Landracing Forum
Loring Timing Association (Maine) => Loring (AFB) land speed venue => Topic started by: 72tx340 on July 14, 2013, 02:45:04 PM
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Just got the news on his passing. Hopes and prayers go out to Bill and his family.
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RIP Bill Warner, you will be missed. One of our LSR hero's. You were the best. :-(
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I knew Bill from Maxton where I worked a number of positions around the track as a volunteer. Bill was unfailingly kind and respectful to the volunteers and his fellow racers and never showed a bit of "attitude". I'm proud to have known him and the Land Speed community has lost a real gentleman.
I don't know much about his family situation but I'm sure many loved and respected him. My best to all who loved him.
Dan
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I cant get his run out of my head, I must of replayed it in my head 1000 times now. Thoughts and prayers to all involved, a very, very sad day
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Bill W. thanks for the memories and the inspiration! Lord please be with family and friends and all who's hearts grieve with our loss.
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sad. news,vale Bill.
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Godspeed Bill.
A gentleman racer and inspiration to many.
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A terrible loos to our LSR Community.
My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
BR
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Sad to hear about this, early reports reported he was conscious when they transported him.
My condolences to his friends and family!
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I didn't know Bill...I've read about him in my own searching as I've started my own land speed quests... I'm sorry to hear he's joined the greats in history. This is always sad to hear, but, he got to retire doing something he was passionate about. While it's tragic and sad he got to live and retire with his passion, something a great many never get to do.
Prayers to his family. Hope his next journey finds him well... May he watch over the rest of us as we strive to live land speed as he did
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Truly a sad sad day. I was lucky to be able to call Bill my friend. I will miss him terribly. He always had a kind word and words of encouragement. Bill was a true gentleman. A legend of our sport.
RIP MY FRIEND.
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Bangor Daily News
by Mario Maoretto, staff writer
Posted July 14, 2013, at 3:12 p.m. Last modified July 14, 2013, at 4:08 p.m.
CARIBOU, Maine — A Florida man who set the world record for fastest speed on a conventional motorcycle died Sunday from injuries suffered when he lost control of his motorcycle and reportedly slid 1,000 feet during a speed trial at the former Loring Air Force Base.
William “Bill” Warner, 44, a speed racer and tropical fish grower from Wimauma, Fla., was attempting to hit 300 mph within one mile just before 10 a.m. Sunday during The Maine Event, an annual speed trial race sanctioned by the Loring Timing Association.
Warner made it about 4,000 feet before suddenly losing control of his modified turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa. He was taken immediately to Cary Medical Center in Caribou, according to race officials. After the crash, race officials cancelled the remainder of Sunday’s races
Bill Flagg, a spokesman for the hospital, confirmed Sunday afternoon that Warner had died from his injuries at 11:15 a.m. The announcement was delayed until Warner’s family could be notified, Flagg said.
Limestone Volunteer Fire Department and Crown Ambulance were on-scene in case of accidents during the time trials. According to a spokesman for the fire department, an investigation into what caused the accident will be conducted by the Limestone Police Department.
Race officials interviewed immediately after the accident said Warner was “awake and talking” when he was brought to the Caribou hospital. Those officials — event director Mark Sotomayor and race director Tim Kelly — were unreachable for additional comment later in the day.
Though there are few known details, one witness who watched the race from the starting line said he could tell that things had gone wrong when he saw that Warner had veered off the track, to the right.
The Loring Timing Association instructs racers to veer off the track to the left if there is a vehicle problem and to veer to the right if they are injured or if their vehicle is on fire.
“He got maybe 4,000 feet or so, and where I was standing at the starting line, you could see a big dust cloud and then it got silent,” said Cole Theriault, a spectator from Connor Township. “The bike, from what I heard, was demolished, just in pieces. After a minute, all you could hear was the sirens.”
Warner set a world record at the time trial in 2011, when he became the first conventional motorcyclist in history to top 300 mph, according to the Loring Timing Association. On a 1.5-mile course, he maxed out at 311.945 mph. On Saturday, he broke the 1-mile record at Loring when he hit 296 mph.
In 2011, Warner spoke about the his record-breaking run.
