Although I don't know the details, K3 called today to let me know and I thought I should pass it on. Perhaps someone could shed more light on how we lost this wonderful friend.
Please tell me this is untrue :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I just can't believe it...I'm hoping it's a bad rumor. K3 was on his way to the funeral, though. Can someone who knows him well contact Sean?
The team already knows.
I have only met him twice but he was a super nice guy that I'm sure will be missed by us all.
My condolences go out to his family and Team Acapelo.
Does anyone have an address as to where to send sympathy cards?
Dawn :'(
Please keep us informed.... :'(
:'( Acapelo will be sadly missed.
I only hope that the team remains, and continues to ride in honor, as you won't meet a nicer bunch of folks.
With deepest sympathy,
-Jeff
Quotea super nice guy
will be missed .
My condolences go out to his family and Team Acapelo.
Thanks, Craig, Jeff, Dawn, Super_Dave, Brian...
whenever i get an address for cards, i'll post it...
Ike
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Our condolences from Cape Coral, FL.
:-[ Condolences and best wishes from John and I.
God speed Acapelo...
and my condolences to his family and friends :'(
My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
Jon Wuytack
.
My condolences to the family and friends.
Brian Baker
Thanks all. I will pass on your well wishes. I'll also ask where you can send cards for those of you whom have asked.
I've been dreading this, but it has to be done.
Acapelo was my friend. I'm really going to miss him. I realize that people want to know what happened to him, but this is the best that I can offer. Sometimes people make bad decisions. Bad decisions can get you killed. Out of respect for my friend, I don't feel comfortable saying more than that.
Acapelo was a familiar face in the black motorcycle scene on the South Side of Chicago. Everyone knew him, and he was well liked. Although he didn't have the desire to compete personally, Acapelo loved motorcycle road racing and wanted to see talented riders of color get a chance to participate in our sport.
To that end, Acapelo started a race team. It was the only all-black team in the Midwest. If you never got a chance to see Team Acapelo in action, then you really missed something. There has never been a happier, friendlier group of people in the CCS. No one on the team had been involved in racing before, but for what they lacked in experience, Team Acapelo made up double with enthusiasm. The high point of the team's season was when Ike won a Middleweight race at Blackhawk. This was quite an accomplishment for a first-year rider from a first-year team.
When I think of Acapelo, I remember his notebook. The man never went anywhere without it, and he would always be jotting things down as you talked to him. At first, I found this very unnerving. It was a lot like being interrogated by the FBI or something. Finally, Acapelo explained that he was so new to racing that he felt it was important to write down any new piece of information that he heard. That's how intent the man was on seeing his team succeed.
Team Acapelo was a spirited bunch. They may not have invented the traditional Saturday night at the track party, but they seemed dead-set on perfecting it. It's amazing how the right group of people can take a radio, a charcoal grill, and a cooler of beer, and make so many memorable evenings. Everyone at the track knew that you hadn't made the rounds until you stopped by Team Acapelo.
Acapelo himself was not big on the partying side of racing. In the evening, he would sit off to the side, smoking a cigar and smiling as he watched his team enjoy themselves. It reminded me of a father watching his children play. Occasionally, I would sit with him in the evening. Acapelo was a very smart man, and you could learn a lot from talking to him. Now that he's gone, I wish I'd been keeping my own notebook of the things that he told me.
Wherever Acapelo is now, I hope he's surrounded by bikes and the people who race them. The man will be missed
K3
I'm so sorry to read the news. My condolences to his family.
Ike asked me to post this photo.
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sliderphoto.com%2Ffriends%2Fimages%2Fike_firstwood.jpg&hash=d51b2c6ae1accb2e21d58ebd056e18ee8161749b)
The photo was taken by Sean Wyatt at MAM when Ike got his first wood.
Condolences and deepest sympathy from your friends at CCS. Acapelo will be deeply missed.
Acapelo's wife has told me it's okay to send your well wishes to the following address:
Mrs. Patrice Wright
2559 Flossmoor Rd, Suite 200A
Flossmoor, Illinois 60422
Thanks agains for all of the kind words.
