NASCAR and Short-track Legend Richard Trickle Commits Suicide

Retired NASCAR driver Richard "Dick" Trickle was discovered dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a cemetery in North Carolina on Thursday.

Trickle, a short-track racing icon in the Midwest, was declared dead at 12:02 p.m. ET at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Highway 150 East in Boger City.

According to the Lincoln County Communications Center, they received a phone call from Trickle, who apparently informed them about his suicide plans.

The Communication Center tried to call back but did not get any answer from Trickle. This prompted them to call the attention of their emergency units, who found Trickle's lifeless body near his truck.

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France immediately sent his message of condolence to Trickle's loved ones.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dick Trickle on his passing today," France said in his statement, according to Kansas City.

"Dick was a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed."

Trickle is a veteran of 303 races over a stellar 24-year career in NASCAR Premier Series. The Rapids Wisconsin native scored two victories in 158 starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and won the 1990 Winston Open.

He also captured Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Series in 1989. But the highlight of his career was his over 1,000 win in short-track racing, making a legend in that sport.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, who competed with Trickle for majority of his career, said he was completely stunned by the news and didn't know any reason behind his website.

"I'm in 100 percent shock," Wallace said in a statement. "Dick Trickle was my mentor. When I was short-track racing, I would call him every Monday morning, and he would always help me with race setups and stuff. He and I had such a good time telling little stories, but he was the guy that taught me almost everything in the American Speed Association. And he was the guy that I battled right to the end for my 1983 ASA championship. I barely beat the guy that taught me everything. I'd not seen Dick as much as I'd like to of late. He was a legend."