“Rapid Rich” Vogler was one of the greatest heroes in motorsports history. Over his thirty-one-year career, Rich drove and won in almost every type of open wheel race car. The list of some of his accomplishments tells the story:
Indianapolis 500
Competed in the Indianapolis 500 for five straight years from 1985 - 1989. Best finish (8th) in 1989.
171 Career Wins
171 Career USAC wins, 95 Midget, 35 Sprint, and 4 Silver Crown wins including many regional events. Rich's 171st win was the night he died at Salem in a white flag lap crash.
First to Win Two Championships in One Season
First to win both USAC Midget and Sprint Car Championships in one season (1980).
USAC Sprint Champion
USAC Sprint Champion in 1980 and 1989.
USAC USAC Midget Champion Champion
USAC Midget Champion in 1978, 1980, 1983, 1986, and 1988.
NAMAR Midget Champion
NAMAR Midget Champion in 1973.
More than 200 Wins in "outlaw"
Won more than 200 “outlaw” midget circuit features.
Top 3 in Silver Crown 3 Times
Placed in the top three of the Silver Crown series three times.
Hut Hundred Champion 8 Times
Won the “Hut Hundred” 8 times.
4-Crown Nationals Champion
Won the “4-Crown Nationals” midget event 4 times.
Hoosierdome Invitational Champion
Won the “Hoosierdome Invitational” 2 times.
Copper Classic Champion
Won the “Copper Classic” 2 times.
Night Before the 500 Champion
Won the “Night Before the 500.
WWRA Florida Winter Nationals Champion
Won the WWRA Florida Winter Nationals in 1983.
Chili Bowl Midget National Champion
Won the inaugural Chili Bowl Midget Nationals race in 1987.
Name
Richard Frank Vogler
Birthday
July 26, 1950
Death
July 21, 1990
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois
Occupations
Race Car Driver / Carpenter
Parents
- Donald Frank Vogler
- Eleanor Pauline Vogler
Spouse
Emily Crean Vogler
Children
- Donald John Vogler
- Eric Frank Vogler
- Nicholas Wesley Vogler
Hobbies
- Aviation Pilot
- R.C. Planes
- Off-Roading