Goodbye Mike Kench

[Moon child]

Dave, Just don't go for the inside lane, it's taken!

Mike only needs about half a boat width to make it work...what a pleasure to be around both on and off the course.

[14-H]

Mike was the guy who taught me how to use a hydroplane for a "pick." He was the classic example of what is good about Stock Outboard.

Mike: farewell and Godspeed.

[doc 35-0]

I drove from Oklahoma in the early 80's to race at Whitney Point, and His race team(the Moon ya) did indeed.....Got in a rubbing race with Mike, we went down the back stretch and my boat blew over, it suck his boat up too and the clashed in mid air, like two fish getting the same fly. He was ok, but I took a ride to the hospital with a dislocated shoulder. Rick was eighteen and had to drive the motor home the 24 hours by himself. We had great respect for mike and his driving skills, that race was my fault, too much lift in that hot rod foot and I used a new C Bezoat that had too much lift for a hot rod.

[Dominc24Q]

My condolences go out to all of Mike's Family. We lost a great racer in Mike Kench. I have been racing against Mike since I was 14. We met many times deck to deck in the first turn. As did each of my brothers and my cousins. All with different stories of how Mike raced hard start to finish in everything he did.

I can still remember when my Dad found his motor on the bottom at Sharptown MD. He was so excited to have his best A motor back. When he took the top off the motor he must of jump back 10 feet when an eel came swimming out.

We have all had a lot of laughs and good races with Mike and he will be truly missed by my entire family.

The DiFebo Family

[Mark 72@E]

Is this Mike?

Photo taken at the 2006 Thompson, CT Divisionals. Not one of his usual rides, but is this Mike racing ASH?
That's 7-D (Manny Dias?) behind and on the inside.
UPDATE: Several people have confirmed this is Mike. The only question was "how did Manny get on the >>inside<< of Mike????

[B1PRORACER]

The boat back a little and on the inside is Manny Dias 7-D. It looks like Thompson, Ct.

[Jack Stotts]

I was totally shocked when I heard the news of Mike's accident. I enjoyed him so much last summer at Kampkruz at the Top O. What a loss! All my best to the Robin and the family. Jack

[csh2z]

This is going to hurt for a long time. So many great memories never to be forgotten. No matter how tough life got for him, there was always a smile and a hug as we'd greet each other in the pits. He was always pleasant and respectful to everybody. Rest in peace, Mike. You touched many more lives than you ever new.

[arcticwolfracing]

Michael Kench died in an auto accident Saturday night.

Our thoughts go out to Lois, Robin, Kelly, Rachel, Daniel and family.

Craig

My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family and friends. He will be sadly missed!
I will always remember him helping me when I raced "A" Hydro!

Dean Myers Jr.
Arctic Wolf Racing

[Mike 41P]

Mike

Such a sudden loss, devastating to a family and friends
I will miss him at every race

[robin551p]

Regarding Mike's service.

For those coming from New Jersey and the East- The Riegelsville bridge is closed this weekend for deck repair. Take the Rt 78 bridge and follow signs for 611 south or take the Milford bridge and take Rt. 32 North to Rt. 611 North.

Thanks

[Jack Stotts]

I was one of the many attendees at the services for Mike in Riegelsville, PA. What a nice service! The many stories of Mike and his competitive spirit captured his very essence. I am proud to have had Mike as a friend and fellow racer. Robin and Jim were gracious hosts at their home after the service where the tribute to Mike continued in earnest. The classic iced down beer in the fallen's race boat was a great tribute to our friend. Jack

[robin551p]

Thank you

Words alone can not express how grateful I am for so many of you that attended the celebration of my brother Michael's life, the flowers, cards, thoughts and kind words. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part. We are so blessed to be part of the boat race family. I look forward to seeing everyone at the races next year. I think I convinced Danielle to race with me at the marathons next year as our tribute to Michael and I know that will put that famous grin on his face. Love to you all

[devin14e]

R.I.P Michael, you will be missed.


Ponds/adams family.