When I was a kid back in the 80’s, I wrote him a fan letter. Many months later, I got an autographed picture, a team photo, and a couple of action driving pics too. The Gould Charge!

@VampireYoshi

2 жыл бұрын

Early Eighties, then. The Gould Charge concluded its sponsorship in 1982, and Mears became the Pennzoil Special for the remainder of the decade.

@reno145

2 жыл бұрын

@@VampireYoshi like I said, I was a kid. No more than 12.

@robersonclan4879

2 жыл бұрын

Rick always has been a class act!

@blakerh

2 жыл бұрын

First Indy 500 I went to was 1982. Was very exciting to see Rick chase down Johncock and almost win. He is my favorite IndyCar driver.

@bradgriffith4231

2 жыл бұрын

I met Rick & Roger at the Parker 400 in the early 80s, before they went Indy racing. Roger drove the Budweiser Jeep Honcho & Rick drove a lower class buggy spocered by Tracy's(Velenta) Party Ice. Both treated me like they'd known me forever. Also watched him race at the Phoenix Mile multiple times.

It was more than leg injuries: Mears pulverized his feet at Sanair in 1984 and I was surprised he ever walked again. I met him at the 1992 auto show in Toronto in the Chevrolet booth and he was gracious and a kind man. He signed his autograph the same he always did: Thanks! Rick Mears. He was thanking you for taking the time just to meet him.

@vinewood8295

2 жыл бұрын

He damn near lost his feet after that accident BUT Roger convinced the doctors to try and fix them & they did an amazing job. Rick rehabilitated and came back in 85 to win the Pocono 500, an amazing accomplishment. That feet injury however turned out to be the turning point in his career though, I truly believe had that not happened he wins more races than he did and at least one more CART PPG Cup...

@sixstringsdown1

2 жыл бұрын

After Rick has both his feet nearly ripped off, on the way under the ARMCO BARRIER, and again as the car spun back to the track. I remember a story, that TEAMMATE DANNY SULLIVAN VISITING QUICK RICK & TOLD HIM " REFUSE THE PAIN PILLS! I DIDN'T WHEN I INJURED MY BACK, AND YOU START ABUSING THEM AS SOON AS YOUR LAST SCRIPT RUNS OUT"!!! Thanks to THE SACKLER FAMILY for the info. 😉

@sixstringsdown1

2 жыл бұрын

@@vinewood8295 I think that hard hit at TURN 1, DURING INDY PRACTICE when the fuel started pouring out a loose fuel line causing Rick to slam the wall, get the car nearly upside down was probably the catalyst for THE OVAL MASTER to think about retirement.

@nickbooth1005

Жыл бұрын

Met him 3 years ago and still does that till this day! A true Hero

@buckodonnghaile4309

Жыл бұрын

I met him at the same car show in Toronto and still have the autograph. That was a big deal for me.

No ego, level headed, and he won races. How many drivers do we have like that today?

@larrywhite2574

2 жыл бұрын

I always liked Rick from the begining . He knew how to race and take care of the car and bring it to the finish . A real class act .

@VampireYoshi

2 жыл бұрын

They're rare, and it can't be taught. The old tales of the original Bill Vukovich claim he had no ego, and coldly, calmly got the best out of the car possible; and I believe it. They are likely a few out there at any given moment, but they might not be given the same chances as 'louder' racers who make more waves.

@michaelerb9143

2 жыл бұрын

Well said. And very true.

@lwamimthembu8544

2 жыл бұрын

None

@mountcomfort740

2 жыл бұрын

One of the greatest to ever do it

One of my best memories of Rick was Indy 1992, my son wanted an autograph but Rick's wrists were all taped up and he was unable to sign autograph at the time. So he grabs the boy plops him on his lap and says how about a picture instead. My son still has that photo on his wall at home. Rick was always a class act.

@karenharris722

2 ай бұрын

That's awesome!!

I worked at the IMS Motel in 1992 and I took laundry to his room that day, after that horrific crash. He was in bed and he started to get up to give me a tip! I told him absolutely not, stay in bed and I'd put them in the cabinet. He was super gracious and friendly, even in obvious pain. Great man and fantastic driver.

