993944S2

It is with the utmost sadness that I pass along this news. Yesterday, after an absurdly short battle with cancer Lou has left us. For those of you that knew him from racing and DE he was the most approachable, honest, caring individual I have ever met. If you knew Lou and have a story to share please do so here. Our community has lost one of the great ones.

Lou, we will fill the hole in our hearts with celebration, memories, and the will to carry on the legacy you have built.
Rest in peace my friend.

Team 50

Der ABT

Rip, shared the track with him many times

brownan

Damn, that is shocking to hear and very sad. Lou is one of those guys in the paddock who you almost think of as "The Mayor" because everyone knows and likes him. I've known him for many years and just in the last 2-3 months we had a great time racing at Summit (we were on the same row in the rainy Enduro) and then a few weeks later at the Niagara PCA Octoberfast event last month where we spent a bunch of time chatting. He was a true gentleman.

T&T Racing

A real gentleman and enjoyable to be around. He is missed, RIP.
Tom

Veloce Raptor

Oh no

He was a friend and client. Geez...

RIP

chartersb

There's a huge empty spot in the paddock and in my heart. For 20 years we raced, laughed, traveled, lied, ate, drank and enjoyed everything about this sport. There was not a better friend than Louis. Godspeed

Frank 993 C4S

So sad to hear - RIP.

TREMPER

Very sad..He will be missed

ProCoach

Jim Sullivan

Very sad, he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He hustled #50 around with great skill, enthusiasm and joy. He coached many students and mentored many instructors over the years. RIP Lou.

amso3

OMG, so sad to hear, he was a great friend!

93 FireHawk 968

DH3

Going back to the early 2000's when I was driving my street 911 to and from DE's. We're at The Glen on a Sunday wrapping up the weekend. I pack up after last run group and car is a no start. My mechanic had left an hour earlier. Seems to be an electrical issue and I was able to determine that the DME and Fuel Pump modules were OK. Couple of guys knew a group from Rochester was coming on Monday so I hitch a ride back to the Seneca and hang at the bar for more diagnostic help.
Next day consensus is Speed / Reference Sensor which I had no idea what / where these were. "Find Lou Betstadt he'll have one" which he did. Handed it to me with a business card, and the group's mechanic does the fix.I bought 2, sent one to Lou and still have the spare in my parts bin. Next memory is Lou at Lime Rock doing a full engine transmission drop in the pits. I offer to help but he clearly didn't need it. We lost a talented gentleman.

Streak

Damn! So sad! He was just at Summit Point! RIP

GPA951s

A loss for the sport and community , A real gentleman. He was one of the most welcoming individuals and most recently shared a meal with him at Seneca Lodge this summer. We will all miss him, Godspeed....