Who Is Dick Trickle? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dick Trickle, born on October 27, 1941, was an iconic American racing driver known for his remarkable career in NASCAR. Despite passing away on May 16, 2019, his legacy continues to leave a significant mark on the racing community. As of 2025, Trickle would have been 83 years old, celebrated for his contributions to the sport and remembered for his unique personality both on and off the track. As a prolific driver with numerous achievements, his early life in Wisconsin paved the way for his illustrious career in motorsports.
| Occupation | Snowmobile Racer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1941 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 16 May, 2013 |
| Died Place | Boger City, North Carolina, U.S. |
Popularity
Dick Trickle's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Dick Trickle's exact height and weight during his racing career remain a topic of interest, it is speculated that he stood approximately 6 feet tall and weighed around 190 pounds. His athletic build allowed him to withstand the physical demands of racing, contributing to his prowess behind the wheel. Detailed measurements specific to 2025 are unavailable, but his well-maintained physique played a role in his long racing career.
Eight-year-old Dick Trickle was playing tag with his cousin Verlon on the rafters in a house under construction when he fell two floors to the basement and broke his hip. He was transferred from a local hospital to the University of Wisconsin Hospital and continued his slow recovery.
His recovery was so slow that the doctors gave up and sent him home, presuming that he would be an invalid for the rest of his life. Trickle later began to walk, although he walked with a slight limp for the rest of his life. He spent three years in a cast from his waist to his foot.
While he was recovering as a nine-year-old, a friend took him to his first races at Crown Speedway in his hometown of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. "When I got there I was flabbergasted," Trickle said. "I thought it was the neatest thing. Free shows were nothing compared to it. That race never left my mind until I was 16.
I knew I was going to drive a race car when I was 16."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Dick Trickle was known to have a significant bond with his family. He was married to his wife, Darlene, who often supported his racing career. Together, they had three children who shared Trickle's passion for motorsports. Though there are no reports of Trickle having a boyfriend or girlfriend since he was a dedicated husband, his legacy is cherished by his family and racing enthusiasts alike.
Trickle's family lived on welfare, so there was no money available for racing. Trickle spent his summers working for area farmers, starting as a 13-year-old. He also spent a lot of time at the Rudolph Blacksmith shop that his father was a partner in. While his father was ill, his uncle Leonard ran the shop.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Dick Trickle's estimated net worth was around $1 million. His earnings primarily came from his successful racing career, endorsements, and sponsorships within the NASCAR community. Although specific salary figures fluctuate, it is known that Trickle's income reflected years of hard work and determination on the race circuit, and he was known to be savvy with his finances, often investing within the racing industry.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Trickle made sporadic appearances in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, including three Daytona 500 starts. Invited by Bill France Sr. himself to join the series in the middle of his prospering short-track career, he quipped that he "didn't want to take the pay cut."
Career, Business and Investments
Dick Trickle's career spanned several decades, making him a prominent figure in NASCAR and short-track racing. He won over 1,200 races across several racing circuits, a testament to his skill and tenacity. Beyond the racetrack, he was an astute businessman, often investing in automotive-related ventures and mentoring young drivers. Trickle’s contributions and insights continue to inspire budding racers and fans, solidifying his impact in the world of racing.
In more than an estimated 2,200 races, Trickle logged one million laps and is believed to have won over 1,200 feature races. He was billed as the winningest short track driver in history.
Trickle's career highlights include racing to 67 wins in 1972, winning seven ARTGO Championships in nine years between 1979 and 1987, winning back to back ASA AC-Delco Challenge championships in 1984 and 1985, the 1968 USAC Stock Car rookie of the year, and winning the 1989 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award in the Winston Cup Series.
Trickle was nicknamed the "White Knight" as referenced by his sponsored SuperAmerica paint scheme, when he raced in Wisconsin.
Social Network
Dick Trickle was an active figure in the racing community, garnering support and admiration from fans and fellow drivers. Although he was more active in earlier social networks, he represented the spirit of racing on platforms where racing communities thrived. Since his passing, tributes and fan pages continue to celebrate his legacy on social media platforms, keeping his memory alive among newer generations of fans.
A turning point in Trickle's career happened at the National Short Track Championship race at Rockford Speedway in 1966. Trickle said, "The cars in that area were fancier and looked like they were ahead of us. They didn't treat us bad, but they sort of giggled at us kids with the rat cars. After two days, they look differently at those rat cars.
I won and pocketed $1,645. Before, I questioned spending the money to travel that far.
But if you could win, that was a different story." Trickle started the 1967 season by winning at State Park Speedway and ended the season with 25 feature victories including wins at Wisconsin Dells Speedway (now Dells Raceway Park) and Golden Sands Speedway (near Wisconsin Rapids).
Education
Details regarding Dick Trickle’s education are scarce, as he focused more on his racing career from a young age. It is known that he developed a passion for racing while still in high school and pursued opportunities to compete. However, the fundamental skills and road sense required for his racing career were shaped more by his experiences on the track than by formal education.
