The loss of Dick Trickle is allowing many people to share
their good thoughts and memories of this Legend. He was a champion not only
behind the wheel but amongst the fans as well.
When you hear the plethora of personal stories, you will
notice one common thread, the stories sounded like they were out with a friend.
Dick was a true, genuine ambassador to auto racing overall,
not just to short track racing.
Yes, his name was unique and became the butt of some humor
in the mainstream world. Dan Patrick and
Keith Olbermann referenced him on ESPN Sportscenter every Sunday night when
they would review the NASCAR results. He
was mentioned on an episode of “That 70’s Show” and even some correlate him to
the Cole Trickle name in “Days of Thunder.”
But for me and many, many, and many others, Trickle became a
friend. I am going to miss visiting with
him at many future short track events.
Since his time his death was announced, I started to think
about what made him popular. As I
continued to arrange the thoughts in my head, one thing kept circulating, today’s
young drivers need to look at what he did to not only make himself popular and
cool but what he did to make short track racing popular and cool as well.
First, Trickle always took the humble approach whenever he
was asked about his popularity and success.
He knew he was good and he didn’t have to boast about it. His actions
spoke louder than his words.
Second, the fans were always a #1 priority. No matter if he won or got wrecked, he always
made sure that the fans were able to visit with him, get his autograph or a
photo with him. Or for some lucky
ladies, a Trickle kiss.
There are many of us who can vouch that they either waited in
line or witnessed Trickle hanging around after a race and sign autographs until
the last person got one. He tried to not leave a fan to go home
disappointed. Even after he hung up his
helmet, he never changed his attitude in that area. This is probably why the most
successful short track driver in history rarely got booed when was introduced,
but always got the loudest cheers.
Third, he made sure that every person he interacted with
made them feel special. Whether it was a short conversation, standing next to
him with a beer in hand or smoking a cigarette together, you had his
attention. He loved talking to people
and making new friends.
Those three things helped build up the short track
audience. The fan interaction with the
drivers is a big reason why fans came back weekly to the short tracks.
Trickle got it, understood it, and lived it.
Gregg McKarns said it best to me when him and I were talking
about Trickle. Gregg’s father, the late John McKarns, told Gregg that Trickle
would jump on board anything that would help short track racing overall. It was never about him, but about the sport.
The young drivers and the current drivers at today’s short
tracks should take a few moments before heading out this weekend and think
about Dick Trickle and what he personally did for short track racing. Think about his personality, the way he acted
towards the fans, and his pure love for the sport. Think about how these three things helped
short track racing and at the same time made him a legend in this sport.
It wasn’t money and sponsorship that made him who he
was. It was his talent behind the wheel,
his hard work in the shop, and the interaction with the fans that made him a
legend.
His pure love of this sport made him a winner. He earned the respect of his fellow
competitors and the admiration of his fans.
Damn…I am going to miss this guy.
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