Sprint driver Dick Liskai fighting cancer

By Brian Liskai

GIBSONBURG, Ohio (Dec. 22) - For over 30 years sprint car driver Dick Liskai has fought the competition and has won. Now, he's engaged in a different kind of fight that has far more serious consequences.

Liskai is fighting lymphoma cancer. On Thursday, Dec. 20, he was scheduled to go to Columbus to have his bone marrow harvested in preparation for a heavy round of chemotherapy. It is expected this next round of treatment will take at least 60 days to complete.

Liskai's daughter, Michelle Bowe-Liskai, said her dad's spirits are up, and he is a "fighter."

"Dad's doing pretty well. This next round of treatment is really going to be tough on him," Bowe-Liskai said. "He could really use a lot of prayers and support."

Liskai had driven the familiar #6 sprint car at area tracks, mainly Fremont Speedway, Attica Raceway Park and the former Millstream (Findlay) Speedway for many years. In 2000, he finished 9th in the Fremont Speedway point standings and had purchased a new sprinter in preparation for the 2001 season when the cancer was discovered. While undergoing treatment, he was a frequent visitor to the races at Fremont Speedway, helping 305 sprint driver, young Craig Mintz, whose family are close friends of Liskai and his wife, Cheryl.

Anyone wanting to drop a letter or card to Liskai can mail to: Dick Liskai, 6911 Co. Rd. 55, Gibsonburg, Ohio 43435.