Rich Vogler was one of the most successful and fearless drivers in the history of American racing. He won 134 USAC races, second only to A.J. Foyt, and competed in the Indianapolis 500 five times. He was also known for his relentless pursuit of victory, often risking his life on the track. His passion for speed was both his glory and his doom, as he died in a horrific crash at Salem Speedway in 1990, just days before his 40th birthday.
A Legend in Midgets and Sprints
Rich Vogler was born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, on July 26, 1950. He started racing at an early age, and soon became a star in the midget and sprint car circuits. He won the National Alliance of Midget Auto Racing (NAMAR) midget champion in 1973, and the USAC National Midget Series championships in 1978, 1980, 1983, 1986, and 1988. He also won the USAC National Sprint Car Series championships in 1980 and 1989, becoming the first driver to win both titles in the same year.
Vogler was nicknamed “Rapid Rich” for his aggressive and daring driving style. He was always looking for the fastest line, and never backed down from a challenge. He won numerous major national events, such as the Hut Hundred eight times, the 4-Crown Nationals midget car event four times, the Copper Classic twice, the Hoosierdome Invitational twice, and the inaugural Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in 1987. He also won over 200 “outlaw” (non-USAC) midget races, and had 170 total USAC wins.
A Dream of Indy
Despite his dominance in the short tracks, Vogler had a dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500. He made his first attempt to qualify in 1980, but failed to make the field. He finally made his debut in 1985, driving for Patrick Racing and KFC, a longtime sponsor of his. He finished 23rd in his first Indy 500, and returned every year until 1990. His best finish was eighth in 1989, driving for Machinists Union.
Vogler was respected by his fellow Indy car drivers, who admired his talent and courage. He also showed his sportsmanship in 1988, when he testified for Emerson Fittipaldi, who was penalized two laps for passing Vogler under yellow. Vogler claimed that he had waived Fittipaldi by, and the penalty was overturned the next day.
A Tragic End
The 1990 season was not a happy one for Vogler. He failed to qualify for the Indy 500, and was being overshadowed by a young sensation named Jeff Gordon in the midget and sprint car races. Vogler was determined to prove himself again, and entered the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial sprint car event at Salem Speedway on July 21, 1990. The race was nationally broadcast on ESPN Thunder, and Vogler was leading with just over a lap to go. He tried to lap Wayne Hammond, but their wheels touched, and Vogler’s car flipped into the fence. His helmet flew off his head, and he suffered severe head injuries that killed him instantly. He was declared the winner of the race, his last victory.
Vogler’s death shocked and saddened the racing community, who mourned the loss of a great champion and a friend. He was buried in his hometown of Glen Ellyn, and was posthumously inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1991, and the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1994. He is remembered as one of the greatest drivers of all time, and a legend of speed.
