Bill and I were very good friends for over 50 years. Bonneville, El Mirage, sprint cars, plus his great photography . I had the honor of representing him when he was inducted into the dry lakes hall of fame several years ago. He called me out of the blue and asked if I would accept his award on his behalf. He had moved from San Diego to Plymouth, Minnesota to be near his children by then and his wife, Dwianna was ill and not able to travel . I was honored and humbled to do that for him. Bill was my last connection to San Diego racers, with the passing of Fred Lobello and Bob McCoy Bill was a kind talented, and brilliant man and great friend. When he retired to Minnesot, I would call him daily, from the salt and give him updates.Five or six years ago Bill had though he had beaten Cancer, but it came back this year with a vengeance and Bill was called home. A micro example of how important Bill felt his starters position became vertical evident one year as I visited with his wife on the starting line. Here was Bill performing his duties as a starter and eating a hamburger all at the same time . I asked Dwianna why didn't he come and sit under the lean-to and eat his lunch. Dwianna said that Bill felt that the racers had worked too hard and too long to have him slow down the line while sitting on the side eating lunch. That was Bill. There are so many wonderful stories that just don't allow me the time to share here. Bill was and will always be a special friend to me and also many others. One last thing, Bill and Dwianna still had his 1969 record setting roadster in the garage in Minnesota. I talked to Bill's son after the funeral and he told me that they were negotiating with Speedy Bill's museum in Lincoln Nebraska to donate it for permanent display . God Speed my friend, you will never be forgotten !