@charlieh3998

Жыл бұрын

Says a lot about him.

“It’s better to retire too soon while you’re still on top than to stay too long and embarrass yourself.” -Jim Brown

The "Master of Faster". I loved watching this guy race his entire career. One of the smartest drivers ever, plus incredible natural talent.

Rick is my all-time favorite IndyCar driver. Some of what came out of this interview I had heard before through other shows, but to hear him tell the story brought a new depth of understanding. He didn’t follow a traditional route to Indy, and things happened so quickly. It really is an amazing story. I had the privilege of meeting Rick at Texas Motor Speedway in 2011. At 42 years old, I felt like a kid seeing one of my childhood heroes in person for the first time. He was kind and professional as he posed for a photo and signed my pit pass. Great interview!!

@michaelbragg6903

2 жыл бұрын

I feel the same way. I was in his fan club and the person who ran it sent a note out that if anyone wanted to wish him a happy birthday to mail in a card. I did and wrote a note after he made his retirement announcement. A few months later I got a letter from him thanking me for my comments. I also got to meet him at Indy in 2013 and just asked to shake his hand. He thanked me.

Now here is a smart man. Watched his money throughly, analyzed his train of thought, wanted to retire on his terms with what he felt was right...etc etc. Rick Mears, you did it your way! I was extremely sad you climbed out of the car.....but myself and other's know exactly why now. Your a Legend!

I'm 54. Rick was my hero back in the early to mid 1980's. Now, 40 years later, I think I picked a pretty good guy to look up to. I don't regret or laugh at my choice, like so many of us do.

@bigjohnharvey

2 жыл бұрын

Ditto, I'm 54 as well.

Perhaps the most "class act" to ever have raced in any type of racing. An articulate spokesperson, tremendous competitor, unbelievable talent. Helio Castroneves gives much credit for his success to Rick Mears in his time as driver's coach for Team Penske.

@davidstout8604

Жыл бұрын

Mears and Johnny Rutherford … and Gordon Johncock

@jimries625

Жыл бұрын

Yep

Such a class act, one of my childhood racing heroes.

Rick Mears. One of the most prolific racers of all time. Fearless

Mark Donahue is a Penske legend. I have heard that Mark's death (when he really had wanted to stop racing) was on Rick Mears' mind, too...stop now...don't do what Mark did...Mark was miserable at the end...and I also heard that Mark did not want to let Roger Penske and the team down, as Rick referred to. So, he kept racing and even came out of retirement. I am glad that Rick is still with us.

@johnwelsh4750

2 жыл бұрын

Wish Mark was still around, he would bring a wealth of knowledge, I thought he authored a book in early.70's " the Unfair advantage " ?..

@timheidel5849

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnwelsh4750 Yes, I have Mark's book. Sadly, I seem to recall that it was published after his death.

@twillis449

Жыл бұрын

@@timheidel5849 I think it was published a couple of years before his death and after his successful Can-AM, Indy car, and Sports car career. There was no 'unfair advantage' at Penske F1.

Riverside CA 1976 Rick Mears came out of his trailer with all of his gear on helmet and all and with all the fans (a dozen of us I think) standing around gave a demonstration and speech of his entire uniform and he stripped down to his fire suit in front of all of us. I will never forget that day. The greatest race car driver to ever grace the sport of racing.

I love these videos with the veteran drivers we learn so much about the racing world from these guys.👍

Rick is an icon. He will always be one of my favs. I loved watching him at the Cleveland Grand Prix (the airport circuit)... He would be the slowest to get up to speed during the first practices, but when he did he was an artist... I always admired the seeming patience he had at tip toeing up to the limit, I think it was the key to his greatness... Again, he's an icon Thanks for posting Dale... really dug this!

This is the best insight to all motorsports. Stock car, Indy, F1, Dirt, motocross. The door is wide open for Dirty Mo. Hell they could bring in a go cart driver and I'm glued in! Racing history and stories never get old.

These interviews are gold. Wow, awesome perspective from one of the best.

