Richard Trickle Obituary


Retired race car driver Richard "Dick" Trickle, 71, died today from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Lincoln County deputies said.

Trickle was a short-track hero who won more than 500 regional races as a part-time driver from Wisconsin, according to longtime friend and former president of Charlotte Motor Speedway Humpy Wheeler.

"He won a tremendous amount of races but never got national acclaim because he won in a regional area," Wheeler said Friday.

According to the book "Golden Age of Wisconsin Racing" Trickle was billed at tracks as the "winningest short track driver in history."

He won seven championships in ARTGO in nine years between 1979 and 1987..

Wheeler said he tried to convince Trickle to start racing NASCAR full-time in the early 1980s, but was unsuccessful because the Wisconsin native was making good money on the short track.

Several years later, though, he began racing for NASCAR -- first on his own team and later for other people, including Stavola Brothers Racing, Butch Mock Motorsports and Larry Hedrick Motorsports.

Trickle became NASCAR's rookie of the year in 1998, at age 48, the oldest driver to do so.

Trickle never won a Cup series race in 303 starts but did win two races in what is now the Nationwide Series, with his last victory coming in 1998 at Darlington, S.C., holding off Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the win.

"I have no regrets. I've enjoyed everything, " Trickle told the Observer in a 1992 interview. "It ain't what I've done, it's what I can do that counts."

In recent years Trickle raced occasionally in Wisconsin, including the 2007 Slinger Nationals and in the ASA MidWest Tour.

"I'm firmly convinced that if he had started (NASCAR) Cup racing earlier, he would've been one of the biggest winners of all time," Wheeler said. "He would have been another Waltrip, another Petty."

But Trickle managed to become something of an American icon in his own right, thanks to his double-entendre nickname.

During his racing career in the 1990s, the Sunday night dialogue on ESPN's Sports Center went something like this: "Dale Earnhardt won the race followed by Ernie Irvan and Kyle Petty."

Pause.

Then in a low voice, announcer Dan Patrick would say, "Oh, by the way, DICK TRICKLE finished 10th."

News of Trickle's death as NASCAR's elite racers are in the Charlotte area for the Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

"Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport," NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement Friday. "He will be missed."

Published by Charlotte Observer from May 16 to Jun. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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390 Entries

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...

May 18, 2020

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

May 16, 2017

Add your message here. Dick i dont know what ta say after many races at golden sands you or billy voight would park the trailer with number 99 car on it in front of my dads bar tommys bar if someone was parked in front my dad would ask fairly decently if they could please move ya use ta bring my dad all kinds of business ta see alex bowman race for dale jr was so cool miss ya always

First Name gus an bonnie

April 18, 2017

Valenda Newell

November 12, 2016

Remembering Dick Trickle today and all he meant to the sport of racing but, more importantly, all he meant to all of you ... his family. I lost a son named Chad age 18 in September 2009 in a car accident. There is so much pain in the world and while we can't fix that we can remember a wonderful man who gave us many moments in life to cheer about.

Lisa Holbrook

February 24, 2014

the best short track racer ever, watched Dick for years all over Wisconsin, rest in peace.

stan tauscher

December 8, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. Be assured of God's love and comfort.1 John 3:20- God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.

June 15, 2013

when I was a kid I got to sit in Trickles #99 at Madison International Speedway here in Madison, what a great legacy with many short track wins. We miss you Dick.

Mike Scott

June 15, 2013

Long live number 99 and no 3 dale and dick are together forever in heaven!!!!!!

ann

June 8, 2013

Darlene, Vicky, Chad and Todd, So sorry to hear the news about Dick. He was a GREAT racer but a better friend. He will be dearly missed,
John O'Day III SUBURBAN 7 plus 1

June 3, 2013

I used to watch Dick When I was a Kid here @ La Crosse Speedway . Sorry for your Loss !

