Father’s Day tugs at Chuck Trickle’s heart

This is always an emotional weekend for Chuck Trickle. He not only had to endure the painful loss of his son 15 years later, but suffers with the knowledge that justice still hasn't been served.

His son, Chris, an up-and-coming driver who appeared headed toward NASCAR success, was fatally shot in 1997.

The Star Nursery Night/Chris Trickle Father's Day Doubleheader is Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Bullring. Gates open at 5 p.m.

The annual event is the track's way to honor Chris Trickle, the victim of what appeared to be a random shooting. He died more than a year later at age 25, and the shooter never has been found.

"(Chris) is so well remembered by everybody," Chuck Trickle said. "The kindness in this town is unbelievable."

Chuck Trickle's 11-year-old grandson, Christopher, will race in Bandoleros on Saturday and is a promising driver.

Chuck Trickle, who won the 2003 Super Late Models championship at the Bullring, had hoped to drive-and-park his car for the event, but knee surgery will prevent him from doing so.

But he'll be there, grateful that his son hasn't been forgotten.

"People out here have been very, very meaningful to us," Chuck Trickle said. "They've helped us through this ordeal."

■ WINNING ON AND OFF TRACK - Henderson resident Justin Lamb won twice in a NHRA Lucas Oil Division 7 event in Fallon on Sunday, and that wasn't even the highlight of his month.

He married his girlfriend, Jeanine, on June 1, then spent some time on Catalina Island.

"It was a great week," said Lamb, who turned 25 on Thursday. "It was a very busy week."

In Fallon, Lamb won the Competition Eliminator and Super Gas for his first double victory, a rare feat for drivers. He won the Competition Eliminator championship last year, and leads this season's standings.

Though he could give the upper-level Full Throttle Series a shot, Lamb is happy being successful in Lucas Oil. He also works for the City of Henderson, and is on the road about 30 weeks a year.

A move up also would mean putting wins and losses more in the hands of the crew chief setting up the car.

"My racing is a lot more up to the driver," Lamb said.

■ OVER AT THE STRIP - The Tony Rowe Enterprises Bracket Series returns to the LVMS dragstrip Saturday.

The season leaders are Dennis Sacco in Motorcycle, Jon Irving in Sportsman, George Mattie in Pro and Bill Webber in Super Pro.

■ ROCKETS RED GLARE - Those wanting to celebrate Independence Day can do so a day early July 3 at the Bullring. In addition to a fireworks display, fans will see a 76-lap Super Late Models race and Bigfoot, the famed Monster Truck.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.