The Ohio Traveler Legacy: A Look Into Rick Ferkel’s Illustrious Career

Drivers and fans alike, anyone popular with Sprint Car racing, would recognize Rick Ferkel without hesitation. From being the first ever sprint car racer to use a ‘humper’ on the right rear to making a roll cage out from an old swing set, Ferkel’s innovations knew no bounds. Nicknamed ‘The Ohio Traveler’ for his countrywide race participations, the legend was a revered name in the Sprint Car industry. However, after an illustrious career spanning decades, the community had to bid a heavy-hearted goodbye to Ferkel, who was 84.

Rick Ferkel had been a driver, an official, a crew chief, and a team owner during his time, making his presence known far and wide. Even after his retirement, Ferkel continued to provide a platform to budding Sprint Car talents who have gone on to race in NASCAR’s highest tiers. As we mourn the tragedy of his demise, let us look at the career of one of the cornerstones of Sprint Car racing.

Rick Ferkel’s legendary driving career

Hailing from Tiffin, Ohio, the ‘World of Outlaws’ legend and one of its original stars, Rick Ferkel started his racing career in 1965. The initial days were filled with races at local tracks like Fremont Speedway, Millstream Speedway, and Limaland Speedway. Sadly, the racer didn’t enjoy a lot of wins in his first few years of racing. And in a hilarious dig at himself, Ferkel put a ‘zero’ as his car number as an indication of his winless streak.

However, his ‘zero’ days would finally be over when he when he learned about higher-paying sprint car shows. The racer would then amp up his efforts and begin competing in 70-80 races annually. His first win would come at Freemont Speedway three years after his debut. From an astounding number of efforts, he managed to win 30 races or more each year. 1978 was his best season statistically, as he raked in 38 wins that year with 41 race appearances in the World of Outlaws.

41 races in the competition’s first season was an incredible achievement that showcased his zeal and love for racing in a sprint car. In the same season, Rick Ferkel displayed prowess at the renowned Eldora Speedway. He also went onto win four of the nine WoO races held at the currently Tony Stewart-owned speedway. The 1978 season could have been the feather on his hat, but alas, he settled for a second-place finish in the final standings, 54 points behind Steve Kinser.

Rick Ferkel had another successful year in the following season. However, Kinser stood between him and the championship again, and this time, Sammy Swindell finished second as Ferkel managed a third-place finish. Closing towards the dusk of his career, there needed to be more time for Rick Ferkel to continue racing. He quit racing in 1989. In the span of just 24 years, the legend won nearly 400 sprint car races around the nation.

Since his retirement, Rick Ferkel began his journey as a sprint car team owner. In 1995, the Sprint Car Hall of Fame crowned his achievements with an impending induction.

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Ferkel’s legacy as a team owner

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After 1989, Rick Ferkel wanted to give something back to the sprint car community. Fond of building cars, he transitioned into the ownership of a racing team. Over the years, he has mentored the likes of Christopher Bell and his son Ricky Ferkel. Bell has gone on to represent Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series and scored his maiden 410 sprint car win at Fremont with Rick Ferkel.

Christopher Bell moved on to the Truck Series under the tutelage of Kyle Busch and has been a constant presence in NACSAR’s top flight since then.

Rick Ferkel’s idea of racing fundamentals described his effect on drivers as a team owner. Former Tony Stewart Racing crew chief Daryl Turford described his approach best: “Rick’s an old-school racer, and he doesn’t care what the car looks like. He just wants to go out and be fast on the race track.”

In honor of his memorable career, Waynesfield Raceway also renamed its annual event the Annual Rick Ferkel Classic. The ode to Ferkel describes his impact on the community perfectly.

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