From Sandusky Speedway to the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, Tim Richmond was one talented race-car driver.
The Ashland, Ohio, native died from complications of AIDS in 1989 at age 34.
Richmond had a short but brilliant career. He started at the late age of 21 and made his way through the open-wheel ranks to compete in the Indianapolis 500, winning rookie of the year in 1980 with a ninth-place finish.
From there, he moved on to stock-car racing and won his first two races in 1982. Richmond eventually made his way to Hendrick Motorsports and won seven races in 1986. In all, he won 13 NASCAR Cup Series events and posted 14 poles. Despite his illness, Richmond won twice in a partial season during 1987, but never raced again after that season.
Featured here (clockwise from top left): In victory lane at Daytona in 1982; Celebrating his fourth victory of 1986 at Watkins Glen; Ready for the 1987 Winston; At Daytona in 1983; In victory lane after a 1986 Busch Grand National race at Charlotte; The 1980 Indy 500 rookie of the year; Leading the field to the green flag alongside Alan Kulwicki (7) at Pocono in 1987; With crew chief D.K. Ulrich in 1981; At Winchester (Ind.) Speedway in 1977. — NSSN Archives