RICK ESHELMAN
RICK ESHELMAN
Rick Eshelman, age 61, passed away Saturday, October 1. Rick’s current role was the “Voice of the World of Outlaws Dirt Late Model Series”. Rick, who grew up in New Boston, MI found his love for auto racing by attending and then working at Flat Rock, MI Speedway in his teenage years.
Eshelman filled various roles at Flat Rock in his youth, working in the pit area, doing summertime maintenance, selling billboards and program ads, and his true calling came in 1979 with the role of announcer at Flat Rock.
Rick also became the announcer at Toledo Speedway and various other tracks in the area. A stint in the U.S. Air Force followed before Rick returned to the area and began following his dream—chasing races.
The gentleman we all knew was fun, adventurous and was a friend to many-fellow track workers, racers and crews alike. Rick’s path took him across the country, where he landed in his current role. He entertained thousands of race fans with his knowledge, his spot-on statistics and his enthusiasm and true love of the sport.
Many accolades followed, culminated with his recent induction into the Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, becoming just one of four announcers that are now enshrined in this prestigious group.
Always a smile, always a hello, probably a joke, wherever and whoever Rick greeted along his chosen path….loved by many, heard by thousands upon thousands at tracks across the country and now at peace…you are greatly missed and loved…rest in peace, our friend and colleague.
An announcement for the date, time and place for the “Celebration of Rick’s Life and Love of Racing” and a full obituary will be shared in the future on the Millard Family of Chapels website; www.millardfamilychapels.com.
Condolences or a personal memory may also be shared on the funeral home web page.