Brian Wirtala

May 31, 2013

My Thoughts and Prayer's To The Dick Trickle Family in There Time of Sorrow. Dick was a Nice Guy and Will Be Sadley Missed , I lived Near The Family in Wisconsin Rapids and what a very nice family . God Bless

Michelle Porter-Pelow

May 30, 2013

I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DICK DARLENE. WE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE SEND THE CHRIS TICKLES SHIRTS TO YOU WHEN CRIS DIED. I'M SO SO SO SORRY . DICK WAS A VERY VERY SPECIAL PERSON. WE LOVED HIM LIKE A DAD TOO. VERY NICE LOOKING MAN !.

CATHY AND DANNY WESTBERRY

May 28, 2013

just want to say very sorry to hear of dicks passing.

michael crampton

May 28, 2013

To the Trickle and Bowman family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a real sweet man to me and to Ronnie. I didn't know him as a race car driver but a father to Vickie and his sons and a Granddaddy. We really enjoyed him and your Moma very much. He was a card. Our prayers are with you May God bless

Karen Kaufman

May 28, 2013

My sister and I LOVED Dick Trickle growing up. Heck how could you not, he was great and best of all, he drove a purple mustang! I remember our purple dick trickle racing jackets we wore on Friday nights to Elko Speedway. Then when I was in jr high I got my picture taken of me in the white knight SA car. I was sitting inside and Dick was squatting next to me on the outside. How excited we were when he was driving with the big boys!! Rest in Peace Mr. Trickle! My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. You are and always will be my favorite driver!

Diane Maloney

May 27, 2013

God speed Dick. From one race fan to one great driver. Thoughts and prayers to your friends and family.

May 27, 2013

To the Dick Trickle family: I was so saddened to hear of dicks passing. I was dicks UPS driver for many years, delivering a lot of his race car parts. I have a few funny stories about dick but and I'll have those memories for along time. My prayers are with you Darlene and your family. Going miss that guy.

Tom Razner

May 27, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family. May you find peace in God who gives comfort to all the mourning ones. Isaiah 61:2

Linda

May 27, 2013

Dick may you rest in peace. Send an angel feather down I will know who its from. You will be missed.

Vicki Fessler

May 26, 2013

You were the first driver I met in LaCrosse Wisconsin. You have always been a favorite. Rest in Peace.

Jacquie Jenkins

May 26, 2013

My heart is shattered. Dick was the first race car driver I met and I became an instant fan. Always welcomed me with open arms and a BIG hug! He just was great to be around! He will always be in my heart. And I know he's up there with some great guys discussing how to start a new track in heaven! May God bless and give strength and faith to his family and all who knew this great man.

Terry Magestro

May 26, 2013

Dick, you were my favorite driver and always will be. I remember the time I finally got to meet you in person. I could barely form words standing next to one of racings greatest drivers. I will treasure that day forever. I hope you finally find peace and are free from your pain. To the Trickle family, thank you for sharing him with us for all those years. He was a great, sweet and caring man who will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers

Wendy Haynes

May 25, 2013

One of the greats who will be greatly missed. I remember him from the the track in Rib mountain. He truly was one of my heroes along with Larry Detjens.

David Parmer

May 24, 2013

Bye, Dick, save a place for me on your pit crew. If nothing else I can sweep up angel feathers. You made racing fun. Thanks for your help and bench racing. Tha Autorace Phamily will surely miss you.

Ron "CooP" Cooper

May 24, 2013

To the family you all are in my prayers. Dick rest in peace! I am a big race fan an he was one to keep your eye on.

Cindy Lightsey

May 24, 2013

You will missed but you can race in heaven with Dale along with the others and watch out for each other. No rules! You are an angel watching over your race fans.

Maryann Hughes

May 24, 2013

RIP

Danny Taylor

May 24, 2013

My family and I enjoyed many a nite at Sam's Capital Speedway watching Dick kick butt. Fun and exciting times that made me a race fan for life. I still tell stories of Dick's winning ways. I will miss him greatly.

Dennis White

May 23, 2013

My heart is filled with sadness. Dick Trickle was an icon in racing, and a friend to everyone! I grew up watching and following him, and I remember after one of his wins, getting a kiss on my cheek! Years later, he held my one year old son in his arms as I took a photo of them. I am so sorry that he was hurting so badly. My heart goes out to his family. What an awful way to lose your loved one.

