PHOTO: Joël Robert commemorated during 'his' La Chinelle
It was a very emotional moment there in La Chinelle on Saturday just before the start of the race. Joël Robert, the founder of the 12h de La Chinelle at the time, was commemorated there.
Just after noon, a memorial stone was unveiled on the site. There were emotional speeches from the president of Moto Club de Pays Noir and the mayor of Philippeville. The chairman of the FMWB, a moved Sylvain Geboers and Jean Claude Lacquaye also spoke about the six-time world champion.
In 1980, Joël Robert organized the first edition of the 12 Heures de la Chinelle with a few friends and a handful of volunteers. Forty-one years later, the event has come a long way and has become one of the most important events of the summer for thousands of enthusiasts. Joël Robert passed away last winter.
Then, as a last will and testament of Joel himself, his ashes were scattered at the foot of the memorial stone. A lot of people came to attend the ceremony there in Franchimont. Joël Robert is clearly deep in the hearts of many motorsport enthusiasts and that will never change.
Photos: Manu Jacques
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