$10,500 raised for sprint driver Dick Liskai

By Brian Liskai

FREMONT, Ohio (March 11) - Race fans, drivers and crews showed why racing is such a great family to belong to. On March 2, a benefit was held at the Rollersville Tavern to help the family of Dick Liskai, a long-time Gibsonburg, Ohio sprint car driver who is fighting cancer. Through the generosity of many hundreds who attended, $10,500 will go to the family to help pay some of the bills insurance doesn't cover.

The tavern was filled with race fans, drivers, both current and former, and many other associated with racing, including former sprint drivers, Rick Ferkel, George Miller, Al Liskai, Steve Liskai and Dick Sabo, along with current drivers Alvin Roepke, Roger Shammo, Bruce Robenalt, Phil Gressman, Ryan Lowe and Craig Mintz.

There were many companies that donated items to be auctioned off, including Henry Motorsports, Kear's Speed Shop, Veh & Son Furniture, Rick Sherer photographer, Fremont Speedway, and many, many more.

"I really didn't think that many people cared about me....I found out I have many, many special friends," said Dick Liskai. "All of this support gives me the strength I need to continue fighting. My heart is so full. I'm a little embarrassed, but at the same time humbled and very thankful."

"You never know how many friends you have until something like this happens. I've gotten cards and letters and prayers from people I haven't seen or heard from in 30 years," continued Liskai. "I feel so blessed. I've always tried to live my life by treating people half way decent. I guess it pays off to treat people like you would want to be treated."


Besides all of the raffles and auctions, Rollersville Tavern owners Scott and Nancy Bowe donated all the profits from the bar that night, along with providing a free chicken dinner with all the trimmings free to those in attendance. Also, Mike Hensel, a former sprint car driver, purchased a 50/50 raffle ticket and put Dick and his wife Cheryl's name on it and it was the ticket that was pulled, adding $1,500 to the donation.

All-in-all, it was truly a wonderul night full of food, fun and fellowship, all for a great cause.

"You people will never know how much what you've done means to me and my family. I can't thank you all enough. God bless you and I love you all," Liskai concluded.

Those wishing to send cards and letters to Liskai can do at: Dick Liskai, 6911 Co. Rd. 55, Gibsonburg, Ohio 43435. Donations can still be sent to the Fifth Third Bank, c/o Dick Liskai Benefit Fund, 101 N. Main St., Gibsonburg, Ohio 43431