Checkered Flag for Tom Richardson, Sr.

[oldgiracer]

Hillclimb and Time Trials driver, Tom Richardson, Sr. passed away last night in Sparta, NC. Tom was a long time member of CCR and the father of CCR driver, Tommy Richardson.

Both father and son love hillclimbs, attending many of the events held at Chimney Rock and vowing that they both would run hillclimbs themselves.

When CCR lost Beech Mountain as a hillclimb site, Tom began making inquiries in his area of Alleghany and Jefferson counties. Tom finally received permission to hold a hillclimb on Doughton Mountain Road in Laurel Springs and the Blue Ridge Sports Car Hillclimb was born. Tom, Tommy, Bob Bamberg of the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce, Jim Church of Laurel Springs VFD all worked very hard to make the event a success with the help of CCR RE, Martin Bartlett.

Tom and Tommy continued to support CCR efforts after their event was lost and were a tremendous help to me as I chaired Blue Ridge, Wolf Ridge and Eagle's Nest events. I learned from him what he called "Mountain Diplomacy". I will miss our conversations and receiving frequent email messages from him.

Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Richardson family.


Tony Wentworth

[tedebayer]

So sorry to hear that. In digging through history of hill climbing, I ran across a lot of info and some pictures of him.

Last year, I emailed him and asked some about the Sparta event. He called and we spoke one evening. Great guy and so sorry we lost him.

Thanks for letting us know Tony.



www.alleghanynews.com/archive/115_41/art258.php



His son, Tommy back in the day...

[pleiades]

Tom was one of the greatest guys I've ever had the chance to compete with. He will be very missed.

[oldgiracer]

In case anyone would like to send a card either to Mrs. Richardson (Norma) or Tommy, the address is:
P.O. Box 1056
Sparta, NC 28675-0059

[oldgiracer]

Oops, I goofed, it's P.O. Box 1059 not 1056.

[oldgiracer]

Tom's obituary has been posted by the funeral home. At this time, no services are scheduled until next month and no date has been announced.
Here is a link to the obituary (you may have to copy/paste it):

www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/hergrandview/obituaryDescription.jsp?domain_id=276&deceased_id=178726

[gt1hillclimber]

I miss my friend Tom, tremendously. His wisdom, love of the mountains, love of hillclimbs, love of finely tuned cars....always would cheer me up when we spoke.

Tom was revered and respected, where ever we went. Seems like everyone in Alleghany County knew Tom...We traveled all over the county, looking at potential hillclimb sites. No matter where we went...yep, you guessed it.

Tom loved God, his family, his mountains, hillclimbs, British cars. He was a very smooth driver, loved being technical. A true Gentleman racer.

The sport of Hillclimbing has continued, largely due to Tom`s effort to keep the sport alive. We will toast Tom, in the hills!

Mash

[tedebayer]

If anyone has pics of Tom, please post them up. Thanks

[bummer]

No matter what the time, place or situation, I was always glad to see Tom. Not many people you can really say that about.

[ffhillclimber]

I've still in shock, I guess. Somehow with getting too tied up with work, I have totally missed checking in with my friends and checking this forum the last few months. I only heard about this from Tommy, on Friday, in reply to a e-mail I had sent them both. There was no one who cared more about our little sport. He and Tommy were always the first folks I looked for when I arrived at a hillclimb. A true gentleman and friend. I will truely miss our visits each year on the hills.