“No Sense in Sugarcoating It”—Former NASCAR Icon Readies “Old-School” Driver Development Program for Aspiring Racers

Rich Bickle made a striking comeback in 2023, not to race but to share his wisdom as a guest analyst at the 44th Annual Cobblestone Hotels Slinger Nationals. However, that’s not it. With a track record that boasts four Slinger Nationals crowns and five Snowball Derby victories, Bickle’s not one to rest on his laurels. His retirement, it seems, isn’t about taking a back seat. Instead, he’s steering his passion towards molding the next generation of NASCAR racers.

Recently, according to shorttrackscene.com, Bickle has decided to shift gears to enter the world of driver coaching and development. He’s not just looking for any driver; he’s on the hunt for the cream of the crop. Bickle’s ideal protege isn’t someone who’s easily sidetracked or half-hearted about racing. He’s searching for a racer who’s not just a flash in the pan but the whole package—someone hungry to learn and grow every day on the track.

NASCAR legend Rich Bickle and his former crew chief, Tony D’Ambrose, are cooking up something special

2021 marked the end of an era as Rich Bickle hung up his racing gloves after the Snowball Derby. His Swan Song season was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a head-to-head battle with Luke Fenhaus for the Slinger Speedway track championship and a triumphant victory in the Joe Shear Classic 200 at Madison International Speedway.

But Bickle isn’t one to sit idle. He’s now at the helm of a new Midwestern-based initiative, aiming to mold young racers in the art of racing. Teaming up with D’Ambrose, his partner on the track for the past half-decade at T1 Racing, Bickle is set to pass on the torch.

Bickle, ever the straight-shooter, said, “We want our program based in the Midwest because we believe that’s where the best competition is right now. […] We want to find a kid that wants to learn how to do it all. The rare breed that has what it takes to wheel one of these cars but is also going to jump in and want to learn how to wrench on them, too. I’m from the era where, if you want it, you have to learn how to do it. No one ever gave me a dollar. I’ve worked for what I’ve got, and that’s the lesson we’re going to instill in the racers that come through this program.”

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He didn’t mince words while adding, “We’re going to be honest with you. No one wants to tell a kid that they can’t do something, but if it’s not working out, then it’s not working out. There’s no sense in sugarcoating it.”

D’Ambrose, brimming with confidence about their new venture, noted their rich history of working with talents like Eddie Hoffman, Jim Weber, Blake Brown, and Bickle himself. With their track record of countless wins and championships, their love for the sport is the fuel that’s likely to drive this program to success. 

A racing journey spans nearly five decades

Born in 1961 in the small town of Edgerton, Wisconsin, Rich Bickle raced his way through 45 thrilling years before taking his final lap in 2021. Through it all, he never lost sight of the importance of his hometown.

In a heart-to-heart with Lance Allan back in 2021, he reflected on his upbringing with a sense of pride. He believed that growing up where he did, during a golden era of racing, was perhaps his greatest victory. Rich Bickle was mentored by the best of the best, and he often noted that among the top 50 short-track NASCAR asphalt racers in the country at the time, 40 were from his neck of the woods.

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Now, as he has already stepped away from the driver’s seat, Rich Bickle is determined to pay it forward. He’s committed to shining a light on the budding talents in his community, helping to transform his beloved city into a cradle of racing stars once again.