“The big part of it, after the speed happens, is trying to stop the bike,” he said. “Here at Loring Air Force Base, there is a mile shutdown to slow the vehicles down and I used every bit of it. The bike was bouncing, hopping, skipping and sliding. Needless to say, I got it stopped safely. It was a little scary.”
According to the Loring Timing Association’s website, the track at Loring is the longest land speed record track in the world, with a total length of 2 ⅝ miles, including a long stretch for cool down.
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I am mortified once again that my colleagues in the mainstream are guilty of shabby journalism. The media reports have, in only a few hours said Bill crashed first at 260, but now its up to 285MPH -- no verification, no attribution just a viral number that keeps on bloating. Sigh. I'll wait for the official report from Sotomayor, Kelly and the Limestone Police Department.
Perhaps you'll notice there are not hundreds of news briefs reporting that Donna Timney is recovering nicely at her home in Delaware after going down at 218MPH during he recent ECTA event in Ohio. As husband Joe reminded me, "We dress form the crash, not for the ride." She'll be back. Bet me. If for no other reason than to admonish Keith Turk for shutting down the event because of her tumble.
--LandSpeed Louise
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History will always remember the first man to throw his leg over a motorcycle and go over 300 MPH. LSR has lost a true legend today. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Godspeed Bill
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RIP Bill :-o
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RIP Bill
Thoughts are with his family and friends.
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IM proud to say I watched Bill Warner make his historic 311 MPH run. And earlier this morning I watched Bill run 296 MPH in the mile. We knew he was one special man that give it his all. And we all knew he had balls of steel! Bills place in history will be forever Gods Speed to a Great Man.
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We know little, we can tell less.
but one thing I do know, one thing I can tell you
is that I will see you again in Jerusalem
a place of such beauty you will be more at home
than with mother or father
or even lover or friend
and once we are within her walls
death will hunt us in vain.
Ann Porter
Rest in peace Bill
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RIP Bill
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My condolences to his family.
I never met the man, but I was impressed by what he did.
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Sad news! Reality is far too harsh sometimes! :-( :-( :-(
I just met Bill at Wilmington and was immediately impressed with his presence and demeanor!
He will be truly missed by all those he has encountered!
RIP!
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I also met bill for the first time last week at Wilmington. and was impressed by his down to earth demeanor.
we were joking about leaving the windows down when it started pouring rain on us when we were in tech, and how much his truck smelled. all the time he had that big old smile on.
he was genuinely impressed with my speeds, as if my 140+mph runs could ever compare to his.
rest in peace Bill.
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I met the man for the first time this weekend. I was immediately surprised at how humble he was. He was that type of guy that you'd love to go out to have a beer with. I had just done a run and was on the return road when he went down. I wish I had seen his final launch at the start.
Bill, you were a gift to us all for which we will be forever grateful. You will not be forgotten.
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I just got home from El Mirage and was sent a text about this. Truly a sad day for us LSR bike guys. :cry:
Bill raised the bar so high, he impressed in all of us his amazing skill and talent to be the first Mr. 300 to sit on a bike.
Godspeed Bill. Thank you for showing us your awesome endeavor in LSR, being the first over 3, and being a fantastic racer and competitor. You will be sorely missed.
†
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this is sad news indeed,, first meet Bill in 2009(?), when he was running the VMax at Bonneville 8-),, in the years since he was always happy too catch up, "a true gentleman", RIP mate, :cry:,,
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:cry:
Bill was the last person I spoke with before leaving the track Friday after I was one and done. He was working away trying to resolve his electrical goblin from his first pass so I didn't stay long but we had a great chat earlier about scuba diving and sea life. I had a good laugh at someone who runs as fast as him thinking I was crazy for deep diving in my earlier days.
My fondest memory will be that conversation but I will never forget when he rolled in to impound after his 272 run in Maxton. His first words after that eventful pass, IIRC, were 'All I want is a hug' to Donna. I will forever be glad that I chose not to run that event and was able to witness that run. I also will never forget how I got a laugh out of him last year in Loring when I told him after he missed sixth gear made me feel more human for doing the same on occasion.
Bill taught me how to be patient and sit out crosswinds if they made me uncomfortable. He is my hero and role model and I will miss him. My prayers go out to his immediate and land speed racing family.
