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Dick Dixon was a family man
from Warehouse Point, Connecticut. He was a top competitor in the
United Stock Car Club, USCC, in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and also
competed in the Grand American division run by NEAR Hall of Fame
member, Harvey Tattersall jr. One year, he won 13 of 15 late model
features run by United. He earned several wins on the old Big E
racetrack in both the coupes and the late models.
Dixon and
the white “8balls” that he built in his own shop were synonymous. In
an era before fire retardant safety clothing were known, Dixon and
the “8ball” crew stood out in their clean white shirts and pressed
pants. At a time when most of his competitors were having success
with Chevys, he was almost exclusively a “Ford” man.
Dixon
raced in several Grand National (Winston Cup) events, including
races at Charlotte, Lime Rock, Daytona, and Islip Speedways. Junior
Johnson and Ned Jarrett were close friends. In fact, Holman-Moody
offered Dick a lucrative contract to move down south and manage
their race shop. Dick decided to pass on the offer, however, to
allow him to spend more time with family and continue to compete in
the northeast.
Dick was
well respected in “local” racing circles, competing against NEAR
Hall of Fame legends: Bergin, Caruso, Charland, Flemke, Greco,
Krebs, and Jocko Miaggiacomo.
Unfortunately, Dick Dixon lost his life in 1967 while competing
at Thompson Speedway in the #zero sedan normally driven by fellow
Inductee, Billy Harman. As a tribute to Dixon’s popularity, the
Indianapolis Speedway had a moment of silence the weekend after Dick
passed away. Sandra Dixon, Dick’s wife, summarized his career by
saying,” Racing was his life, his passion. People who knew him
loved him, and he loved the people he met through racing. He loved
signing autographs, especially for the children. He was the love of
my life, and every moment was a special moment.” Sandra will be
joined by their 5 children and many grandchildren, as Dick Dixon is
posthumously inducted into the NEAR Hall of Fame.
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