By Brian Liskai

GIBSONBURG, Ohio (July 22, 2002) - Sprint car driver Dick Liskai passed away Friday evening after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was 54-years-old.

Liskai, who had worked many years at the Dana Corporation and most recently as a self-employed truck driver, piloted sprint cars for over 30 years. He had competed most recently at Attica Raceway Park and Fremont Speedway in 2000. He finished in the top 10 in points at Fremont that year, and had put together a brand new car for the 2001 season when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Even while receiving treatment for his cancer, Liskai would attend the races at Fremont Speedway, helping with the 305 sprint team of Craig Mintz.

A moment of silence was held Saturday, July 20, at Fremont Speedway in remembrance of Liskai. Two of his children - son, Brent of Gibsonburg and Shelley Bowe-Liskai of Helena - were in attendance, as were his three brothers, Al of Fremont, and Steve and David of Gibsonburg.

Liskai began racing in the late 1960s/early 1970s. He won many features at Millstream Speedway (Findlay) and scored three career wins at Fremont. He raced primarily in Ohio, but did compete in some events in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan and Iowa.

Liskai also competed against his brothers, Steve and Al, throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Sprint car legend Rick Ferkel also credited Liskai with helping his career. In the early 1970s, Ferkel and Liskai teamed up to own a car, which carried Ferkel to several feature wins.

"Uncle Dick enjoyed racing. Not only did he enjoy driving sprint cars, but I really think he liked the challenge of trying to figure out how to set them up," said nephew Brian Liskai, who is the announcer at Fremont Speedway. "He really enjoyed just being around the track and the people...the racing fraternity was a part of his family."

This spring, a benefit was held at the Rollersville Tavern for Liskai, and hundreds of family, friends and race fans turned out to help raise $10,500.

"I know Uncle Dick was completely flabergasted by that response. Those that attended that event and those who sent cards and letters will never know how much they touched Dick and our entire family," continued Brian.

Plans are to have Liskai's familiar #6 sprint car at Fremont Speedway soon, where fans can sign their condolensces on the car.

Liskai is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his mother, Marion Liskai of Gibsonburg; children, Shelley, Brent, Tonya and Jeanette; brothers, Alex of Fremont and David and Steve of Gibsonburg; sisters, Ruth Blair of South Carolina, Joan Vincent of Gibsonburg, Pat Hendricks of Montpelier and Sandy Haubert of Colorado; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Nopper-Veh Funeral Home in Gibsonburg on Tuesday, July 23, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.