Dick Trickle Commits Suicide

Sheriff: Ex NASCAR driver Dick Trickle dies of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at 71

Published May 16, 2013

Associated Press

CONCORD, N.C. – Authorities in North Carolina say former NASCAR driver Dick Trickle has died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 71.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says authorities received a call believed to be from Trickle on Thursday saying that "there would be a dead body and it would be his." Authorities tried to call the number back, but no one answered.

The sheriff says Trickle's body was found near his pickup truck at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City, N.C., about 40 miles northwest of Charlotte. Sheriff's Lieutenant Tim Johnson says foul play is not suspected.

Trickle was the Winston Cup series rookie of the year in 1989 but never won a Cup race. He won two Busch Series races.

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Permalink Reply by speedy7 on May 16, 2013 at 6:41pm

Not sure about this, but think Matt Keneth (spelling off} was kinda a carbon copy of Trickle at one time...

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on May 16, 2013 at 7:05pm

It's sad news that Dick felt it necessary to pass in this manner.
Godspeed Mr. Trickle

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Permalink Reply by WJM on May 16, 2013 at 7:09pm

Very sad. Trickle was a short track legend; a real wheel man. Peace be with him.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Horwath on May 16, 2013 at 7:45pm

So sad. At the moment he pulled the trigger I'm sure he thought that was the only exit...if he just took a breath and thought about who he's left high and dry....sorry, I think is so selfish....

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Permalink Reply by Lowbird on May 16, 2013 at 8:26pm

RIP. Mr. Trickle.
Before we rush to judge his actions. (Nobody has that right.) Let's slow down and remember his life.
If the family decides to release the note we may gain some insight on the state of mind of the legend at the end.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Meyer on May 16, 2013 at 10:32pm

The Man! Wisconsin Speed. He will be missed.

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Permalink Reply by FD REBEL on May 18, 2013 at 6:52pm

Constant Pain has a way of making you use the ultimate pain relief solution....

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Permalink Reply by Adam G on May 17, 2013 at 12:10am

I remember all his in car footage lighting up a smoke and sports center always tell how he finished.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on May 17, 2013 at 7:46am

I cannot express how sad this makes me. I have so many stories, photos and memories of moments I was privileged to share with him: from his invitation to watch a race in Dover from his pit, an impromptu and very entertaining q&a for all the various fans in the garage at Charlotte, partying with him at Bristol at a kegger he had in the freezing cold and so many more. He had a heck of a sense of humor and a devilish smile. I can't imagine someone not falling in love with him the moment they met him. What saddens me most is how the man I remember always seemed to have such a love for life. Prayers to those who are suffering in this loss.
Godspeed Dick. Godspeed.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Schmitt on May 17, 2013 at 8:33am

I met Trickle a couple of times up at Elko, MN. was just a regular guy. kind and considerate. And one hell of a short tracker.
A real legend up here.

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Permalink Reply by Slanted66 on May 17, 2013 at 10:15am

He will be missed!

I remenber reading an articel on him a long time ago. They showed a picture of the cockpit of his car. On the dash was a cigarette lighter...my, how things have changed!!