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Author Topic: Bill Burke  (Read 8267 times)

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Offline Bonneville Racing News

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Bill Burke
« on: November 29, 2015, 07:50:04 PM »
I am sorry to say I have learned long time land speed racer, Bill Burke passed away from a massive stroke on November 25th, 2015.  He was 97 years old, one of the great old-timers in LSR history!

Wendy Jeffries
Bonneville Racing News
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Offline Podunk

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2015, 08:49:09 PM »
When Sparky was the 1st unblown gas lakester to go 300 the Burkes  were in impound next to us. When I ask Bill to take our picture because it was a lakester thing he obliged.
RIP Bill.
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Offline Glen

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2015, 08:53:55 PM »
So sorry to hear. Bill was a pioneer and a friend to all. I will miss him. God speed Bill and RIP in the speed way in the sky.
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Glen
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Offline SPARKY

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2015, 10:31:10 PM »
Podunk I am so pleased you introduced me to him and for the time we all shared that followed. 
WHAT a LEGACY!!  God speed MR. Burke sir!!  :cheers:
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Miss LIBERTY,  changing T.K.I.  to noise, dust, rust, BLUE HATS & hopefully not scrap!!

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Offline Speed Limit 1000

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2015, 10:38:16 PM »
I had the pleasure to meet Bill Burke on the Monster Garage show. He made the first belly tank lakester. God speed Mr. Burke. 
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John Gowetski, red hat @ 221.183 MPH MSA Lakester, Bockscar #1000 60 ci normally aspirated w/N20

Offline wobblywalrus

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2015, 10:40:19 PM »
Was it Bill Burke that invented the belly tank racer?
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Offline 4-barrel Mike

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2015, 11:08:27 PM »
Don Montgomery, "Authentic Hot Rods," 1994.

Mike
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Offline Dynoroom

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2015, 11:51:26 PM »
Bill was one of the last "49'ers. He was a competitor at the very first Bonneville speed trials in 1949.

God Speed Bill Burke



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Michael LeFevers
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Offline aircap

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2015, 12:48:03 AM »
While taking pictures near the starting line at the 1998 Speedweeks, I happened to meet Bill. He was friendly, and we chatted for a few moments. He mentioned he had been coming since the beginning. It wasn't until later in the day I suddenly realized I had been talking to a legend! Of course, if I had - I would have pestered him to death with questions, I'm sure. Anyway - I am glad to have shared a few minutes with him.
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"Act your age, not your shoe size". - Prince

Offline Jack Gifford

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2015, 01:41:52 AM »
The photo in reply#6 says 1948. I have a picture of Bill's 122 lakester that's labeled 1946. I read that he conceived the idea of a drop tank lakester while dealing with the tanks in the Pacific during the war.
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Offline PorkPie

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #10 on: November 30, 2015, 10:47:03 AM »
Another legend left the salt, was great to knowing you...God Speed Bill
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Pork Pie

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Offline DallasV

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #11 on: November 30, 2015, 10:54:18 AM »
One of my favorite people on the salt. Always a smile, always a story, always a humble legend. He will be missed
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Records or parts, I didn't come all this way not to break something.

Offline Stainless1

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #12 on: November 30, 2015, 02:33:29 PM »
GodSpeed Bill, you were one of our founders and heroes, you will be missed
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Stainless
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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #13 on: December 05, 2015, 12:24:27 PM »
For those who never knew "Mr. Hotrod" and those that had the pleasure . . . The attached PDF highlights an incredibly full and fascinating life.
 
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Offline ggl205

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Re: Bill Burke
« Reply #14 on: December 25, 2015, 02:36:07 PM »
My goodness, after reading Bill's obituary, I hardly knew the man even though I grew up with his children in San Gabriel. His son William was my age and one of my best friends growing up. I vividly remember Bill welding away on a new LSR frame in his living room, much to the consternation of his then wife, Eloise. I have to blame Bill for me catching the dreaded salt sickness. I attended the 1964 Speed Week with him and have never been the same since. I am very sorry to hear of his passing but Bill left quite a deep legacy behind.

John
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