Sad day for the Arizona motorsports community...

[AZhitman]

Today, we lost a good friend, an awesome drifter and a great asset to the local motorsports community.

Rich Spohr, founder of AZ350Z.com, 350Zmotorsports.com and AZdrift, passed away today.

Rich has been in "the scene" as long as I can remember, we met in 2003 or so, and didn't spend near enough time together.

He was a permanent fixture at any of the local drift events, sliding his black 350Z (NASTY) around like a madman... but ever-humble, and always eager to help a n00b learn the ropes.

I'll ask Joe to come in and speak a little more about Rich's contributions, but for now, please keep his son Richie, his fiancee and the rest of his family in your hearts and prayers.

...and if there's a friend you haven't seen or talked to in a while, reach out to them tonight - shoot 'em an email or a text and just say hi. Do it in Rich's honor.

Rest in Peace, Big Poppa. The AZ scene will never be the same without you.

[Razi]

Rest in peace.

[krash]

May he rest in peace.

[krimsonviper]

May the clouds be your new tire smoke.

[Joe]

Rich was without a doubt a major cornerstone in Arizona. Even in our early days before Rich branched out and started his shop, and organized his own events, he was always at our drift events ready to help and lend a hand. In the early days it was very difficult to get enough drivers to even hold events and without his help and persuasive nature towards his own community we would have never grown the sport. I honestly believe that drifting in this state would not be where it is at without him. He brought countless new people into the community and made them feel welcome and especially over the past couple years when he paired up with Firebird International Raceway and began the "Drag and Drift" program. Last event there were over 94 drift cars. That dwarfs most events held anywhere in the country, all because of the work he put in.

At events he would always come seek people out just to say hi. I knew whenever I saw him at the track I would be greeted by an old friend with a smile and handshake.

Rich loved the community, it's people, and drifting. Over the 6 years he was driving I think I can safely say he drove more than anyone else. I can hardly remember any events where I was at that he didn't drive. He truly loved the sport and all of it's participants through good times and bad.

Today we mourn for our friend because he affected so many people in such a positive way. My sincerest condolences go to his son Richie.

Rich, I will never forget the time we shared on track and off track, as friends and competitors. RIP my friend, you will be greatly missed.

[nissangirl74]

RIP Rich.

[sci2000tech]

I don't even know what to say, I'm super bummed right now

Rich was one of the happiest, most helpful people I ever had the honor of knowing. On top of all the Drag and Drift nights he set up, he always welcomed everyone to his shop for BBQ's and get togethers. And every time, he would make you feel welcome, like you were right at home, right where you belonged.

I'll never forget my first event, sitting in line, nervous as can be, waiting for him to give me the signal to do my run. I was terrible, but it didn't matter because I was having a blast. Afterwards, he would give me tips to improve my driving. He was someone you could always BS with and have a good laugh.

We'll miss you Rich, my sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. Arizona drifting would be nothing like it is today were it not for Rich. RIP brotha.

[admin]

RIP Rich...

I never would have met some of the best friends I have without him. Heck...I never would have met Greg, which turned into helping here, without Rich having let me take over as admin on AZ350Z. He was a crazy mo-fo but I don't think there was ever a time when he didn't say or do something that put a smile on my face.

[Jesda]

RIP

[AZhitman]

I'm gonna miss him. I'll never forget his sly smirk, him taking a last drag off his cigarette and that big voice saying, "Wassup, G-money?" whenever we'd meet.

His son, Richie, will do a great job upholding his legacy, but unfortunately, way too soon.

Dammit. Wish I'd had a chance to say "Thanks".

[BoosedZ33]

I cant believe it. He was building a car for me. A truly great man. He will be missed.