K3, that was an excellent posting. Thanks man.
I never met him, but from your description, it sounds like he personified a racers spirit.
My prayers are with him and his family tonight.
Dear Acapelo,
Thanks for the Best Time of My Life :'( ;D :-/ :) :'( :)
Ike
http://sliderphoto.com/images/032302/images/dsc_1041.jpg
http://sliderphoto.com/images/042602/images/dsc_1353.jpg
http://sliderphoto.com/images/051802/images/dsc_4740.jpg
http://sliderphoto.com/images/072102/images/dsc_7245.jpg
http://sliderphoto.com/images/082402/images/dsc_1897.jpg
http://sliderphoto.com/images/082402/images/dsc_0593.jpg
http://sliderphoto.com/images/082402/images/dsc_0594.jpg
http://ccsracing.com/points/midwest/0923%20BHF%20Track%20Pts.htm
___________________________________________________________
Thanks K-3, CCS, * ALL * my new friends, Track officials, Cornerworkers, ...That one cleaning guy at bhf :) (he's an original ;D ) , * ALL * the Racers with on-track experiences !!!, the remaining of the racing comunity (Weggie/Jack@SliderSuperPictureGaragePlace :D, Rick/crew/LCR, S_D@VRS, BRG, Andy/Dunlop, Traxxion) S.A.M., You Board Members (another Apology for good measure against any offenses), Mike Cacherre and Larry@Tech REALY helped me get turn-4 BHF Rite !!!, mike put me in a good rythm "no one is gonna pass you" (after bus stop), larry said "THERES A LINE THRU THERE, GET ON IT, AND GO." (i was notchy). Tez Stewart and Reese Golladay (Old School)
Dwight, Lonnette and Red...
K3, Acapelo wanted to race, he didnt want to risk injury. He didnt want to see anyone injured ..... 2Fingers ... 8)
There are no words, just pain and sorrow....There are a lot of things I don't know about life, but I do know that GOD doesn't make mistakes! Everything happens for a reason, and I Know that I was Blessed to have known this MAN.
Peace be with you Acapelo.
Love your Friend Ellie
My condolences go out to the family.
Thanks Acapelo and you will certainly be missed.
Condolences to all that knew Acapelo. He was a great guy. When I arrived at Daytona this year solo, Acapelo was the first to come over and lend a hand unloading bikes and equipment. I was looking forward to being on his race team. Sean approached me at the end of the season and said Acapelo and he wanted me to ride for the team. I was so flattered. After meeting with them, I was even happier. They didn't want to exploit me as 'the girl'. Everything proposed was professional and very organized. I am sorry I didn't get a chance to give the team all that I had, but I know Acapelo will be watching in seasons to come, and I will be thinking of him. Godspeed. :'(
Rhiannon
Our condolences go out to Acapelo's family and everyone with Race Team Acapelo. Acapelo was a great guy and a great friend. It just will not be the same at the race track without him. He will be missed greatly.
