Rick Ferkel Obituary

He was the best sorry he was my driver

Got to travel with Rick in the early days of 68,69,70, & 71. Many trips to Pa. and Hagerstown. The days of single axle trailer, and a two door 1959 Chevy for a tow car. Flat tires and a blown piston in the tow car made exciting trips. First trip to Knoxville in 1969 and slept under the stars, Precious memories and fun times. Thanks for the "ride"! RIP

And amazing person and driver. He was always putting his fans first. My favorite driver d person of all time ! Rest in Peace !!! Fly high!!

My prayers are with the family... Number 0 was my hero when I was a little guy going to Lima Land Raceway... My dad and brother always chose who we wanted to win... they knew my car if #0 if he was out there... I never got to meet him in person, but I never forgot his name... he came to that race track and lapped many of the drivers... Thank you Rick for all the fond memories...

As a kid my dad would load us up in the car hit the race tracks in Ohio such as Allentown Speedway now Limaland, Millstream Speedway, and of course Eldora. Rick Ferkel was my hero. Man could he drive. I personally miss watching him amaze fans with his awesome talent. I remember several times after he won the feature we would go down in the pits and he would still be parked on front stretch talking with fans. With patients and excitement growing it was my turn to congratulate Mr Ferkel. I would reach into my pocket and pull out whatever change I had and give it to him for winning. He would always smile and say, son I'm just glad you are here. Then he handed me my change, picked me up and sat in his famous #0 . I felt on top of the universe. Thank you Mr Rick Ferkel.

My heart goes out to Ricks family, friends and fans. I remember his kindness and also his toughness in the WOO! I have in my possession an official WOO shirt that he wore which he graciously signed for me......unforgettable.
This guy literally would and did, give you the shirt off his back. Rest in paradise.
Strength and healing to the ones left behind....until we meet again.
Lori Hamman

As a kid growing up in NW Ohio in the '70's, there were few who didn't idolize Rick Ferkel..not just as a dominant driver but for the easy-going, jovial manner he treated his fans...especially us kids. My dad built some cars for him in the early 70's and our family always had a special connection to both Rick and Cathy. They seldom came to Florida without stopping in to visit or stay for a while. As an adult, my dad and I restored a sprint car that I ran in a vintage series for several years. Rick surprised me one day when he came to the track and acted as crew chief for the entire day. How coolis that! Another time, he helped us get the motor to purr like a kitten. He carried with him a wealth of knowledge an shared it freely. It was those days spent with him where I saw the dedication, hard work , and positive attitude that it took to be successful in sprint cars...especially in the '70's. We didn't just lose a legend but one heck of a man. RIP and thanks for the memories. Prayers and love to the family and all who feel his loss.

NO ONE topped this man in the category of bringing good vibes, fairness, kindness and friendship to every situation involving the race community! We have lost a shining star for sure. But he loved the Lord so I´m pretty sure he´s gone up top to run with the Universal Sprint Tour and we shall meet again!

I have lost my Mentor.. my best or favorite memory of Rick is calling him out of the blue one day as a kid, telling him I had ideas that would make him much faster and he was kind enough to not say go away kid, but instead talked for quite a time, and at the end I had a date to drive to Tiffin and drop off my ideas to him that went on the car and for a while held the worlds record at Syracuse. this started a 44 year friendship that included a call every year at Christmas and his birthday, which I am glad I was able to include again this year.. RIP to my best friend and Mentor "The Ohio Traveler"