_{*Quick Summary: The author adds a personal eulogy as a memorial to racing legend Dick Hutcherson.*}

On November 6th, we lost an influential person in my early life in racing – Dick Hutcherson. While I didn’t spend a ton of time with him, the time I did spend was always interesting for me as a young man. Dick’s racing history is quite impressive. In just a few short years, he amassed an incredible win total, and clearly displayed a very high level of talent.

My time with him would come exclusively at his business Hutcherson-Pagan in Charlotte. Dick’s and his brother Ron’s office doors were always open, and as a shy, but polite and inquisitive kid who absolutely loved racing and racing history, I’d poke my head in to see them every chance I got. Those guys would always make sure I left with something – decals, hero cards, A.J. Foyt collectibles, or something. They always had a gift ready for me. More than the stuff, Dick and Ron spent their valuable time, and helped to foster my love of racing.

A veteran of driving, being a crew chief, and a car parts supplier, Dick had great knowledge of many different parts of the business. While some might see a more gruff side from him, I only saw a kind man, who took more time than he probably should have to make me feel comfortable enough to just pop in and sit down in his office. These visits would take place while my dad was running errands, usually picking up parts or sheet metal at Hutcherson-Pagan for Hendrick Motorsports. I’d help my dad on these errands when I could, but when dad wouldn’t need me, I’d always try to go see “Hutch” and Ron. Of course to me, it was “Mr. Hutcherson” to both.

I would stand at his open office door, and when he’d look up, Dick would usually wave me in, even if only for a handshake while he was on the phone. Most of the time if he wasn’t too busy, he’d point to a chair for me to sit if he thought he was going to have time to chat. In times when he was busy, and if he’d get time later, he’d look around to see if I was still there, and if I was, he’d make sure to say hello. He always made time for me, and to know this famous race car driver would do that, left quite an impression on me. I have worked hard to pay tribute to the impact he and his brother had on me as a child, and it has helped to mold how I treat young race fans today. Even if the visit is brief, always take the time to say hello and answer questions, because it means far more to them than you’d think.

I will certainly miss him.

Some links about Dick Hutcherson:

https://www.racing-reference.info/driver/Dick_Hutcherson

http://legendsofnascar.com/Dick_Hutcherson.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Hutcherson

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1165248/

Video and link added September 21, 2020: https://talladegaspoilerregistry.com/2019/08/25/dick-hutcherson-you-need-to-know-who-he-was/