[Isaac Zane]

It is with great sadness that I must inform my fellow racers of the passing of Rich Oakes. Rich lost his battle yesterday with a very aggressive form of brain cancer that took him from us in just four short months. He endured five brain operations in a three week span, but ultimately the cancer won out.
Rich began his racing career in the early 60's at Atco Dragway where he was present on opening day. Initially, he campaigned a '57 Chevy (the "Green Onion") in Modified Eliminator. A 1968 Camaro was next (also Modified Eliminator) which he ran until the untimely demise of the class in the early 80's. His current ride, a 1992 IROC Camaro (Resurrection III) has been raced successfully in many classes over the years in both Comp and Super Stock. Rich held many national records and was # 1 Qualifier in Super Stock @ the U.S. Nationals in both 2001 and 2004. Rich was both a fierce competitor and a good friend to many in the racing community.
I had the privilege of assisting Rich at well over 100 races during the past 25 years and I will miss both the challenges and accomplishments that we experienced in getting the car down the track. Most of all, I will miss the times we shared together.
I was not there for Rich's first pass down the quarter mile, but I was there for the last one @ Atco @ the Nation Open this past spring. Rich was able to get his one last ride down the quarter mile under full Big Block power and all was well. Thanks to my good buddy Isaac Zane for allowing me to post this on Class Racer. I will forward Funeral Service information when it becomes available.

Mike Ridgway