RICK O'DELL

1997 INDUCTEE

* Racing seemed to be a natural progression as father "Digger" led the way being a well-known driver from the forties to the sixties. Rick is also following his father into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

* Rick earned Rookie of the Year honours in 1966 in the Victoria Auto Racing Association (V.A.R.A.).

* Out of 65 registered cars in 1967, Rick ended the season sitting 4th in Stock Car points. He also won the Sponsor's Trophy that year.

* In 1968, he won the Roy White Memorial Trophy and finished the year in 2nd spot.

* Rick served as vice president of V.A.R.A. in 1969. He also switched to the Super Stock Class and held a track record for the new Figure 8 class.

* In 1970, Rick won the Popular Driver Award and ended the season 4th in points.

* 1971 saw Rick win the Corby Cup (most Main Event wins); the Sponsor's Trophy; The Championship Race; the Popular Driver Award; and was the Super Stock Point Champion.

* 1972 was almost a carbon copy as he repeated as Points Champion; Popular Driver; Track Record Holder; and winner of the Sponsor's Trophy and the Championship Race.

* In 1973, Rick won the Popular Driver Award, was presented the Best Looking Super Stock award and ended the year sitting in 3rd position.

* Rick ended the 1974 season sitting in 2nd spot in points and again won the Popular Driver Award (for the 4th year in a row).

* Rick ran in the open super stock classes with some success in the 1980's. As well as competing at Victoria, he travelled to various tracks in the Pacific Northwest. The cars he drove were always first class in appearance and performance.

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1953 Ford Stock Car and crew in 1967

Major trophy presentation from Ken Holding

1957 Dodge Super Stock and crew in 1969

Larry Walker, Rick and Ron Hancock in 1971

Main Event win at Western Speedway in 1971

Receiving Red Lion Inn sponsored trophy in 1971

Rick with Super Stock crew in 1972

Another major trophy win at Western Speedway

1973 Super Stock Car

A close finish at Western Speedway in 1973

1985 OTRA win with Woody Wellwood and Jim Haslam

1997 HOF Induction with Ross Rockett & Matt Sahlstrom