by RacingPilot.com
3/26/2008 American racing legend, WWII fighter pilot and prisoner of war John Fitch is in a bind. Seems he had a leaking oil tank on his property in Lime Rock, CT and did the right thing and notified local authorities. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of his problems, as now state authorities are piling on. John faces many thousands of dollars in expenses – all because this true American hero tried to do the right thing. John Fitch is not a rich man. Now 90 years old, this man has dedicated his life to his country, the sport of motor racing and highway safety. His efforts over the years in highway safety alone, with his development of the “Fitch Barrier”, has saved countless lives. In World War II, John served two tours of duty – one as a bomber pilot and later as a fighter pilot. It was while on a fighter mission that John’s P-51 Mustang was shot down and he ended up spending the rest of the war in a German POW camp. I have had the pleasure of knowing John Fitch for a number of years, and you could never meet a more pleasant and kind gentleman. The things he has done in his life are unbelievable. The service he has rendered to his country and the sport of motor racing cannot possibly be overstated. What is happening now to this man is so unfair, so over the top that it defies description. Please help us help John Fitch.
Read the local newspaper article by clicking here.
Here is what you can do to help: We have a quantity of “American Thunder” limited edition prints that depict John at Le Mans in 1960. Each print is signed and numbered by artist Nicholas Watts and personally signed by John Fitch. This print depicts the first time Corvette won class at Le Mans, a very historic moment. These prints were originally priced at $200, but you can order them now at only $125 each. FOR EVERY PRINT ORDERED, WE WILL DONATE $75 TO JOHN FITCH. We would like to sell at least 100 prints in this way so we (and you) can make a substantial contribution to John. Order today so we can help this true American hero and motor racing legend. Other offers: Here’s another way to help John Fitch. If you can’t afford or don’t want the Corvette print, choose one of the “grab bag” options below and we will send John 50% of the proceeds. Grab Bag 1: Consists of photos, posters or artwork (several items) with a retail value of at least $150. Photos, posters or art of our choice, but will all be good stuff (Le Mans, ALMS, F1, etc.) Price: $40. 50% of all the money goes to John Fitch. Grab Bag 2: Same as above, only with more items and a retail value of at least $300. Price: $80. 50% of all the money goes to John Fitch. Click bellow for more info on all the benifit items.
John Fitch Benifit Items…