We Have Lost Another Good Racer

[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

[Mike Fuller]

RIP Rich.

[Bob Bender]

We will miss him alot. A great guy and fellow racer. RIP my friend.

[Ryck Campbell]

Very, very sad. Rich and I have been racing friends for years. He will be greatly missed.

RC

[Bill Kennedy]

Very sorry to hear!! Great guy, that's for sure.

[Jeff Jewell]

Myself and the rest of the Jewell family are saddened to hear of Rich's passing. He was a great guy and a good friend.

I last saw Rich when he came to visit us at the Numidia divisional. He was looking forward to getting the car back out soon. I am going to miss busting his chops about joining the pink t-shirt club (all the automatic guys know what I am talking about).

RIP Rich...

[nhramnl]

Godspeed Rich. The death of a racer always reminds me of this sentiment, lifted from a well-known poem:


Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.


Rich has now walked a path we will all walk someday.

[monte8616]

I can’t even believe this happened... I had no idea... I too was able to see Rich at that Atco race and give him a big hug ��. What a wonderful man and racer... he will certainly be with us next weekend and I can only hope that there is drag racing in heaven ��. Super Stock will never be the same... RIP Rich ❤️

Joey Cole
GT/JA - 1113

[Bob Lasko]

My self and my wife send our condolences. I have known rich for many years, a good person and racer.

Bob Lasko

[Gary Merrick]

My Sincere Condolences to Rich's family.

I met Rich in the early 2000's when he purchased a splayed valve V6 named Humpty Dumpty out of our Comp Eliminator Dragster. He set several records with Ole Humpty and quite a few #1 Qualifiers including Super Stock one year at the US Nationals. I recall we both had tears in our eyes for the Class Win Picture at the end of the track that year. I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing, he was a Good Guy and a Tough Racer.

God Bless Rich!!


Gary Merrick
3522