member of our board,” said Road America President and General Manager Mike Kertscher. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Road America and our extended family of partners and friends are with the Hartwig family in this difficult time.”
Hartwig joined the Road America Board of Directors in 1998.
“Chris has been a valued part of Road America’s leadership team for many years. His relentless passion and charisma will be missed but never forgotten at Road America,” said Ron Pace, Road America’s Chairman of the Board.
In 1991, Chris founded a vintage racing team with employees and friends, and together they raced at Road America. During his 23-year tenure on the board, Chris remained deeply committed to upgrading the facility for everyone and shared his expertise in many improvements that fans and competitors experience to this day. Chris rarely took public credit for his mentorship and advice as a board member and preferred the satisfaction of creating a facility for everyone to enjoy. Chris’ thirst for knowledge and interest in people made him a walking encyclopedia, especially when it came to racing. He enjoyed attending races at Road America whenever the opportunity presented itself, not only to watch but to tour others around who were new to motorsports and show them how unique and special Road America was and what the facility meant to him.
On Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m., a funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church located at 325 E Franklin St, Appleton, WI 54911. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com
Memorial gifts can be made to First United Methodist Church, St. John Nepomucene in Little Chute, Fox Valley Lutheran High School, or the Xavier Catholic School System.
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