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My condolences to his family.
You are in my prayers.
RIP Bill
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This is a true loss to the Land Speed Racing community :cry: :cry:
Even though I am a "car guy", I have always been in AWE of Motorcycle Land Speed Racers and Bill was the consummate racer.
I first met Bill several years ago at Maxton and have kinda followed his accomplishments through the years.
Hard not to follow with the speeds he consistently ran. I would have loved to have seen his 311 run!
I caught up with him at last year's Main event and he was a gracious as ever.....A true Gentleman in every sense of the word.
Dean, thanks for posting this pic in the other thread and showing his ever present smile!
(http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=12909.0;attach=41554;image)
Godspeed Bill Warner, you will be sorely missed.
Gregg Adams
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RIP Mr. Warner.
I saw this on MSNBC this morning and then tortured myself by reading the comments. Nice to be able to escape the ignorance and hear the positive, true stories and thoughts of people who knew and respected him on this forum.
Watching his 311 run on youtube still puts me in a good mood.
Thanks for your dedication to this sport Bill Warner.
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Rip mr. 311
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Bangor Daily News
by Mario Maoretto, staff writer
Posted July 14, 2013, at 3:12 p.m. Last modified July 14, 2013, at 4:08 p.m.
CARIBOU, Maine — A Florida man who set the world record for fastest speed on a conventional motorcycle died Sunday from injuries suffered when he lost control of his motorcycle and reportedly slid 1,000 feet during a speed trial at the former Loring Air Force Base.
William “Bill” Warner, 44, a speed racer and tropical fish grower from Wimauma, Fla., was attempting to hit 300 mph within one mile just before 10 a.m. Sunday during The Maine Event, an annual speed trial race sanctioned by the Loring Timing Association.
Warner made it about 4,000 feet before suddenly losing control of his modified turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa. He was taken immediately to Cary Medical Center in Caribou, according to race officials. After the crash, race officials cancelled the remainder of Sunday’s races
Bill Flagg, a spokesman for the hospital, confirmed Sunday afternoon that Warner had died from his injuries at 11:15 a.m. The announcement was delayed until Warner’s family could be notified, Flagg said.
Limestone Volunteer Fire Department and Crown Ambulance were on-scene in case of accidents during the time trials. According to a spokesman for the fire department, an investigation into what caused the accident will be conducted by the Limestone Police Department.
Race officials interviewed immediately after the accident said Warner was “awake and talking” when he was brought to the Caribou hospital. Those officials — event director Mark Sotomayor and race director Tim Kelly — were unreachable for additional comment later in the day.
Though there are few known details, one witness who watched the race from the starting line said he could tell that things had gone wrong when he saw that Warner had veered off the track, to the right.
The Loring Timing Association instructs racers to veer off the track to the left if there is a vehicle problem and to veer to the right if they are injured or if their vehicle is on fire.
“He got maybe 4,000 feet or so, and where I was standing at the starting line, you could see a big dust cloud and then it got silent,” said Cole Theriault, a spectator from Connor Township. “The bike, from what I heard, was demolished, just in pieces. After a minute, all you could hear was the sirens.”
Warner set a world record at the time trial in 2011, when he became the first conventional motorcyclist in history to top 300 mph, according to the Loring Timing Association. On a 1.5-mile course, he maxed out at 311.945 mph. On Saturday, he broke the 1-mile record at Loring when he hit 296 mph.
In 2011, Warner spoke about the his record-breaking run.
“The big part of it, after the speed happens, is trying to stop the bike,” he said. “Here at Loring Air Force Base, there is a mile shutdown to slow the vehicles down and I used every bit of it. The bike was bouncing, hopping, skipping and sliding. Needless to say, I got it stopped safely. It was a little scary.”
According to the Loring Timing Association’s website, the track at Loring is the longest land speed record track in the world, with a total length of 2 ⅝ miles, including a long stretch for cool down.
++++++++++
I am mortified once again that my colleagues in the mainstream are guilty of shabby journalism. The media reports have, in only a few hours said Bill crashed first at 260, but now its up to 285MPH -- no verification, no attribution just a viral number that keeps on bloating. Sigh. I'll wait for the official report from Sotomayor, Kelly and the Limestone Police Department.
