Loss Of Popular Race Car Driver, Police Cruiser Mechanic Mourned In North Central Connecticut

TOLLAND, CT — The loss of a popular Tolland resident who drove fast cars but also worked on vehicles that kept them in check is being mourned in north central Connecticut.

Rich Hammann, known by friends and fans as "The Hammer," died on Sept. 18. His obituary has been posted by the Introvigne Funeral Home.

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He was 60.

He was born in Wethersfield and lived in Tolland.

He served in the United States Army, had his own auto repair shop, and eventually ended up as the head mechanic of the highway department for the Town of Rocky Hill and worked on the police department's fleet.

The Hammer's passion for racing cars started at Riverside and continued on to Waterford, Stafford Motor Speedway, and Monadnock. He raced in multiple divisions, but his favorite was the Limited Late Model series.

His family, in the obituary, cited the irony of his love of speed versus keeping the RHPD cruisers running.

Police said he will be missed.

"It is with profound sorrow that the Rocky Hill Police Department mourns the passing of our colleague, friend, and dedicated town employee, Rich Hammann, Head Mechanic at the Public Works/Highway Garage," police wrote on social media.

Police continued, "Rich was the person behind the scenes who kept our fleet running safely and reliably. His knowledge, dedication, and pride in his work were evident in everything he did. The vehicles our officers depend on every day were in such good hands because of Rich. For years, Rich worked tirelessly to make sure our fleet was ready to serve the community.

"He was always there when we needed him, and his contributions to the Rocky Hill Police Department and the Town of Rocky Hill will not be forgotten. Rich was also an avid race car driver and a longtime part of the racing community. He was a Stafford Speedway champion and shared the same passion, dedication, and love for racing that he brought to everything he did. Rich will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him."

Stafford Motor Speedway released the following statement:

"All of us at Stafford are heartbroken about the loss of Rich Hammann. He was not only a Stafford Speedway champion, but also an important part of our racing community for nearly 30 years. Rich's passion for racing was a great example of everything our community stands for. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to Rich's friends and family."

See his full obituary here.

See the RHPD tribute here.

See the Stafford Motor Speedway visual tribute here.