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“Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

CJ Richards lived that motto—and he built his life around it.

Today I learned he’ll be inducted into the Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame, another recognition of a lifetime spent building, leading, and shaping a community through stock car racing. It’s not surprising, but it is significant.

Many know CJ as the founder of Champlain Valley Racing Association (CVRA), and his legacy is often mentioned alongside current owner of the track. But that was only a part of his story. He was a force behind the scenes and out front—vision-driven, intense, and unrelenting in his pursuit of doing things right.

He wasn’t always gentle—but he cared deeply about his family and his community. He yelled. He cussed. He was unpredictable. He demanded a lot from the people around him—but that was how he connected. That was how he showed trust. And for those of us lucky enough to be part of it, that work became the way we learned who we were and what we were capable of.

Outside the racetrack, he appreciated the good stuff—laughing with friends, a round of golf, a strong drink, and time well spent. He didn’t talk much about his feelings, but if you were in his circle, you knew you mattered.

As his oldest grandchild, I grew up immersed in it. My siblings, cousins, and I spent our summers at the track. CJ’s kids and grandkids were part of the operation—doing jobs, staying out of the way, and learning by watching. I spent many nights in the tower, sitting next to my grandmother Judy just observing him call the shots. That experience left a mark.

Now, in my own work—especially through Vermont Counseling Network—I find myself reflecting on what it means to build something bigger than yourself. To have a vision. To show up with consistency. To create spaces that support people, that grow community. That’s what CJ did, and I see how those values shaped me.

This short video was created by my husband back in 2005, during a photojournalism class. It captures just a piece of CJ’s world—but it's a piece worth sharing.

Rachel Totten reflects on the legacy of CJ Richards: a man who built community through passion, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to doing things his way.

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