Sad News

I just heard from a family member of Billy Williams that he passed away last night due to complications from pneumonia. Billy was injured in a racing accident about 6 years ago at an IHRA event and has been hospitalized since then. He was a great racer and a better friend, I will miss him!

 

Billy was one of the true characters in the sport and will be missed. My first memories of drag racing were traveling to the races when my dad was helping Billy in the late 80s/early 90s and of Billy's shop at Gasoline Alley in Torrance. Billy always thought outside the box in respect to his race cars, and he was funny and a good friend off the track.

 

I just read about this too on NHRA's web site.

Our condolences to his family and may his legacy live on!!!

Nancy

 

Sure miss the little "MUNCHKIN" --we called him greasy, but he preferred MUNCHKIN. His shop was the number 1 stop for most Canadians going to Gasoline Alley- Kitty corner from Dale Armstrong's shop... those were great times!

 

Rip Munchkin

Wow, What Sad News. I Guess The Good News Is That He Has Won His "final Race" And Will Now Be Looking Down Smiling On All Of Us Fools With Our Racecars. I Feel Fortunate To Have Known Him And Got To Spend Time On The Dyno At His Shop In Ohio Several Years Ago. He Was A Great Guy, Funny, And A True Racer. He Will Be Missed. Our Condolences To His Wife And Family.

Rest In Peace Billy.

Thompson Racing

 

Billy Williams

My condolences to Billy's wife and family. I was a crew member for John Vorous, we were the car in the other lane that night at Rockingham when Billy crashed. What happened that night is forever burned into my memory and I am truly sorry for Billy's family, friends, and his crew guys. My heart goes out to all of you...Godspeed to Billy, and may time help all of you heal. Dan

 

never got the chance to meet him when i was racing in the 70's.but he was one of the great ones.RIP.

 

Its to bad that when someone as big as Billy Williams passes away, a short story is told about them to wrap up thier career so many of the "new" fans can get an idea of who these men where.
For those who live this class like I have my entire life, Billy Williams was as domonate in his time as any other racer in Pro Comp/TAD.
When you look at the history of these classes, names like Armstrong, Veney, Santos, Walsh, Conway and Johnson come to mind as racers that domonated in their time. Well, Billy was one of those people. He was a house hold name when it came to alcohol racing. He just never became a T/F crew cheif like his contemperaries.
Billy Williams was successful when hard work and being a good driver was what mattered, not which combination, or what your budget consisted of.
Many of my fathers biggest wins where not in final rounds, but when he beat Billy Williams, or Armstrong, or Veney. Guys like Billy are what make this sport about work and talent.
Reliving the past and looking back isn't so bad sometimes..............It should remind us what matters the most in Drag Racing.
God Bless Diane Williams, Bob Devour, and Doug Herbert for all they have done for Billy over the last 6 years
Scott Hall

 

Our Condolences

We send our condolences to Billy Williams family. We were there when the accident occurred--it was absolutely horrible. May he rest in peace and suffer no more.
Laurie & Dale Cannister and the Kalbone's Racing Team

 

there is no doubt that billy is in a much better place now. god speed to a true legend of the alky and pro comp classes.