Patrick “Rocket” Richard has announced his retirement via Facebook today. The multi-time Canadian and American Rally Champion has enjoyed a productive relationship with Subaru Canada and has long been a fan favorite. Unfortunately, Richard will not be exiting the sport on his own terms, but instead at the advice of his doctor. Here is a post, made on Facebook, in his own words:
Retired !
Yes, I have to retire from competitive driving.
I have a serious neurological illness believed to have been caused by a series of head injuries. Although I am now out of the hospital after a two-month stay, I am mostly confined to my home. I’m hopeful I’ll recover fully but it’s really unlikley I’ll be driving competitively again.
This has been a very difficult decision to make but it’s for the best. Huge thanks to Subaru Canada for an entire career’s worth of support, to the well-respected and hard-working posse at Rocket Rally, and to everyone involved in the sport — you guys have all made it a great ride !
Subaru Rally Team Canada and the Rocket Rally crew will most definitely be at Rallye Defi; though I won’t be driving I’m still involved with the team and I’ll be supporting them from a distance.
I hope to get to a rally soon to start my new career as most annoying know-it-all service crew guy ever.
From Subiesport we wish Richard the best of luck in his “new career” and we hope he can make a full recovery very soon. Even if he can’t get behind the wheel, we know “Rocket” Richard will continue to be a positive influence the sport in the years ahead.
Patrick Richard testing in Corsica for 2003 PWRC
Video: Canadian Rally Championship
Photos by Keith Morison/CARS
I am sad to see Patrick leave under these circumstances, and can only hope that the illness or damage he has suffered as a result of rally driving will not be or become so severe that his passion cripples him, and in doing so robs him prematurely both of a satisfying life in business and as a husband and father. A remarkable man, and the video of the crash at Baie de Chaleurs testifies to his character and determination, and explains why he has reached his place in rallying and in life in general. I tip my hat to you, may you ‘rocket’ on for many years to come!