The racing angels group in heaven has grown a little more with the loss of Dean Roper on 8/19/01. He's among racing greats now and with his beloved son Tony as well.
As of late, Dean only raced selective races, mostly short dirt tracks twice a year or so. He had won the race he was running at the time of his death, a record 4 times, the last time being in 1986. Dean had made his name in the USAC division, winning titles in 1981, '82, and '83. He also competed in 3 Daytona 500's, finishing 13th in 1983, but never had the desire to want to run the Nascar circuit full-time. He was the winningest active ARCA driver on dirt tracks with 9 career victories.
Dean was an easy-going guy that everyone liked. His warm personality will be remembered by many. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and competitors alike.
Dean was the father of Tony Roper, who died October 2000 from injuries suffered during a crash in the CTS race at Texas. |