Perhaps you'll notice there are not hundreds of news briefs reporting that Donna Timney is recovering nicely at her home in Delaware after going down at 218MPH during he recent ECTA event in Ohio. As husband Joe reminded me, "We dress form the crash, not for the ride." She'll be back. Bet me. If for no other reason than to admonish Keith Turk for shutting down the event because of her tumble.
--LandSpeed Louise
The press is nothing but sensationalism. I'm surprised to see a story on the ECTA site about Bill's passing yet nothing about Donna's incident. I heard she went off at 213 now the numbers have jumped to 218.
Thoughts and prayers to the Warner family.
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I met Bill a couple of years ago at Loring, the year he set the speed of 311mph. Last year and this year I pitted opposite Bill and the tech inspection area for bikes. This was my second year for tech inspection, so I still don't know all the qualified inspectors. But on Saturday afternoon, I came in from making a run and heard an announcement that inspectors were needed to tech a couple of latecomers. I got out of my helmet and jacket as fast as I could and went over to help out, only to discover that Bill was already there, taking time out from working on his bike to help out in tech inspection. So he and I inspected those two bikes and signed their log books. I remarked to one of the gentlemen that he now had an autograph from the most famous of Loring racers and we all got a bit of a laugh. My pit crew member, Ed, overheard Bill earlier giving tips to a fellow competitor about running at high speeds. So I am honored to have known and worked with Bill, the most humble and helpful competitor that I have met. Bill was the show, and he will be sadly missed.
Tom
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There are few times in life you get to meet a better person than Bill, this is a true loss to all of us.
I hope that the initial cause of the wreck is found and reported, as that may help another racer from the same fate, and hopefully help add a level of overall safety to our sport.
It's always sad and shocking when we lose one of our own in the racing community. I know it's a real possibility and risk that we all have to except as we work toward our on personal goals in racing.
R.I.P. Bill Warner you'll be missed by more than you could have imagined.
Rouse
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Never had the honor of meeting the man. Wish I had. :-( Godspeed.
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Scott Guthrie wrote this remembrance of Bill. Well said, Scott, and thank you very much from Nancy and me -- for helping all of us remember him.
BILL WARNER WAS A MAN IN FULL.
Only 44 years old, Bill Warner accomplished more in land speed
racing than most racers accomplish in a career – probably ten careers.
Most knowledgeable racers expect that Bill’s 311 MPH terminal speed
record in the 1.5 mile race will not be broken in their lifetimes,
and that Bill’s mile record of 296 MPH – set only hours
before his death – will be the same.
Warner, a marine biologist and college graduate was a
gentle tropical fish farmer in the Tampa Florida area.
Bill came late to land speed racing, beginning a racing career
of rocket-ship-like performance less than 10 years ago.
Always trying to reach the next level of speed, Bill was
never satisfied with “good enough.” Bill quickly proved
his championship strengths by taking the Texas Mile motorcycle
track record with an un-streamlined bike in 2010.
It was at that point that we all realized that everybody else
was playing catch-up ball, and that we were in
the final 2 minutes of the game.
The next year, Bill slammed down his earth- shaking,
and world-beating 311 MPH run at Loring.
In one single run, Bill became the first to break
270 mph, 280 mph, 290 mph, 300 mph and 310 mph.
In a time when the ultimate record was being increased by
Measures of 5 or 10 mph – or even 2 mph – Bill in one run
advanced the mark 50 mph.
And he wasn’t even done.
Bill brought to the sport, and to his pursuit of that sport,
a drive and intensity rarely seen in it’s combination of intellect,
scientific thinking, willingness to work 24/7 and to place
all his worldly assets in the service of his racing goals.
While doing this, Bill maintained an even temper,
rarely if ever raising his voice in anger.
He blessed his friends with his ready humor,
and he humored those that thought they were his competition.
In fact, Bill had no competition.
And he never will.
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This is sad news, I never met Bill but have followed his exploits on here. A couple of national news organizations have covered this story, saw this report from Maine that includes an interview with Bill about 10 minutes before his last run: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/249729/2/Motorcycle-speed-world-record-holder-killed-at-Loring
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This is so sad...............and sobering............as we all prepare our bikes............BE SAFE OUT THERE.