Charlie's Girl

May 23, 2013

Thanks for the life time of memories Dick I have watched you race since i was 4 yrs old and am now 42. I think of sitting on the hill at Capital Super Speedway waiting for your hauler to come the down the road and you will forever be remebered as the greatest short track racer RIP Mr Trickle

william knight

May 23, 2013

Met Dick every time he was at Michigan in the garage area,he always put me first and went out of his way to see me.First time I met him was in Winchester,In. at Winchester Speedway back in his ASA days.

Dave Ross

May 22, 2013

Rest in Peace, Dick - - I grew up watching you race at Golden Sands Speedway in Plover.

Deb Kawleski

May 22, 2013

You were the reason to go to Golden Sands to see the SA 99 car and driver. You will be missed

geno szymkowiak

May 22, 2013

I have know and see ole dick run the old the white knight the fire chicken all over the mid west for the 1974 to the 1990's i did not like him at all on the track when he win over my driver the late joe shear but i have to say this about the racing in the mid west in the 1960 to about in 2000's racing was the best in the usa joe, dick, tom, dave, and all the drivers of the time it was the bast we all love the racing of the time we ahev hope dick family is bless and joe family too

gerald croissant

May 22, 2013

he was a man who obviously enjoyed life and racing ...my thoughts and prayers to his family...thank you for sharing him with us...he spent a few minutes with my son at dover back in 1991 and that meant the world to him...he still talks about that chance meeting to this day...
as I often tell my children
"it's not the years it's the miles"...
godspeed mr. trickle

fran beach

May 22, 2013

I am very sorry for the loss of Dick. My prayers are with all of you. Dick leaves behind a great racing legacy and made the people of WI Rapids very proud. RIP

Nicole Leiter (Fowler)

May 21, 2013

Thoughts and prayers are with the Trickle family. Always remember the White Knight and all the race tracks we went to in the midwest to see him race.Dick was my dads favorite driver.

Nancy O.

May 21, 2013

I remember the times that the white hauler with the purple Mustang would come rolling into Elko Speedway... everyone else those nights would be racing for second place. Rest in peace Dick.

Chuck

May 21, 2013

You have my deepest sympathies in the passing of Dick. My husband Dick Witt was a very good friend of Dick Trickle. I remember all the good stories that I was told about him and witness some good moments with him and my husband. He was a legend and will stay forever in the heart of the racing people. Rest is peace Dick Trickle.

Lynda Trudeau-Witt

May 21, 2013

Deepest sympathies to the Trickle family.

The Hart Family

May 21, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Darlene and the family. So very shocked with this tragedy. Will miss Dick, as my husband, Kennie, sponsored Don Gregory and Gary St.Amant, and have such fond memories of Dick. Remember Dick Trickle always giving the fans a great race to watch.

Darlene Holbrook

May 21, 2013

Sorry for your loss to the Trickle family. You will be in my prayers, May God give you His peace. R.I.P My friend

Rich Wright

May 21, 2013

Chuck
My prayers are with you. God bless you and all of your family

Chuck Hinners

May 21, 2013

RIP. You gave. us yrs of racing enjoyment. The midwest lost another great. driver.

D W

May 21, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the family of Dick Trickle. May God surround each one of you in his loving arms and give you peace and comfort.

Jo Crews

May 21, 2013

J. Brown

May 21, 2013

May we meet again my Friend...Rest in Peace and know that you will never be forgotten. You were and always will be the Best! Don Nerone

May 21, 2013

You have given me the excitement of watching you race for the past 40 yrs. KK,Slinger,Rockford etc. Seymore dirt Nascar. You were special and I cheered
for you to win every race. Thanks for the memories Dick. Rest in peace

Marv Grall

May 21, 2013

Dick, You were my hero, R.I.P my friend and say Hi to Larry Detjens. Condolences to your family.

