Dick was the first editor of the NHRA publication National Dragster, managing editor of Hot Rod magazine and executive editor of Motor Trend. He organized the National Street Rod Association and developed the concept of the Street Rod Nationals events. As director of special events at Petersen, he was also instrumental in the production of the first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger Stadium. He served as the executive director of PWA and SEMA; he has repeatedly been honored for his myriad achievements. He was SEMA Person of the Year in 1977, and received the International Specialty Car Association Founder’s Award in 1994. He was awarded the NHRA Pioneer Award in 2001.