I never met Bill but I sure heard about him and admired his accomplishments. My condolences to his family and close friends.
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Bill will be laid to rest in Little Falls NY. Viewing will be from 4-7pm Friday, July 19th, at The Enea Family Funeral home, 24 W Monroe St. Little Falls NY. Funeral service is at 9:30am July 20th at Holy Family Parish 763 E Main st. Little Falls Ny.
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Here's a comment from Ellen Guthrie (the driving force behind Scott, at least if you ask Nancy and me :roll:):
Trading memories between Bill Warner's
friends; Walt Kudron, Scott and I thought,
sort like with John Beckett (ed: at ECTA), we could get
a new street sign placed at the Loring
starting line. It would read:
311 Bill Warner Boulevard.
Love for Bill
Ellen Guthrie
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Scott Guthrie wrote this remembrance of Bill. Well said, Scott, and thank you very much from Nancy and me -- for helping all of us remember him.
BILL WARNER WAS A MAN IN FULL.
Only 44 years old, Bill Warner accomplished more in land speed
racing than most racers accomplish in a career – probably ten careers.
Most knowledgeable racers expect that Bill’s 311 MPH terminal speed
record in the 1.5 mile race will not be broken in their lifetimes,
and that Bill’s mile record of 296 MPH – set only hours
before his death – will be the same.
Warner, a marine biologist and college graduate was a
gentle tropical fish farmer in the Tampa Florida area.
Bill came late to land speed racing, beginning a racing career
of rocket-ship-like performance less than 10 years ago.
Always trying to reach the next level of speed, Bill was
never satisfied with “good enough.” Bill quickly proved
his championship strengths by taking the Texas Mile motorcycle
track record with an un-streamlined bike in 2010.
It was at that point that we all realized that everybody else
was playing catch-up ball, and that we were in
the final 2 minutes of the game.
The next year, Bill slammed down his earth- shaking,
and world-beating 311 MPH run at Loring.
In one single run, Bill became the first to break
270 mph, 280 mph, 290 mph, 300 mph and 310 mph.
In a time when the ultimate record was being increased by
Measures of 5 or 10 mph – or even 2 mph – Bill in one run
advanced the mark 50 mph.
And he wasn’t even done.
Bill brought to the sport, and to his pursuit of that sport,
a drive and intensity rarely seen in it’s combination of intellect,
scientific thinking, willingness to work 24/7 and to place
all his worldly assets in the service of his racing goals.
While doing this, Bill maintained an even temper,
rarely if ever raising his voice in anger.
He blessed his friends with his ready humor,
and he humored those that thought they were his competition.
In fact, Bill had no competition.
And he never will.
excellent write up SG :cheers:
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It seems like every news service has this story. They also have taken it upon themselves to say that the run of 296 that bill ran earlyer that day was a world land speed record. Do any of the news services even bother to get there facts correct. never saw bill run in person but i have watched videos of him on you tube. RIP bill you will be missed.
The fastest man on two wheels died on Sunday attempting to break his own world record. Bill Warner lost control of his modified turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, veering off a paved runway while traveling 285 mph.
Warner was racing at "The Maine Event" an annual timed speed event for highly certified vehicles hosted by the Loring Timing Association.
The remaining events were canceled after the crash, which witnesses said sent Warner soaring 40 feet into the air and 100 yards down the track. He was conscious and talking when loaded into an ambulance, but died just over an hour later at a Cary Medical Center.
The cause of the accident has yet to be determined, though Warner's team was worried about increasing winds at the runway prior to the attempt.
"At a wheelie, it's really scary. At 290, if everything is planted it can be a lot of fun." Warner told WCSH6 moments before his attempt to reach 300 mph on only one mile of track.
In 2011, Warner set the world record speed for a motorcycle when he used one and a half miles of track to hit 311 mph. His record was called into question by other racers who criticized the extra half-mile of track.