Watching Rick Mears race at Indy in the early 80s got me into racing and made me want to be a driver. He made it look SO easy, and as we all know, it's not. Years later, when CART still came to Portland for races, my dad got us tickets and walking through the paddock, I got to the Penske pits and who comes out, but Rick Mears. I'm standing there as a 13-year-old kid in front of my idol, and couldn't say a word. Next to me was a memorabilia hog with a literal STACK of stuff he wanted signed. Mears put a hand up and politely told him no, then got on his scooter and rode off. I still have the picture I took on a crappy little disposable camera of him, but to this day, I regret being rendered speechless in his presence. Thanks for the interview, Junior!

Epic interview. Rick Mears will always be the man

Rick could effect the stagger in the car (intentionally) by the way he turned in to the corner… he had methods figured out the other guys hadn’t even thought of …not just a brilliant driver but also a great technician

@n.w.owhoknowstheshadowknow58

2 жыл бұрын

He could what?? No the stagger is the stagger he might of been making the car behave certain way by his input in ways others couldn't but the stagger remained the same

What a class act Rick is! He is my hero from childhood watching him set “a new track record” @Indy and meeting him (on my dads shoulders) @ Laguna Seca later that year🏁

Another great discussion. I loved watching Rick Mears.

Rick always has been and continues to be a class act. Thank-you for everything!

I wasn’t much of an IndyCar or CART follower growing up, but always watched the Indy 500 and rooted for either Mario or Michael Andretti, Rick Mears, and of course, A.J. Foyt. Those drivers WERE the sport to me! So it’s really great to see “Mr. Four Timer” still active in the sport - although from the outside looking in…

This Man is one of the reasons I fell in love with Indy Car racing. Thanks Rick.

@jimries625

Жыл бұрын

Cool

He comes off as humble as I had hoped. He was my favorite open wheel driver when I was growing up. What a career… thank you, Rick.

Thank you for documenting these amazing drivers.

I damn near cried when Rick retired as I wanted to see him win that 5th Indy. And even if he wasn't 100% into it as he mentions, I'm sure he would have if he had struck around a few more years.

@johnwelsh4750

2 жыл бұрын

Hard to Beat the Unser's, especially AL Sr & Jr too when he had his Mind on Business, he was a tough competitor.

Major respect for the open wheelers.todays stock cars are so safe,I believe these young guns don't fear crashing.put em all in an Indy car and turn em loose.i bet they learn to respect each other real fast.

@johnhullinger1635

2 жыл бұрын

For sure. Respect is hugely important in IndyCar. Look at the reaction to the Graham Rahal/Romain Grosjean incident. You HAVE to respect each other out there.

@alfrednawrocki8061

2 жыл бұрын

Most dangerous type of auto racing ? INDY CARS !!!

I never met Rick but he's the one I looked up to and tried to emulate. Watching him he always made it look so dam easy.

We're proud of Rick Mears in Bakersfield, Ca.

Thanks For Uploading ☺😎 Awesome Driver Rick Mears 4 Time Indianapolis 500 Championship 1979 1984 1988 And 1991

I still remember Rick as the fresh faced kid in the early eighties.I'm only a few yrs younger & I'm thinking back to my grandmother telling me how fast the yrs go by.Thanks for the memories Rick.

Just listened to the podcast and it was great, Rick is an absolute racing legend.

Rick Mears is one of my heroes of racing. He is wise to leave on his terms. I respect him for not staying too long.

I ♡ Rick Mears!! I was lucky enough and extremely happy to be there at the Indy 500 to see his last 2 wins. I thought sure he was going to be the first 5-time winner! ♡🏁

Excellent interview with one of the best drivers ever. Good to see he looks good 🏁✌️

Rick was my favorite driver when I was a kid and I was so hoping he’d be the first to win 5. When he retired I was gutted. But I’m happy that he’s happy.

So many things about Dale Jr. that make him so likeable and relatable. But these podcasts are just gold because he approaches them as a fan , 1st and foremost, who wants to better understand the mindset of the drivers he looked (looks?) up to. He's having the conversation most of us would LOVE the opportunity to have. So good.