Rocky Woodward

May 20, 2013

Mr Trickle you were, and always will be a Great Man. Rest in Peace. God Bless You. You have Great company with you.

Teri Grill

May 20, 2013

I met Dick at Desoto Speedway back in the early 80,s I had just started racing there and he was a very nice guy to talk to and would tell you anything he could to help you in racing

Buddy Suggs

May 20, 2013

RIP Dick. Thanks for all the memories. I will never forget the 99 and the man at the wheel. Checkered Flags are waving in heaven.

Tom Barrett

May 20, 2013

Prayers and condolences to the family of Dick Trickle. What Jesus did on a small scale, he will do on a even larger one in the new world. Matt.19:2

Betty Fowler

May 20, 2013

Joe Shear, now Dick Trickle. My family would travel tthe short track circuit just to watch those two put on a show. A lot of the NASCAR stars today wouldn't be where they are now if it wasn't for Dick Trickle. Competition for short track racing in Wisconsin is second to none. Rest in Peace Dick Trickle, you are the best short track racer ever

Jeff Conaway

May 20, 2013

I guess Dick Trickle,and Dale Earnhardt are racing upstairs in Heaven, competing for Pole Position!! Rest in Peace Mr. Trickle. You were One of the Best in any Race.. (Old School Drivig)..

Allen Wilson

May 20, 2013

RIP #99 -- drive on! So sorry your last days were spent in pain. But you went on to your next life on your own terms, just the way you lived your life with us. Deepest sympathies to your family. I hope all of you can someday find comfort in knowing that Dick is in a place filled with hope and love and light.

Barb

May 20, 2013

Our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Trickle's family. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. WIth deep sympathy,

Harts

May 20, 2013

My parents have been gone for some time but they were so proud that you came from Rudolph & Wisconsin Rapids. That is my favorite place in the world. May his family find peace in knowing how much he was admired.

Marlene Jones

May 20, 2013

God SPEED

May 20, 2013

TO THE TRICKLE FAMILY:
You have our sympathy on the passing of Dick. He will not have any more pain. A great human being and the best short track racer of all time.

John & Sandy Mayer

May 20, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Lumsden Family

May 20, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wm. Clark

May 20, 2013

Because of Mr.Trickle I am a nascar fan! He inspired my to race at Rockford speedway in 1976 right after high school graduation thank you mr.trickle &peace to your family

Wm. Clark

May 20, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Trickle family. He was a great driver and person. He must have been in a lot of pain.

John Colagiovanni

May 20, 2013

Our deepest sympathy goes to the Trickle Family, Thoughts and prayers for you all, James & Geraldine Holloway, Glade Spring, Va

May 20, 2013

You will be missed RIP Dick Trickle

Steve Benfield

May 20, 2013

God Speed Dick! You will be missed

Terry Nunn

May 20, 2013

To the Trickle family my prayers are with you. I,m so I was able to on ASA circuit a few times. he was great man. GodBless Your whole family Keith Minash

May 20, 2013

Most sincere condolences to the Trickle family.

Ronald & Nicole NeSmith

May 20, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Dick Trickle family. May the God of comfort gives you all comfort and strenght to cope with this difficult time. 2 cor.1:4.

May 20, 2013

They will now have better racing in heaven than we will ever see here,God Bless his friends and family...

Mark Ciesielski

May 20, 2013

WOW...LOVED BEING 3 WIDE......SADD YOU GO RACE IN HEAVEN MY FRIEND...
BIG FAN ...GINA

May 20, 2013

Dick was the hardest working, most determined record breaking, winning driver that designed and built his own car. He didn't need the bump and run to win and was extremely fan friendly.
He was one Great Racer. Our deepest sympathy to his family, may God bless you.
Jim & Pat Danielson
Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

May 20, 2013

Earnhardt,Trickle,Kulwicki,Allisons,Bonnet,Petty,Irwin.Now thats one HELL of race.My sympathy to the Trickle Family.

Bob Hull

May 20, 2013

Let the love he had for others and the way he lived, be the memories you carry...RIP Dick, gone in flesh, but never in spirit...

