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10 Best Facts About Dick Trickle   

鈥淚f everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough鈥�. – Mario Andretti (Legendary Formula One driver) 

Dick Trickle was an American race car driver whose name was synonymous with NASCAR racing. Embodied with the very spirit of the sport, that is grit, determination, and an unyielding passion for speed, his journey through the NASCAR ranks was nothing short of extraordinary, thus cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved figures in racing history. 

Beyond his impressive racing achievements, Trickle was also known for his charismatic personality and signature handlebar mustache, which became as iconic as his driving skills. He was a true entertainer, captivating fans with his infectious energy and willingness to engage with them. 

From his humble beginnings to his rise to NASCAR stardom, this guy was known for his cigarette smoking, fun-loving attitude, and short-track domination. Dick Trickle carved out his special place in racing history. While he never won on the top NASCAR circuit, Trickle earned legendary status among devoted stock car fans. Here are the 10 best facts about Dick Trickle. 

1. Dick Suffered A Serious Fall That Broke His Hip 

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Dick Trickle was born Richard Leroy Trickle on 27th October 1941 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He had a normal childhood up until he was about 8 years old. Dick fell two floors down while playing tag, resulting in a broken hip and three years spent in a cast from his waist to his feet. Doctors had given up on him, but he fought through the injuries. 

Despite this setback and the severe injuries that left him with a permanent limp, Trickle remained optimistic and determined. 

2. He Was Working Hard Towards His Dream From The Start 

At the age of nine, Dick’s life took an inspiring turn when a friend took him to his first stock car races at Crown Speedway in his hometown. From that moment on, Dick was hooked on the thrill of racing, and he knew that he wanted to sit behind the wheel of a race car as soon as he could. This experience ignited Dick’s passion for racing 

He began working odd jobs to save money for a car, spending his summers working for local farmers from when he was as young as 13. He also frequently visited the local Blacksmith shop, where his father was a partner, and began learning the art of welding. By the age of 16, he was racing competitively on short tracks in Wisconsin. Dick’s talent and determination quickly caught the attention of others, and he soon began making a name for himself in the racing world. 

3. Dick Was Named The Sportsman Of The Year 

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Early in his short track days, Trickle鈥檚 fair play and good humor saw him voted the Sportsman of the Year by Midwest Auto Racing News. This was a testament of not just his driving ability, but his strength and character.

Later, was awarded the Sportsman of the Year award by the National Motorsports Press Association. This was a prestigious award that recognized his achievements and contributions to NASCAR racing. 

The Sportsman of the Year award was a fitting tribute to Dick Trickle’s remarkable career and the impact he had on NASCAR racing. He was a true racing champion, both on and off the track. 

4. Dick Racked Up Over 1,000 Feature Wins

Dick was a fierce competitor who never gave up on a race, and he was always willing to put himself on the line to win. He was also a great teammate, and he was always willing to help his fellow drivers. While he never conquered NASCAR鈥檚 top series, Trickle amassed over 1,000 victories in feature races over four decades. Most came from small Midwest tracks, earning hordes of loyal local fans. His short-track dominance landed him induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.  

5. He Was Once Banned for Being Too Good 

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Dick Trickle was indeed once banned from the Wisconsin-based Midwest Sportsmen Racing Association (MSRA) for being too good. In the 1960s, Trickle was dominating the MSRA series, winning race after race. His consistent victories were causing resentment among other drivers, who felt that he was unfairly advantaged. 

He got temporarily banned from the World Championship Snowmobile Derby for winning too much! After three successive championships, the organizers asked him to take a break to give others a chance at the prize money. He obliged but returned later to claim another victory. 

6. Cigarette Smoking Was His Trademark  

Dick Trickle was known for his signature mustache and his habit of smoking cigarettes while racing. He would often light up a cigarette during yellow flag periods, and he was even seen smoking in his car during a live television broadcast of the 1990 Winston 500. Trickle had a special hole drilled in his helmet to accommodate his pack-a-day habit.  

He even lit one up during pitstops, saying that it relaxed him behind the wheel. He tried to quit countless times but always returned to his favored Marlboros. 

7. His NASCAR Chance Came Later in Life 

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After decades of dominating Midwest tracks, Trickle finally landed his NASCAR opportunity in 1989 aged 48 which was relatively late for a rookie. In his first Winston Cup race he earned the Rookie of the Year award, gaining him new fans and attention.  

Unfortunately for Trickle, he never translated that early promise into victory lane. In 1990, Trickle was named NASCAR Rookie of the Year, becoming the oldest driver to ever win the award. He continued to race until 2002, when he retired at the age of 60 

8. Trickle Loved Playing Prank Phone Calls 

Despite his intense focus behind the wheel, Trickle was known as a fun-loving character who liked pranking people. He would make fake calls impersonating drivers, team owners or celebrities and he would have everyone fooled!

One of Trickle’s most famous pranks involved calling his fellow drivers in the middle of the night and pretending to be a race official. He would tell them that they had been disqualified from an upcoming race or that their car had failed inspection. The drivers would often be frantic, rushing to check their schedules or their cars, only to realize that they had been the victim of Trickle’s prank. 

9. He Called 911 Before He Shot Himself 

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Dick made a chilling 911 call to report his suicide prior to taking his own life on 16th May 2013. In the call, Trickle provided detailed instructions on how to find his body at a cemetery in North Carolina. He also calmly stated that he was there and that it was 鈥榮uicide鈥�. The 911 call was released to the public after Trickle’s death, and it has been the subject of much speculation and discussion. Some people have praised Trickle for his courage in making the call, while others have questioned his decision to do so. 

10. His Legacy Lives On 

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Memorial services were held in Trickle’s hometown of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he had lived for many years. The services were filled with stories of Trickle’s life and career, and they were attended by many of his friends, family, and fans. 

In the years since his death, Dick Trickle’s legacy has lived on. He is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in NASCAR history, and his name continues to be synonymous with the sport. 

Those are the 10 best facts about Dick Trickle. He was a beloved figure in the NASCAR community, known for his sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to the sport. He was a true gentleman, always treating his fellow drivers and fans with respect.