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This is sad news, I never met Bill but have followed his exploits on here. A couple of national news organizations have covered this story, saw this report from Maine that includes an interview with Bill about 10 minutes before his last run: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/249729/2/Motorcycle-speed-world-record-holder-killed-at-Loring
OMG! This video is 3:11 running time! :-o
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Evidently, if you aren't involved in LSR the subtleties are beyond you - like the press, for example. Josh Elliot of Good Morning America reported the event this morning with the headline "Speed demon Bill Warner passed away as he tried for 300 MPH in a standing mile" (or words to that effect). Those of us who knew Bill know he was anything but a "speed demon". Looking in from the outside, I guess the assumption is that anyone who would attempt what Bill did must share a kinship with Evil Knevel, which of course couldn't be further from the truth for Bill. He took a calculated risk and this time it didn't go in his (or our) favor.
Scott Guthrie has WAY more right to comment than I do and I think he and Ellen did so for all of us. I only knew Bill casually but I REALLY liked him - I think everyone did.
Dan
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Here's a valedictory from Ellen Guthrie (Scott's wife, for those of you that don't know her):
Bill was unique. When he first started racing,
some didn't take him too seriously - after all,
what would a marine biologist know about motorcycles.
His Hayabusas always had something
unusual - the guys would nonchalantly head
for his pit to try to figure out what Bill was doing now.
Bill took the teasing about his bike with
good humor - he would just smile in
a knowing way - and you knew there
were a lot more secrets to come out.
He was humble about his records.
When we celebrated at Texas,
we practically had to force him to join us
and raise a glass of wine to his accomplishments.
But that wonderful big smile - as only Bill
could smile - when he got a record
was something you never forgot.
To say he will be missed is
an enormous understatement - there
was no one like him - and there never will be.
Ellen Guthrie
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Ah, Bill, we hardly knew ye. Nancy took this photo in early 2007.
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/100_0105_zps7195da38.jpg)
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Rip Bill
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I don't 'spose you need the internet to watch over us now Bill :?
I wore your 311 MPH Tee with pride at work yesterday, sorry 'bout the permanent oil stains though,
Godspeed
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Billy Shoemaker sent these along. Enjoy the memories. . . :-)
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/BillyampBillinTexas_zps7b69fbee.jpg)
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/BillsBikeBillyatthehelm_zps4c125f29.jpg)
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/BillWarnerpushingoffBillyShoemaker_zps33b24d22.jpg)
And finally - for now, at least - this one is just right. . .
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/Billwiththesunathisback-inTexas_zps55d0a931.jpg)
Feel free, folks, to post photos and thoughts about Bill Warner.
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:-(
Sad to hear that Bill Warner lost his life this weekend doing what he loved. I understand the bike went down at 280 mph while trying to break his open wheel record of 311.945 mph. A true racer. May he rest in peace.
Max
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My deepest condolences to Bill's family. I can't begin to imagine what a loss this is to them, but I would like them to know that while he was up here the last few yrs. he was quite an inspiration to mine. My son Reis is handicapped, and when he saw Bill's "funny looking bike" for the first time he had to drag me over to see it. Bill would stop whatever he was doing when Reis went by and give him a big smile, a wave, or a thumbs up. I spoke to Bill a few times but I knew he was a busy guy and was always afraid that I might be bothering him. I knew he understood this, we would look at each other, smile and nod to each other, and he knew I appreciated the time he spent with Reis.
When Bill made his 311 run he was naturally crowded with well wishers, and requests for photo's etc. I told Reis not to get in the way and kind of hang back. I turned around for a second and when I looked back Bill had his arm around Reis's shoulder and was sharing his victory with him. The last day of that weekend he took a good half hour and spoke to Reis, signed his T shirt and made him about the coolest kid in the world.
I want you to know that while Bill was all these miles from home he was not leaving family behind but extending his family by his actions. He definitley had a great impact on mine. I am forever in your debt for sharing this great guy with the rest of us!
We are so sorry for your loss.
Robby, Barb, Reis Perkins
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To me, personally, Bill Warner is a rare soul that makes each of us wish we were a better person.
An announcement has been posted on the website.
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Although I never had the fortune of having met Bill,I certainly admire his success in the landspeed world and for the humble person he appeared to have been.My condolenses to his family and friends. RIP Bill
Rich Shiedlak
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Met Bill two years ago, just after he was inducted into the 300 Club at Loring. Last year, at Carl Gunther's bidding, Bill signed my Bill Warner t-shirt. This year, my first to actually participate in the 135, when chatting with Bill Friday morning, he sincerely wished us good luck (my wife Heather was running as well). Bill was a very down to earth, humble person. Always had a smile and words of encouragement. He will be missed by all. I imagine he is now comparing notes with Burt Munro, planning their next runs... RIP!!!!
