ROYAL OAK, Michigan — Richard Alan Maskin, 74, died on October 16, 2021. Beloved husband of Sharon Maskin, father of Tricia (Dale) Kortes, Bridget (Matt) Genette, David (Christina) Coden, Daniel (Gili Karev) Teweles and Robin (Michael) Berman. Beloved grandfather to Tommy, Aidan, and Sydney Genette, Alyssa and Ryan Kortes, Elliot and Arthur Berman, and Harlan and Maurice Coden. Richard was predeceased by his parents, George and Elaine Maskin. He is also survived by his sister, Julie Maskin, brother Doug (Marie) Maskin, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.
Richard was a legend of the motorsports world. He began his career as a lot man and mechanic at his family’s Pontiac dealership, before becoming a professional drag racer. In 1972, Richard made the leap to NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro Stock, where he won multiple championships and set national records as a driver and crew chief.
A true mechanical mastermind and entrepreneur, Richard founded Dart Machinery in a humble Oak Park garage in 1981. He spent the next 37 years growing Dart into a globally recognized aftermarket manufacturer that helped to revolutionize the auto industry, with its premium aftermarket cylinder heads and engine blocks. Dart parts have won multiple NHRA Pro Stock world championships and dozens of national events.
Richard was inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2015, and in 2019 was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the NHRA in recognition of his contributions to the sport and industry.
No matter his professional successes, Richard was a proud family man. As he slowly took his foot off the pedal of his career, he relished in the accomplishments of his children, and took ultimate pride in his grandchildren.
He will be most remembered for his integrity, gentleness, and generosity. Richard helped countless people out when they fell on tough times, and did so without asking questions or expecting anything in return. His memory is an example to us all.
Richard was a legend of the motorsports world. He began his career as a lot man and mechanic at his family’s Pontiac dealership, before becoming a professional drag racer. In 1972, Richard made the leap to NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro Stock, where he won multiple championships and set national records as a driver and crew chief.
A true mechanical mastermind and entrepreneur, Richard founded Dart Machinery in a humble Oak Park garage in 1981. He spent the next 37 years growing Dart into a globally recognized aftermarket manufacturer that helped to revolutionize the auto industry, with its premium aftermarket cylinder heads and engine blocks. Dart parts have won multiple NHRA Pro Stock world championships and dozens of national events.
Richard was inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2015, and in 2019 was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the NHRA in recognition of his contributions to the sport and industry.
No matter his professional successes, Richard was a proud family man. As he slowly took his foot off the pedal of his career, he relished in the accomplishments of his children, and took ultimate pride in his grandchildren.
He will be most remembered for his integrity, gentleness, and generosity. Richard helped countless people out when they fell on tough times, and did so without asking questions or expecting anything in return. His memory is an example to us all.