CCS Staff and S.A.M. Club
I am really sorry :'(
....Acapelo, his family and friends are in my prayers
QuoteDear Acapelo,
Thanks for the Best Time of My Life :'( ;D :-/ :) :'( :)
Ike
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F032302%2Fimages%2Fdsc_1041.jpg&hash=618a265d5c9f8c46d80c22b67358e0fb6642dd05)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F042602%2Fimages%2Fdsc_1353.jpg&hash=b9007a094511ab147cfec5b76a0313c81fc0e584)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F051802%2Fimages%2Fdsc_4740.jpg&hash=9a9df1a12c1debda37d8cdb73450d1f888a7351c)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F072102%2Fimages%2Fdsc_7245.jpg&hash=8553835f339f4680410faae2d10a9e0b441e5b62)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F082402%2Fimages%2Fdsc_1897.jpg&hash=4edeb868fcb7ee4be2ab9082e84085ad8b973adf)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F082402%2Fimages%2Fdsc_0593.jpg&hash=b07cb869a8cc42e811deceb80da2fbffb005b90a)
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsliderphoto.com%2Fimages%2F082402%2Fimages%2Fdsc_0594.jpg&hash=83b99dad0056518205f23ffc1acb5fe3cf43fbf4)
http://ccsracing.com/points/midwest/0923%20BHF%20Track%20Pts.htm
Thanks K-3, CCS, * ALL * my new friends, Track officials, Cornerworkers, ...That one cleaning guy at bhf :) (he's an original ;D ) , * ALL * the Racers with on-track experiences !!!, the remaining of the racing comunity (Weggie/Jack@SliderSuperPictureGaragePlace :D, Rick/crew/LCR, S_D@VRS, BRG, Andy/Dunlop, Traxxion) S.A.M., You Board Members (another Apology for good measure against any offenses), Mike Cacherre and Larry@Tech REALY helped me get turn-4 BHF Rite !!!, mike put me in a good rythm "no one is gonna pass you" (after bus stop), larry said "THERES A LINE THRU THERE, GET ON IT, AND GO." (i was notchy). Tez Stewart and Reese Golladay (Old School)
Dwight, Lonnette and Red...
K3, Acapelo wanted to race, he didnt want to risk injury. He didnt want to see anyone injured ..... 2Fingers ... 8)
Acapelo, looking forward to are next meeting. Thanks for the kind words at the track this past year.I will think about you always,Godspeed ...youll always be remembered.. Joe #597
As Ike's mother, I decided to reply.
I watched each time they prepared to go to a race and saw the hyped up energy and enthusiasm that they had. (I even got them the fold-up table that they carry with them and was told that Acapelo said that it was a keepsake.)
The question is: Is this the end or the beginning. Do you end up letting your guards down and losing the energy and enthusiasm because of your loss or do you begin to build on the memories of the things you shared and go on to bigger and better things in memory of Acapelo?
Think about it.
Thanks Again, Everybody.
(speedBaller347, cape coral, kim, sdiver68, ytak, BRG, r1owner)
ike
QuoteAs Ike's mother, I decided to reply.
I watched each time they prepared to go to a race and saw the hyped up energy and enthusiasm that they had. (I even got them the fold-up table that they carry with them and was told that Acapelo said that it was a keepsake.)
The question is: Is this the end or the beginning. Do you end up letting your guards down and losing the energy and enthusiasm because of your loss or do you begin to build on the memories of the things you shared and go on to bigger and better things in memory of Acapelo?
Think about it.
To Sean, Ike, Chris, and the rest of the crew,
I agree with Ike's mom. You guys must find a way to keep the team going. I know this probably isn't what you want to hear right now, but you know it's what he would have wanted? Don't give up guys!!Stay strong!!
Dave
I've got to side with my teammate here. Can you bear to let Team Acapelo die? I've decided to put the letter A on my fender. That will be my tribute. You boys were his team. You've gotta roll in the man's memory. He was too good a guy not to. Besides, the track would be a lonely place without ALL the members of Team Acapello!
K3
I also agree with the guys from Chi-Town, for the memory of the man who brought you together and gave you your start you should race in his honor and let everybody know it. I too would like to but an A on my bike and race in his memory. You shouldn't let his dream die with him.
Craig
QuoteI've been dreading this, but it has to be done.
Acapelo was my friend. I'm really going to miss him.
Acapelo loved motorcycle road racing and wanted to see talented riders of color get a chance to participate in our sport.
To that end, Acapelo started a race team.
No one on the team had been involved in racing before, but for what they lacked in experience, Team Acapelo made up double with enthusiasm.
It's amazing how the right group of people can take a radio, a charcoal grill, and a cooler of beer, and make so many memorable evenings.
Acapelo himself , he would sit off to the side, smoking a cigar and smiling as he watched his team enjoy themselves. It reminded me of a father watching his children play. Acapelo was a very smart man, and you could learn a lot from talking to him.
