Dick Trickle - Obituary

Known as The White Knight, Dick Trickle was one of America’s most popular short-track racers. The Wisconsin native won more than 1200 stock car events during the 19709 and ’80s. He also competed regularly in NASCAR’s premier Winston/Sprint Cup championship, becoming rookie of the year in 1989 the oldest driver to achieve the feat, at 48. Trickle was also known for installing cigarette lighters in his cars and drilling a hole in his helmet so he could smoke while racing. He died recently of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, after years of struggle with various physical ailments.