My late son worshipped Rick Mears -- when we talked about any Indycar race, his question was always, "how did Rick Mears do?"

@richardmorris7063

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 65 & a big And retro fan ,Rick was as good as ANY on the superspeedway.Sorry for you're loss.Rick & Michael trading passes in turn 1 Indy 30 yrs ago was as good as it gets!

Smart man. Love Rick Mears and will always remember him. Awesome person and a great part of automobile racing ! May he always stay a part of the sport !

Terrific interview! The indycar driver interviews this season are really great!

3:30 The thought of Rick driving a PC23 with the Beast has never crossed my mind until now. And it’s a frightening thought. Rick was always so smooth and so technical, the thought he may have gotten more out of it than Little Al and Emmo did…..wow….

Great interview Dale ! I remember having a beer with Rick 40 years ago in Indy. A super soft spoken class guy.

My friends and I would drive three hours to Indy to watch time trials on pole position weekend. That was when the Snake Pit still existed on the infield, and state troopers walked around in groups of ten or more. We got to watch all the legends qualify and chase the poll. Rick was always super fast. AJ Foyt, Al Unser Jr, The Andretti's, Aurie Luyendyk, Danny Sulivan, Emerson Fittipaldi, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Allison and Bobby Unser. We got to see them all. I never got to see a race in person, but pole qualifying day was still worth the trip!

@larrywhite2574

2 жыл бұрын

I remember the time trials and going to the races. Rick will always be my favorite.

@conrailfan6277

2 жыл бұрын

I grew up in Anderson Indiana, I never made the race but I did make Carb Day!!

I met him at the 2023 Indianapolis Induction gala a few days ago and had a 5 minute uninterrupted chat about the days the USAC guys came over to the UK in 1978 when I marshaled at Brands Hatch. A most pleasant and gracious man.

"Losing the desire". That was always my biggest concern growing up and choosing a profession. It's not always possible to just walk away once you decide. I give Rick a ton of credit and really miss that era when he raced.

What an absolute superb insight into the thought process to retire. I recently stopped after over 30 years of racing and it is frightening how similar my feelings were to those of Mr. Mears. For me Rick Mears will always be one of the all time greats and this interview really solidifies why he was so exceptional. In the words of Mike Hawthorne decades before 'being asked why did you retire is much more pleasant than why don't you retire'.

When I was a kid there were 2 posters with racecars on my wall: Mario's Lotus 79 and Rick's Penske PC6. He is such a legend.

I always wondered the same thing about just racing the Indy 500 and nothing more.

I was a diehard fan of Rick Mears back then so for me it was the saddest non-fatality day in my life as an IndyCar fan when I saw the announcement on Sportscenter that day in 1992 that Rick had announced his retirement. I felt like for sure he would keep going until at least the 95 or 96 season & I felt like that he was going to win that 5th 500 in one of those races. The race he's speaks of where he got out the car with it still running was the 1992 Michigan Marlboro 500 which was also his final CART start, he just pulled down pit road and got out & I think they said at the time that the car had handling issue's plus Rick was still nursing his damaged wrist as well. He had qualified that chassis pretty well that weekend towards the front with that bum wrist, a healthy Mears may have sat on the pole and won that race just like he did the year before when he won both the 500's. Paul Tracy & Al Unser Sr filled in for him for the remainder of the season. Had he not retired, he probably coulda won in 93 or 94, I remember when they mentioned something during one of the interviews that month about his thoughts on the BEAST & the minor quick thought of jumpin in one the cars and running that years 500, I really wish he had BUT respect his decision to retire when he did hell if I had been a pro racer I would probably have retired before my time as well IF I had a resume like his...

"I don't need this ----" ... I've been there.

@gailtaylor1636

2 жыл бұрын

Raced dirt bikes for 20 years. That is exactly how it happens. Just wasn't fun. You have to spend a huge amount time staying in shape and eventually that gets old too. Your body just can't do it anymore.