May 20, 2013

The good old 70 s at k-k Watch dick that was racing . dick is racing again and we all know where...

jim Gorman

May 20, 2013

R.I.P Dick.

Mike Harsh II

May 20, 2013

So so sad. Psalm 34:17,18 can bring much needed comfort to the Trickle family and friends. You have our sympathies.

May 20, 2013

I watched Dick race every friday night in WI.. I always enjoyed watching him. He will always be my favorite!! God bless his family... RIP Dick Trickle

Cathleen Steele

May 20, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow

May 20, 2013

To the Trickle family,
I was lucky enough to meet Dick many times. He has always been my favorite driver. My thoughts and prayers are with you and this time of sorrow. He will always live forever in my heart. Thank you for sharing him with his fans.
Thanks for the memories Dick. Godspeed!

May 20, 2013

Inside healing
silent prayer@
Our condolences to
The Trickle Family~
Richard will be in
Rememberance to many
NASCAR SPORTS -
In care of
our many friends
SaltLake flats and
the mission to mend a
WildCard Race of Nascar
family Sports era Venue..

Victoria&Andrew ~":"~

May 20, 2013

rest in peace

May 20, 2013

To the Trickle family:
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Dick years ago with a group from 96Rock a local radio station. He was such a nice man. He will be missed greatly. My God give you comfort in your time of loss.

Kim Campbell

May 20, 2013

I can remember Dick Trickle at Richmond and he would always give you his autograph...May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow

Lisa Sipe Beazley

May 20, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Karen Rippelmeyer

May 20, 2013

Dick! What a blast I had when I worked in the circuit. Rusty Wallace was my driver therefore, I KNEW how important you were. He never stopped telling people how much you helped him. You were so much fun but always a gentleman. You loved to hit up a Waffle House at 3am, the night b4 a race. You were kind to me and to my friends and to everyone. I loved u then, I love you now and I will love you forever. My favorite people are in photographs in my room. A picture of you and me will remain in my room!

Christine Schu

May 20, 2013

My sympathy to Dicks family. Dick was a couple class's lower than me at alexander school in Nekoosa.

Ted McKee

May 20, 2013

My condolences to the Trickle family. You were a friend and will miss you.RIP

Gary Stoner

May 20, 2013

My sincerest sympathies to his family. I watched him on the short tracks at Wisconsin Dells, West Salem (WI) and Oregon (WI) and got his autograph in about '74 which I still have today. I still remember how he was so interactive with people and smiling the whole time even as there was a crush of people around him. Long Live the #99.

KevinK

May 20, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of one great person was and always will be on of nascars greatest. My condolences go ou to the family! Dick you you be in our minds forever someone we will never forget!

Mike Packer

May 20, 2013

Rip dick my prayers with u ur family

tammy coleman

May 20, 2013

I met Dick once in 1972 For a short conversation, and saw him once again in 1985 and he remembered my name. Fantastic guy and a real person and racer. He will surly be missed, God speed Dick.

Red Ives

May 20, 2013

Dick was my hero and he will be missed a ton, ill always remember what he told me after watching one of my races at wausau last year with vic getzloff "you know for your age i give you credit for how smooth of a driver you are" that statement he made will stay with me forever and i got my purple and white car in victory lane just for you Dick, miss ya alot rip

Scott ciesielski

May 20, 2013

you will be greatly missed

christine young

May 20, 2013

Sorry for such tragic loss. Here is a poem I wrote, hope this helps in this difficult time of sorrow, grief and remembrance. He will be sorely missed.
authspot.com/poetry/im-sorry-67

Robert Allison

May 20, 2013

Dick was 1 of the good ones

May 20, 2013

Darlene, Vicki, Todd, Chad & family, So sorry for you loss! Dick was always a great friend to my dad (Lyle) and our family. Great times and memories. May he rest in peace! Our Deepest Sympathies to all of you. Dave & Sheri (Nabbefeldt) Cox & Girls

Sheri & Dave Cox

May 19, 2013

Rip white knight

TRF

May 19, 2013

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