Former NASCAR official Richter dies at age 79

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Les Richter, who played significant roles in the evolution of both NASCAR and professional football, died Saturday morning at the age of 79. NASCAR president Mike Helton made the announcement during the Camping World Truck Series drivers' meeting at Michigan International Speedway. Richter died at a Los Angeles-area hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A native of Fresno, Calif., Richter graduated from Fresno High School, where he served as student body president and captain of the football team. Richter graduated from the University of California at Berkeley where he was valedictorian of the 1952 graduating class. As an All-American linebacker, Richter's football heroics led to his eventual election to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Les Richter

Richter was the second player chosen in 1952 NFL draft. The New York Yanks Professional Football Club, who moved to Texas that year to become the Dallas Texans, selected him. On June 13, 1952, the Los Angeles Rams traded 11 players and draft choices to the Dallas Texans for the rights to Les Richter -- an NFL record. Richter went on to play for the Rams for nine years, making all-pro as a linebacker for eight years.

A veteran motorsports executive, Richter became the executive director of Riverside International Raceway in 1959. Two years later, he became the president and general manager of RIR, a position that he held until 1983. He is credited with making RIR consistently profitable through his nationally known innovations and creativity, including the creation and promotion of the NASCAR Motor Trend 500 in 1963, and the planning and execution of the raceway's $3.6 million improvement plan in 1969.

Richter's 11-year association with NASCAR began in 1983, and in 1986, he became NASCAR's executive vice president of competition. In 1992, Richter was named senior vice president of operations for NASCAR.

Helton, who replaced Richter in that role in 1994, talked about the man everyone called "The Coach."

"Kind of backhandedly, he taught me to be firm but fair," Helton said. "It's obvious to me why Bill [France Jr.] had Les in that role. He passed on to me the principle of being firm but fair, but also how to go about doing that."

At the time of his passing, Richter was vice president of special projects for International Speedway Corp., based at Auto Club Speedway, where he played a dominant role in the development of that track.

The current trophy for the Auto Club 500 is named the "Richter Trophy" as a lasting tribute to his contributions to Auto Club Speedway and the world of motorsports.

"Coach's name was synonymous with west coast motorsports, somewhat ironic for a man who became famous in football, but fitting for a man who could charge through any obstacle and was larger than life," said Auto Club Speedway president Gillian Zucker.

"As a colleague, his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the industry was beyond compare. As a mentor, he was always there with sage advice and a hug that would knock the wind out of you but would leave no doubt how much he cared. He was a special friend, and we will miss him dearly."

"Les Richter was a tremendous competitor, a great man and a good friend," team owner Roger Penske said. "On the football field, he was a terrific athlete and leader, and after his playing career he became an innovative motorsports executive.

"Les played a key role in the development of NASCAR, and he was the driving force behind the success of Riverside Raceway and California Speedway. We will miss you, Coach."

Longtime team owner Jack Roush credits Richter with helping him get his start in the sport.

"Les Richter, in a manner of speaking, was my sponsor," Roush said. "He was the guy within the NASCAR organization that decided that in spite of the fact that I hadn't run in the Nationwide Series, the Truck Series didn't exist (at that time), I hadn't run in any of the Saturday night or weekend series, that I could be afforded an entry into the 1988 Daytona 500."

Roush said Richter suggested he attend the 1987 Southern 500 in Darlington to meet with NASCAR officials, including NASCAR president Bill France Jr. and Cup series director Dick Beatty.

"They introduced me to everybody and reviewed what my motivations were and what my interest was," Roush said. "Les was the one that put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'I think he'll be OK.'"

NASCAR chairman Brain France said: "Les Richter will be missed by the entire NASCAR community and always remembered for all he did for the sport on all levels, especially as vice president of competition, his dedication to NASCAR's short-track racing program and promoting the sport on the West Coast."

Arrangements are pending.

Sporting News Wire Service contributed to this report.