Wherever Acapelo is now, I hope he's surrounded by bikes and the people who race them. The man will be missed
K3
<sappy>
you gotta love these guys !!!
mom said "think about it" :-/
she's always good to kick some sh t off (start stuff)..
anyway, thnx for the motivation fella's !! i am very short on it now.
i think i will try to afford myself a class per weekend or so
under the Race Team Acapelo banner, however the team was already set to
split. ike
Quote<sappy>
you gotta love these guys !!!
mom said "think about it" :-/
she's always good to kick some sh t off (start stuff)..
anyway, thnx for the motivation fella's !! i am very short on it now.
i think i will try to afford myself a class per weekend or so
under the Race Team Acapelo banner, however the team was already set to
split. ike
Ike:
I kinda thought you would be on your own based on earlier posts. Well - Welcome to our world where you run what you brung, and race when you can afford to.
Dawn ;)
I thought I should comment on my personal plans for next season.
Not to take anything away from my experiences I had with the team in 2002, but I think I am going to use the coming season to get serious about my own personal program - riding skills, sponsorship, budget, etc. I still plan to lean on my friends at the track when I need some assistance, but I think I need to really spend time pushing myself in order to fullfill my dreams.
To my teammates:
Ike - we didn't always go about doing things the same way, not in life, nor on the track, but I still learned a lot from you. Good luck to you on journey, may you achieve all the success you dream of attaining.
Chris - you're young, with a lot of enthusiasm and a strong desired to successful at whatever you endeavor to do. Stick with it, and I know it will take you somewhere positive.
Rhiannon - I learned that no matter who or what you are, if you are tenacious you can achieve anything.
If any of you need some assistance next season, you know you can always contact me.
See you all at the track come this spring. May all of our battles be both exciting to be in and thrilling to watch.
QuoteIke:
I kinda thought you would be on your own based on earlier posts. Well - Welcome to our world where you run what you brung, and race when you can afford to.
Dawn ;)
Sean (or is is Shawn - oooh, I can't remember :-[) and everyone,
Good luck!
We will see you at the track!
Dawn ;)
there's a point in live when we all have walk that road, some will sooner then others. what ever the situation was god felt it was time for him to come home.
I will miss seeing him at the track,talking to him about my experience of racing and listening to him roast me when ike would get the best of me.he was a great guy and i'm glad to have had the chance to know a person like ACAPELO.....
I'LL MISS YA MAN
MIKE
AM #227
Well Big Bro..........
1 year later.............................
Gotta let you go now, :(
12/23/02....
Alot has happened! picked up some wins for you, almost a few Championships, but needless to say, the Team missed you! We still do, but keep in step forward... as you would have it, no doubt...
Peace to you
Ike, Lonette, Ellie, Red and Dwight....
Thanks for the reminder Ike. Peace.
My thoughts and prayers to you Acapelo.
30
May God bless A and all who cared for him.
Tobias
Just reading this. I had my own little day of reminders on Christmas day.
Peace Acapelo
I've been pretty quite about this whole thing since it happened to my friend. I just feel it's about time that I said a little something about this incredible person.
I knew him for a long time before the race track. We rode together on the street. He was a very unique guy. Nothing but love and laughter......that's all he was about. Giving any and everything that he had, to make other people happy.
Never asking for anything back.........except for maybe a smile. He rode on the street, and he loved it with a passion.
When he heard that I was racing on the track, he came to me with a smile that was a mile wide and asked me, what could he do to help.
To that end, I would not have been able to race and do some of the things that I did without the help of this unselfish man. He was something else :)
I miss him very much, as does everybody else :'(
Even though I didn't race on his team, everytime that I raced, I knew a lot of what I was doing was because of him.......and I always told him that; he would just smile at me a say, "keep doing what you're doing and if you need anything, I'm here".
Seems like so many good people leave when you least expect it. He was one of those people.
I still have a lot of things to do in motorcycle racing, and every step of the way I know he'll be there, cause that was just the kind of person Acapelo was, always there.
See you later dude.......
Tez