Mad About Cars

In the history of NASCAR, one of the names that is conveniently forgotten by the sport is that of 1980s ace Tim Richmond. The Ohio driver’s flamboyant ‘playboy’ lifestyle was one the rising sport was keen to disassociate itself with, and when he tragically succumbed to AIDS in 1989, it seemed he was conveniently forgotten about, by all but his legion of fans, who continue to keep his memory alive.

From the moment he was born, Richmond’s background was very much different to the traditional NASCAR values. Growing up in a wealthy family, with expensive tastes, his lifestyle was very different to traditional ‘working class’ drivers such as Richard Petty.

Competing in sprint car races in his early twenties, Richmond’s talent came to the fore, and he was offered a drive in the 1980 Indianapolis 500, where he finished ninth despite running out of fuel (and was memorably given a lift to victory lane by race winner Johnny Rutherford)

Soon after, he switched to NASCAR, and during the 1980s established himself as a consistent midfield runner, breaking into the top ten runners in 1983. By 1985 he was seen as one of the sport’s rising stars, and legendary car owner Rick Hendrick built an all-new team around Richmond in 1986. Despite Richmond and crew chief Harry Hyde suffering from initial differences of opinion, the two gelled, and Richmond took seven victories in 1986, finishing third in the Winston Cup.

However, by the end of the season, he was suffering from ill health, at which stage he was diagnosed with AIDS, then a little known condition. With official press releases stating he was suffering from double pneumonia, Richmond regained his fitness in 1987 to win two races on his comeback. However his health would soon deteriorate and NASCAR prevented him from driving, leading to Richmond’s resignation from the Hendrick team.

Richmond attempted to take part in the 1988 season, but was subjected to a drugs test by NASCAR, which he failed. Richmond stated he had taken no illegal substances, and it later transpired the only drugs recorded were over the counter medicines. NASCAR refused to let Richmond drive without surrendering his medical records, and shunned by the organising body, and many within the sport, he retired to Florida where he finally succumbed to the disease in August 1989.

When Richmond’s story became public knowledge, many of his fans were livid with NASCAR’s stance over the driver, a resentment that still bears true with many fans to this day. On another note, the smash-hit box office movie Days of Thunder was loosely based on Richmond’s career, with the character Cole Trickle (played by Tom Cruise) being inspired by Richmond.

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