NASCAR driver and short track champion Dick Trickle died today of an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. He was a throwback racer, and an amazing guy.

What prompted his decision earlier today we'll probably never know, but he'll be missed.

Rest in peace Dick.

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2169895

 

I remember watching him win the NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year in 1989. driving for the Stavola Brothers. Rest In Peace .

 

R.I.P Dick

Richard "Dick" Trickle (October 27, 1941 – May 16, 2013) was an American race car driver. He raced for decades around the short tracks of Wisconsin, winning many championships along the way. Trickle competed in the ASA, ARTGO, ARCA, All Pro, IMCA, NASCAR, and USAC.

In more than an estimated 2,200 races, Trickle logged one million laps and is believed to have won over 1,200 feature races. He was billed as the winningest short track driver in history. Trickle's career highlights include racing to 67 wins in 1972, winning seven ARTGO Championships in nine years between 1979 to 1987, winning back to back ASA AC-Delco Challenge championships in 1984 and 1985, the 1968 USAC Stock Car rookie of the year, and winning the 1989 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award in what was then called the Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup). Trickle was nicknamed the "White Knight" as referenced by his sponsored SuperAmerica paint scheme, when he raced in Wisconsin. (wikipedia)

 

So sad that someone who had such an amazing race career and life could find himself feeling so low to end his own life. Suicide is always tragic, with the exception of say people like Hitler.

 

He had a lifelong problem with alcohol.

Met him a few times and always had a smile on his face and was friendly to a fault.

One of the old racers that the new batch can never replace.

 

NASCAR rookie of the year in 1989 - at the age of 48...