Cliffy was quite a character and left an indelible impression on whoever he met. His interests were wide ranging- from Harleys, to Triumph's (he leaves behind a TR6 and a TR3) to his love for and memory of Weissglass Speedway. He was a regular attendee at George LeBlanc's annual Weissglass reunion held at George's place on Staten Island- not far from the site of the stadium. He did procure a '70's era coupe modified to restore and possibly participate in the vintage functions, but I don't think that got too far.
Cliff was also a talented Blacksmith and was retired from the NYC Dept. Of Sanitation. I had the opportunity to work alongside him. 
Rest In Peace, Cliffy. 
https://www.scaliahome.com/m/obituaries/Clifford-Besett/Memories

cliffy and i met in 1969 and became friends at the sure shifters club on siny.

our love for racing started there. me just out of viet, we put a bunch of race cars  for weissglass speedway. like 5 cars or more. hell we drove them down the street to the track. we always had a lot of help repairing them for the next race. 

thanks cliff for all friendship we had.       

mike 71