Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the tragic night at Salem Indiana when we lost Rich Vogler. One of the saddest nights I ever experienced at an auto race.
Hard to believe its been 30 years. I wasn't there but I did witness that race on TV, that whole night was spooky. Rich was a hero to me as a younger dude wanting to race, he always seemed very focused and professional, he was a hard nosed racer and did ruffle a few feathers during his career but all of the greats have done that too. I miss racers like Rich. I always got a kick out of the nickname "Mad Dog"
I was there that night, and it was a horrible feeling. Wasn't a fan of his, but you couldn't deny the talent and intensity he raced with. That sick feeling lasted all the way home, just complete silence in the car back to Seymour. The closest thing I've seen is when Jack Hewitt got hurt again at Eldora. I think lots of people were expecting the worst that night.
I was at eldora that night for the Kings Royal, when I heard about Rich, I thought someone was spreading a nasty rumor. Then I saw a TV crew and heard them talking about Rich"s crash, I just couldn"t believe it.
my son was a big fan of rich and got to meet him at sante fe.we also were watching that night.down the road several years we bought a jimmy white,richs friend,midget and ran it several years with much success.the car now runs at ft wayne at the rumble im told.cg
Forty three years ago, I saw Rich win a 50 lap midget race at Salem in the Cornell #8. Dad and I spent the next 13 years chasing him to races all across the country. Like all the Greats; some cheered, some booed; everybody stood and watched.
I was driving a mini-stock that night (we had NO money, still don't). Was so excited to get home and check the VCR as I tried taping the race. Something screwed up on the taping, and all I saw was the aftermath. Flashing lights, safety crews milling around, the helmet.
Next Saturday, I nearly choked myself to death cinching up my helmet and belts. It was hard, even a week later, to get into that "race car". He was a tremendous talent, in and out of the cockpit.