Amazing driver and man, then and now

Yeah Rick's feet were pulverized and if I remember it correctly the last time I saw him on pit road at the speedway he still walked with a limp..I was at the speedway that day he hit the turn two wall and got upside down...it was one of the nastiest hits I had ever seen at the speedway and I have seen alot of bad licks at the speedway... Rick is a great guy and a great champion 🏆🏆

One of my all-time favorites. What a well-spoken and thoughtful guy and a great driver.

He was my favorite race car driver ., the only person I asked for a autograph in my life n I'm 56.

Always been a Rick Mears fan. My son and I met him 2 years ago at Indy time trials. He was in the Indy museum in the new display honoring him. It was just the 3 of us. He took a few minutes and talked with us and let us take pictures with him. Gave us a each a side hug. Damn but that was cool seeing him at the museum display for him!

Dale, you conduct fantastic interviews. Handled perfectly. Just like your interview with little Al. Great respect here.

Rick became my favorite driver when he and Roger were off road racing. I couldn't believe it when he was given a ride in Indy cars...and he didn't disappoint. He was an amazing talent in addition to being a great guy from all accounts. Good to see him here!

Rocket Rick was my child hood hero….great interview

My Dad was racing Baja (Where The Mears Gang began) during Rick's heyday. We lived a few miles from Bakersfield and had mutual friends, so he was always my favorite as a kid. I remember him and his brother Roger showing up to the OffRoad World Championships and racing any class that someone would give them a car for and winning a bunch.

Rick was one of the easiest drivers to run into in the pits at any race. I had a dozen encounters over a 15 years period. One of my all time favorites, I enjoyed every meeting.

@billtmarchi4320

2 жыл бұрын

Why? Because he was always in the way? Or he just refused to get out of the way?

@bobdevreeze4741

2 жыл бұрын

@@billtmarchi4320 I move faster

What an incredibly honest conversation. I feel like a better man for having watched this.

A class act for sure Always a professional Always a gentleman Always a racer

RDP: OK, second, but at least I am going to mention what an awesome clip from the entire interview . . .had forgotten about that Indy 500 crash . . . love and admire these two racers . . . can't wait to see interview (NBC) of all four 4X Indy 500 Champs (Rick being one of them) this weekend before Indy GP.

@BSNFabricating

2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately Al Unser left us a few months ago, but at least he got to see Helio join the club.

The Mears Gang is a special group I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Rick & Roger’s Dad so I understand why those guys are as smart as they are!

started my indy 500 at pole day 1983 I was 8 years old. Teo fabi got the pole at 208 mph and the place went berserk. but I became a Rick Mears fan and it was such a pleasure to watch and root for this guy to do what he did. he was such a humble class act and just such a nice guy you couldn't have a better sports hero. the entire month of May in 1991 was just a script you couldn't write. seen many a car race over the years but nothing will ever come close.

Love this , thanks for letting us in and giving us insight.

I have always had the utmost respect for "Rocket" Rick Mears! A true gentleman out of the car and a fierce competitor behind the wheel. One of the few drivers that I've had the pleasure to meet who had the same attributes was Jimmy Vasser. Having been an avid fan of IndyCar racing and especially "The Indianapolis 500" since 1961 Rick is my #3 all time favorite driver/hero of Indy 500 drivers. The #2 is none other than Jimmy Clark the "Flying Scot" and #1 is (of course) "Super Tex" A.J. Foyt Jr. Which IMO puts Rick "The Oval Meister" Mears in very rarefied company indeed. Thank you Dale for this very candid conversation with one of the all time greatest open wheel racing drivers!

I was at Indy for all 4 of Rocket’s wins. This man could drive like no one, except maybe Senna, that I’ve ever seen. He was a machine, it didn’t matter if it was a big oval, small oval or road course. He was as close to perfection in motion as it gets.

I think it was in the early 80s and I was at Pismo Beach on a legal off road driving area along the California coast. The first evening There I saw Rick Mears, being one of my hero’s come into the area with his motorhome parking near us to enjoy some sand sports. It was early the next morning I was warming up my sand rail which resembled a 1923 Tall T. He was curious enough to stop by my camp in his sand machine to chat with me and compliment me on my vehicle. That was a pretty special moment that I think about when I hear his name. I believe it was the year he had won the Indy 500 after doing a 360 in the final lap to win the race.

