|
|
10-10-2018, 09:30 AM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: South Jersey, nexta, NOTHING!
Posts: 361
Likes: 375
Liked 50 Times in 14 Posts
|
We Have Lost Another Good Racer
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
__________________
Isaac Zane STK 1237 J/SA Buick Apollo Patriot Guard Rider DOOF 43 |
10-10-2018, 09:48 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 913
Likes: 455
Liked 163 Times in 62 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
RIP Rich.
__________________
Mike Fuller 396 STK |
10-10-2018, 09:50 AM | #3 |
VIP Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1,404
Liked 372 Times in 80 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
We will miss him alot. A great guy and fellow racer. RIP my friend.
__________________
Bob Bender 144 O/SA 2010-2012 National Record Holder |
10-10-2018, 10:26 AM | #4 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 56
Likes: 177
Liked 46 Times in 10 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
Very, very sad. Rich and I have been racing friends for years. He will be greatly missed.
RC
__________________
Ryck Campbell NHRA Technical Specialist |
10-10-2018, 10:42 AM | #5 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 303
Likes: 118
Liked 34 Times in 9 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
Very sorry to hear!! Great guy, that's for sure.
__________________
Bill Kennedy 1671 SS |
10-10-2018, 11:02 AM | #6 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bangor, PA
Posts: 182
Likes: 41
Liked 172 Times in 36 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
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... |
10-10-2018, 01:49 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 504
Likes: 7
Liked 352 Times in 82 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
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. |
10-10-2018, 06:27 PM | #8 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 39
Liked 14 Times in 6 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
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 |
10-10-2018, 06:29 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Wilton,CT
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Liked 168 Times in 49 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
My self and my wife send our condolences. I have known rich for many years, a good person and racer.
Bob Lasko |
10-10-2018, 06:50 PM | #10 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 387
Liked 196 Times in 27 Posts
|
Re: We Have Lost Another Good Racer
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 |
|
|