Apparently Richard Trickle committed suicide today
- Thread starter jebjk1
- Start date
Yup, I remember him too. I seem to recall he got a shot at Nascar for a short time but didn't have the sponsors. Anyone remember his home town? Wisconsin Rapids maybe?
Man, you got to be tough to have a name like that!
Man, you got to be tough to have a name like that!
Here's the story from ESPN.
http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cu...e-dead-apparent-self-inflicted-gun-shot-wound
http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/cu...e-dead-apparent-self-inflicted-gun-shot-wound
from FOX Sports.
Former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine said there was only one way to describe Trickle, a native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
''Fun,'' Bodine said. ''Just plain fun.''
Trickle was never one to be told how to live his life. He was known for cutting a hole in his racing helmet so he could have a smoke break when the caution flags flew.
''He always kept a cigarette lighter in his car,'' Bodine said in a telephone interview. ''It's all just sad. We don't understand why he would do this.
NASCAR does not keep track of short-track records, but according to the (Milwaukee) Journal-Sentinel, Trickle won more than 1,000 short-track races throughout the country during his prime. He was a seven-time winner in the regional ARTGO Challenge Series in the late 1970s and mid `80s. Trickle also captured the ASA AC-Delco Challenge Series in back-to-back years in 1984-85 before turning to Cup racing.
Trickle lived in Iron Station, N.C., for more than 20 years. Bodine said Trickle was full of stories and popular because of it.
''People everywhere knew his name,'' Bodine said. ''That's why they used his likeness in that movie `Days of Thunder.' He was such a character.''
The main character in that popular niche racing movie, played by Tom Cruise, was named Cole Trickle.
Former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine said there was only one way to describe Trickle, a native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
''Fun,'' Bodine said. ''Just plain fun.''
Trickle was never one to be told how to live his life. He was known for cutting a hole in his racing helmet so he could have a smoke break when the caution flags flew.
''He always kept a cigarette lighter in his car,'' Bodine said in a telephone interview. ''It's all just sad. We don't understand why he would do this.
NASCAR does not keep track of short-track records, but according to the (Milwaukee) Journal-Sentinel, Trickle won more than 1,000 short-track races throughout the country during his prime. He was a seven-time winner in the regional ARTGO Challenge Series in the late 1970s and mid `80s. Trickle also captured the ASA AC-Delco Challenge Series in back-to-back years in 1984-85 before turning to Cup racing.
Trickle lived in Iron Station, N.C., for more than 20 years. Bodine said Trickle was full of stories and popular because of it.
''People everywhere knew his name,'' Bodine said. ''That's why they used his likeness in that movie `Days of Thunder.' He was such a character.''
The main character in that popular niche racing movie, played by Tom Cruise, was named Cole Trickle.
snowdance
Member
I think if you go under advanced, you can edit the title.
polarisrider1
New member
He was a big name at our local track here in Berlin, MI. Him, Sennekers and Benson filled the stands.
dj2muchjunk
New member
I seem to remember an article that said he was America's winningest stock car driver. He was dominant on the short tracks. Nascar car drivers would come to state park speedway and **** would lead them to the finish line. And then the party would begin.
dj2muchjunk
New member
OK Richard
bankers_hours
New member
I took a picture of him coming out of a porta john in the pits at a NASCAR race many many years ago. He had a big smile on his face when saw me. He was a good sport. Have to dig that pic out.
Fixed it...thanks for the catch
That is really sad news, I remember him at our local track.
I think your title heading could be a little more caring, at little less harsh.
polarisrider1
New member
Wow! Moderator when that go down? I must be asleep at the wheel??
cameras on cell phones take good pics of old photos close up I've did it .then u can put it on the site. was he smiling cuz he just got rid of the mother load.?
skidoodoug
Member
I beleive he used to race snowmobiles as well.
srt20
Active member
Yes he did. Was pretty good at that too.