I got to play a round of golf with Rick at Thorntree Country Club in DeSoto Texas back in the early 2000's. Aside from the sheer magnitude of his presence, what I came away with most were his stories about his feel for "the wall" ... on ovals (Indy in particular) he could feel how far from the wall he (his car) was ... and I mean with an inch-perfect tolerance. Damn. Amazing driver, amazing competitor, amazing man. That afternoon was a life changing highlight of my club professional career.

I saw Mr. Meats standing on top of his trailer in the Laguna Seca pits, in the early ‘90s. I shouted hello to him from the ground with my camera in my hand. He graciously waved back with a smile for a great photo. That’s a true gentleman racer.

Been watching this podcast off and on since it started and wow have Dale and Mike improved their interviewing skills. Impressive.

You can see how much Junior understands his point of view

Rick Mears was always may favorite we used to go to the track every weekend during the month of may and my uncle had a van called the Saturday night special he parked it against the fence in the short chute between turn one and two and almost every time Rick came out on the track he would wave to us. So so cool I’ll never forget it and I bet Rick remembers that van too

Incredible introspection and professionalism. Class act.

That was a beautiful interview. Thoughts that apply well beyond just racing. Thank you.

One of my racing heros, Thanks Dale.

Truly one of if not the best Indy car drivers ever. Total respect for this man.

What a very wise and smart man. I’ve always admired his racing yet know nothing about him. Now I’m a big fan.

Darn good interview.

Rick Meats could teach todays drivers what class is.

@rosscollins2910

2 жыл бұрын

For sure!

@kdmigloo

2 жыл бұрын

Majority of them cant carry his shoe laces.

To this day I remember being a little kid on my big wheel in the front yard pretending to be Rick Mears racing in the Indy 500 and we won every single time on a last lap pass taking the double checkered flags to the adoration of the thousands in attendance. This fantasized achievement and to add a dramatic effect always came with a crash that would prove that the day would be an utter failure to any driver except for the great Rick Mears. Thank you Rick for being one of my heros.

Followed nascar since 1979 Indy early 80's because of Rick mears F1 1993 Michael Schumacher when he was with Benetton.

LOVE the end of the clip with the voice of Indy, Tom Carnegie. I'm old enough to remember when Indy qualifying was a big deal and his booming voice would thunder, "Its a NEW track recooord". Chilling.

I remember that 92 crash like it was yesterday. I watched it live and swore that I just saw a man die, until he climbed out and walked away. Back in the day was one of my favorite drivers, a class act. I recall his wife making comments after that crash and then he retired not too long after.

@healthyone100

Жыл бұрын

that was a scary crash!

Mears, my favorite driver of all time. Loved that 1991 Indy win in the PC-20!

Rick is the greatest Indy 500 racer

Love Rick !!! Be well. As I neared my retirement, I got a bagger motorcycle and had great fun for 10 years. Many great trips. One day I lifted that heavy bike off the kick stand.... and it hurt me a moderate amount. It clicked in my brain.... hey, I don't care to do this anymore. The fun, great great fun,,,,, was gone.

Wow great interview. Rick was the man in open wheel back in the day.

Rick was one of my favorites of all time!

Rick raced my fathers car and my step fathers car back in the Ascot Park dune buggy days. He had talent at a very young age and a father that backed his children's talent. Mears Gang !

Looking good Rick. From an old member of The Mears Gang.

He may not drive any more, but Rick Mears is a racer's racer. Kind, professional, knowledgable.....and utterly ferocious behind the wheel. Never a dirty racer. He didn't have to be. I've always admired Rick Mears. Not so much for his prowess as a racer. He had the guts and forethought to say "I've had enough" and walk away when no one else really understood.

Whenever I see these legendary Indy Car Drivers, I always enjoy their insights but in the back of my head that the Greatest Champion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was That Black 3 Car...😊

Always admired Rick when he was active, seemed very professional, consistent and calm.

Rick mears is a very smart man that is in tune with himself awesome person thanks for all your commitment Rick!!!