When we think about the racers of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb who have lost their lives, we often assume they passed while racing up the hill. However, not every lost racer sacrificed their lives storming the Race to the Clouds. Take Chuck Hopper—a member of the Metier Law Firm family—for example.
The Loss of a Pikes Peak Champion
Unlike Carl Sorensen and Bobby Goodin, Chuck Hopper didn’t lose his life blazing up the twisty road used to hold the legendary Pikes Peak race. No, on December 8th of 2016, Chuck passed away at his Colorado Springs home with the family that he loved. He was 66 when he passed.
Chuck left quite a legacy from his passionate exploits. Back in the day, Chuck was a fixture at the racetrack, and spent his life contributing to the automotive and motorcycle industries. Two of his sons—Chuck Jr and Johnny—follow him into becoming motorcycle racers, his grandson Randy has also taken up the sport his grandfather loved. But we will have to wait to see if they will reach the lofty heights of their predecessor.
You see, in 1994, Chuck took his Suzuki RM 250 to the top step at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He won the 250 Pro Motorcycle division after and effort that began in the 1980’s, when Hopper first started running the race.
The motorcycling attorneys at the Metier Law Firm got to know Chuck through his wife Laura, who happens to be our marketing agent. We got to see this great family man in action, and are proud to say we consider him a part of our family too.