* Dick racing career began in the early 1950's in Victoria

* He drove a Stock Car (1934 Ford Coupe) during the first year of racing (1954) at Western Speedway.

* His initial driving luck was not too successful as he demolished three race cars in his first year of competition.

* For the 1955 season, his crew fastened a pair of roller skates to the top of his race car in case he decided to do roll overs as in the previous year.

* 1955 was a much better year for Dick. His crew was awarded the "Best Looking Crew" award and he ended the season sitting 6th in the point championships.

* 1956 was a banner year for Dick. He won a record three consecutive Main Events and finished the season with a total of six Main Event victories. A record crowd of 3,400 witnessed Dick win the Main on May 22nd.

* Dick was second in the season finale Championship Race, and with his superb record throughout the year ended up as the Points Champion.

* Dick also enjoyed success during the 1957 racing season at Western. He had the distinction of being the first Main Event winner on the newly-paved track surface. He also received the Popular Driver Award and ended the year sitting in 3rd place in the point championships.

* Dick flipped his race car on July 12th, 1958 - the first time since his shakey beginnings in 1954. He still managed a 9th place final standing in the year-end point championships.

* Dick lost his life in an unfortunate skin-diving accident on July 20, 1959. V.I.T.R.A. and the Willoughby family initiated a trophy in his honour - the Dick Willoughby Sportsmanship Trophy. This award has been presented every year from 1959 to the present.

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