Rick “Iceman” Stewart Passes Away.

Former NHRA Chief Starter, Rick Stewart, passed away on April 1^st 2022. Rick had the task of filling the shoes of a true legend in the sport. Buster Couch was the visible front man for the NHRA for decades and was a larger than life character. Rick had to try to fill those shoes when Buster retired and he did it with style and a flair all his own. He didn’t try to replace Buster, instead he made a mark for himself by being himself. Rick was always very animated on the starting line and he brought a bit of the showmanship reminiscent of Buster to the race track. Rick was one of a kind and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rick wasn’t always a starter. He began his love affair with drag racing as a driver. Rick began his driving career in a Corvette and quickly progressed to Top Fuel. He raced Top Fuel from 1962 to 1971. He earned the nickname “Iceman” because of his cool head under pressure. He was very rarely rattled. Rick never won a national event in Top Fuel but he definitely was a competitor that was to be taken seriously.

Rick became the Chief Starter in 1996 after Buster’s retirement in ’95. Not only did Rick start national events he was also the full-time Division 7 starter. On top of that Rick was the Director of Radiology at the Bakersfield Hospital. One of my fondest personal memories was of Rick at the Route 66 Nationals in Joliet Illinois. It was race day Sunday and the Pro Stock category had just laid down the quickest qualifying times in the history of the sport. I no longer recall who was racing but a staging battle ensued between 2 Pro Stockers. Rick pointed them into the beams but neither car rolled in. Rick then proceeded to pull up a stool and sit down and cross his legs. While sitting there, he looked at his watch. It seemed like the battle went on for a long time but in reality it probably only lasted 2 minutes at best. Rick was not only a great starter but he carried on the tradition of “ring leader” and “showman” on the starting line.

It is fitting that Rick was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year. He had a lasting impact on the sport and I was glad to see that Steve Gibbs was given the honor of inducting Rick. Rick was unable to attend the event because of his failing health but his son and grandson delivered a pre-recorded message to the onlookers. It was a touching moment and I encourage all of you to take a look at the video of the induction. God speed Rick. You were one of the great ones.

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