2010 Hall of Fame


 

Dick Estevez
 Racer

Dick Estevez is recognized around the world as one of the top Ford racers in history, but his contributions to Maryland International Raceway are both widely known and hiding in plain sight. His on track efforts are the stuff of legend, but unknown to many is the fact that Dick erected all the steel work for the majority of the structures at MIR, including the bleachers, scoreboards, buildings, and the magnificent new tower. Dick's racing career began in 1959 and has continued for more than 50 years with successful cars from altereds to Super Stocks, and all the way up to Pro Stock. Dick was a trusted teammate of fellow Ford legend Dyno Don Nicholson for 20 years, and the two racers ripped up race tracks across the country. Dick also built and campaigned a Project Car for Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine, allowing race fans to follow along as one of the best in the business described how to prepare and race a successful drag machine.

Dick was the crewchief for Phil Bonner’s famous Daddy Warbucks entries that won week in and week out on the 1960s Southeastern match racing scene. He restored and still races the Daddy Warbucks Ford Falcon, and each new wheels-up, 180 mph run thrills new generations of Ford fans. So whether MIR fans are enjoying the view from the aluminum bleachers, enjoying a snack at the Hot RodZ Diner, or enjoying the spotless, best in the business restrooms, they can thank Dick Estevez. And when they get back to their seats, they can enjoy watching him behind the wheel of that bright orange ’65 Ford as it makes another 7-second pass into the MIR record books.
 

 
 

We Have Lost a Great One!!!
 And one of My Closest Personal Friends

It brings me great sadness to announce that Maryland International Raceway Hall of Fame member, Dick Estevez, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 77 years old. Dick was a true legend in our sport, not only from his successful racing career but because of the caliber and character of the man that he was. A man’s true wealth in this world is not measured by his material worth, but by the love and respect of his family and friends. And in that, Dick was rich beyond measure.

Dick was one of the region’s most successful Super Stock racers in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. You could find him on many special event race days in his “Daddy Warbucks” 65 Ford Falcon… and who hasn’t enjoyed seeing him doing his signature long smokey burnouts! His love for the sport has been passed on to his children and grandchildren and there has never been a truer racing family than the Estevez clan, led by their patriarch, Dick, and his loving wife, Sandy. Speaking of his grandchildren, the love and pride he showed when talking about his grandchildren was amazing.

I have had the honor of having Dick as a close, personal friend the entire 30-plus years I have been at the helm of Maryland International Raceway. He and his family have been there from day-one to help make Maryland International Raceway into the facility and community it is today. Dick, and his two sons Pat and Ricky, have been involved in so many of the improvements that racers and fans enjoy today, including countless grandstand and sign structure projects, erecting all the steel for the current tower, building the stage, erecting the previous and current scoreboards, and many, many more.

Dick and I also had many exploits away from the track as well. He was my sidekick when I started traveling and running the “Pinks All Out” TV shows for Speed Channel and in true Dick fashion, he would jump in and help with the event. After the first couple of shows, Speed Channel added Dick to the payroll as a valued member of the team. I will also never forget our trip to Sturgis, South Dakota, several years ago, because we really had a great time there.

My last outing with Dick was just a few weeks ago, when the two of us went to visit with Pete, George and the crew at Speed Unlimited as they were closing, to thank them for their long term support of both the track and for their support of Dick and his family’s racing endeavors. While it was sad that the store is closing, we had a great visit and told lots of stories and shared a lot of laughs. I will miss my friend deeply as I know everyone that knew him will also. To the Estevez family, you are his legacy… carry it on proudly!

 

With Deep Sadness, Love and Respect,
Royce
      

Click photo below for slideshow

 

The family is requesting any memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Charles County. MDIR will pay tribute to Dick Estevez at a future event in 2021. More details to come.
CV