CONCORD, N.C. – On Tuesday, multi-time AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series champion car owner Richard Hoffman passed away after a recent illness.
Hoffman was a major part of the United States Auto Club pit area for more than six decades, following in the footsteps of his father Gus, and the immense outpouring of memories and support on social media in the wake of his passing directly reflected his impact within the racing industry.
SPEED SPORT has collected a sampling of those Twitter messages, which can be viewed below.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a great man. Please keep your thoughts & prayers with the family of Richard Hoffman. It’s truly been an honor to drive for him over the last several years and the relationship we were able to build over that time is something I will cherish. pic.twitter.com/djWjTaSNxT
— Brady Bacon (@BradyBacon) April 30, 2019
Heartbroken to hear the loss of a great businessman, a great car owner, a great man and a great friend. @richhoffman69 you will be so missed by many. Rest In Peace Sir. pic.twitter.com/VncckNXaZi
— Chad Boespflug (@ChadBoespflug) April 30, 2019
Saddened to hear the passing of Richard Hoffman. Thoughts and prayers to @hoffmanracing and the Hoffman family. 🙏🏻 #69
— Landon Simon (@LandonSimon24) April 30, 2019
Richard Hoffman was one of the most intense competitors I’ve ever met. He’d been winning since before his current drivers were born, and all he wanted to do was keep winning. And setting fast time. It was kind of a running joke that they might not always stay in palaces…
— Kirk Spridgeon (@KirkSpridgeon) May 1, 2019
We’re going to miss a guy who set the bar for the rest of the series. He & his team were the mainstays. The team you had to beat, no matter the year. I always appreciated his constructive criticism, and his support & praise meant more than anyone.
— Kirk Spridgeon (@KirkSpridgeon) May 1, 2019
RIP Richard Hoffman, a man who has done so much for the racing community. I enjoyed speaking w/ him last summer in Indiana. He spoke of the long list of great wheelman that drove his car, seemed very proud, for good reason. Thoughts go out to his family, friends & @hoffmanracing pic.twitter.com/yHh0xqyDHk
— Brent Anderson (@FireDownBA) May 1, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Richard Hoffman’s family and friends and the entire @hoffmanracing team through this difficult time. Richard was an important part of a great legacy and I will cherish the few conversations that I was able to have with him. 🙏🏻
— Isaac Chapple (@IsaacChapple52) May 1, 2019
🙏🏽 Thoughts & Prayers to the entire @hoffmanracing Family during this very difficult time on the passing of Richard Hoffman. We appreciate the fast racecars, friendships & memories together during our time in the famous #69 @USACNation Sprint Car! RIH R.H. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/rSXYC5BHW4
— Dave Darland Racing (@DaveDarland) May 1, 2019
Saddened at the passing of Richard Hoffman @hoffmanracing he will be sorely missed.
— Keith Kunz (@KeithKunz) May 1, 2019
This is so sad to hear of the passing of Richard Hoffman. He was a special man. RIP
— Bob n Monica Clauson (@mowerman677) May 1, 2019
Condolences to the family, friends and fans of the legendary @USACNation car owner Richard Hoffman. Hoffman's team won an amazing 11 @USACNation National Sprint Car owner titles. Richard Hoffman was a 2013 inductee of the @sprintcarhof. pic.twitter.com/QgGEYxNlwz
— IMS Museum 🏁 (@IMSMuseum) April 30, 2019
Saddened to hear about the passing of Richard Hoffman. He always came by our pit to ask about @John_Andretti. His passion for sprint cars was second to none. #RIP
— Jarett Andretti (@JarettAndretti) April 30, 2019