Dick Estevez
Racer

Dick Estevez is recognized around the world as one of the top Ford racers in history, but his contributions to Maryland International Raceway are both widely known and hiding in plain sight. His on track efforts are the stuff of legend, but unknown to many is the fact that Dick erected all the steel work for the majority of the structures at MIR, including the bleachers, scoreboards, buildings, and the magnificent new tower. Dick's racing career began in 1959 and has continued for more than 50 years with successful cars from altereds to Super Stocks, and all the way up to Pro Stock. Dick was a trusted teammate of fellow Ford legend Dyno Don Nicholson for 20 years, and the two racers ripped up race tracks across the country. Dick also built and campaigned a Project Car for Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine, allowing race fans to follow along as one of the best in the business described how to prepare and race a successful drag machine.

Dick was the crewchief for Phil Bonner’s famous Daddy Warbucks entries that won week in and week out on the 1960s Southeastern match racing scene. He restored and still races the Daddy Warbucks Ford Falcon, and each new wheels-up, 180 mph run thrills new generations of Ford fans. So whether MIR fans are enjoying the view from the aluminum bleachers, enjoying a snack at the Hot RodZ Diner, or enjoying the spotless, best in the business restrooms, they can thank Dick Estevez. And when they get back to their seats, they can enjoy watching him behind the wheel of that bright orange ’65 Ford as it makes another 7-second pass into the MIR record books.