Birth: 1958 Death: November 18, 1990 | Birthplace: Blairsville, GA

Mike Rich – Blairsville, GA – A rear tire changer for Melling Racing and driver Bill Elliott, lost his life as a result of a pit road accident during the season finale at Atlanta International Raceway on Nov. 18, 1990.

The crash occurred as Ricky Rudd slowed to enter his pit stall during a caution on lap 300 of the 328-lap race. The brakes on Rudd’s Chevrolet locked, sending him spinning into the right-rear of Elliott’s car where Rich was changing the tire.

Rich’s tenure with Melling Racing began in the late-1980s when the team was looking to fill crew member positions on the team. Rich operated his own grading business when he wasn’t traveling the country during race weekends. He proved to be one of the best in the business each time Elliott wheeled the No. 9 Fords in for service.

As a direct result of the accident at Atlanta, pit road speed limits were implemented in 1991. Over time, mandatory helmets and fire proof uniforms followed and as of 2018, fewer crew members are allowed to go over the wall during pit stops.

Charles Palmer, a general mechanic for Melling Racing during the 1980s, remembered his close friend as a loyal employee that gave his all to the job at hand during every stop.

“Mike was a super nice guy,” Palmer said. “He took one of the old race cars to his home and practiced constantly changing tires until he was good enough to make the pit crew. He worked hard to make it. Being on the crew meant so much to him. When started going to the races with the team he just loved doing it. He absolutely enjoyed life.”