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As a spectator Bill always had time to show me his bike and answer my many probably stupid questions. I hadnt had time to talk with him yet this year but had planed to ask what was new on his bike etc. What amazed me was how he would stay and answer my questions until I was done not walk away when he was done. That memory will always stay with me how humble he truly was and how he always had time for fans.
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If anyone would like to donate to Bill Warner’s family to help out in this tragic time, please send payment through paypal and select “Gift” to: nickelcityracing@persona.ca
Thank you all in advance,
Tom Gates
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Met Bill two years ago, just after he was inducted into the 300 Club at Loring. Last year, at Carl Gunter's bidding, Bill signed my Bill Warner t-shirt. This year, my first to actually participate in the 135, when chatting with Bill Friday morning, he sincerely wished us good luck (my wife Heather was running as well). Bill was a very down to earth, humble person. Always had a smile and words of encouragement. He will be missed by all. I imagine he is now comparing notes with Burt Munro, planning their next runs... RIP!!!!
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With all due respect to you racefanwfo. The 296 that Bill ran on his previous run is the fastest that anyone has ever been in the standing mile. No one else is close.
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Bill had a VMax that he raced before the Busa. He had a record in1650 m/g 195.2 at Bonneville. I think he ran a 201 at Maxton, with the VMax. Come on 200mph with a Vmax. For the last three or four years Bill had been at Bonneville helping friends with their bikes. He had a turbo busa planned for Bonneville. It got put on the back burner when he took on promoting the Houston mile.
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Yup, M-AG 1650 196.053, was one of the records I was going to run Larry's bike on, now am conflicted------ :?
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With all due respect to you racefanwfo. The 296 that Bill ran on his previous run is the fastest that anyone has ever been in the standing mile. No one else is close.
SEJ i think that you have misunderstood the point i was trying to make. all of the news services are saying that the speeds that bill ran ie the 311 run and the runs after that are world land speed records from what i understand to set a world land speed record you need to make 2 runs one in each direction. all i was trying to say was that the media does not know what they are talking about. i was not trying to down play anything that bill had done. you are right no one else is even close and i think it will be a long time before someone gets close to the speeds that bill layed down.
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With all due respect to you racefanwfo. The 296 that Bill ran on his previous run is the fastest that anyone has ever been in the standing mile. No one else is close.
SEJ i think that you have misunderstood the point i was trying to make. all of the news services are saying that the speeds that bill ran ie the 311 run and the runs after that are world land speed records from what i understand to set a world land speed record you need to make 2 runs one in each direction. all i was trying to say was that the media does not know what they are talking about. i was not trying to down play anything that bill had done. you are right no one else is even close and i think it will be a long time before someone gets close to the speeds that bill layed down.
not in mile racing
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or mile and a half, or any extended courses on other surfaces on a sit on M/C.......
Having been back in staging helping a buddy get ready with his car I can't say I saw the 311. Knowing Bill's goal for that meet, when I heard that wave of commotion sweep back from the stating line I knew who had done what. As it reached me and I heard the actual number I knew it was a milestone solidly set for the ages.
Where were all these "news services" then?
RIP Bill, those that understand know how far out that milestone [along with the 296] is, what it took for you to set both, and how long it will be before anyone passes them. May you continue that smile as you look back down on them.
Ed
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RIP my friend :cry:
Mikey
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http://www.grandprixcafe.com/content/motorcycle-racer-bill-warner-dies-in-attempt-to-top-300-mph/
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Yup, M-AG 1650 196.053, was one of the records I was going to run Larry's bike on, now am conflicted------ :?
Fireman, y the conflict? From what everyone says the man would help you break the record! I think Bill understood the fundimental difference between "the record" and "my record". IMHO bumping the record in his memory would be an honorable thing.
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I have to agree. Bill would definitely help you break his record and be the first to congratulate you on doing so. Besides, he has a few more records that I don't expect to see broken in my lifetime. I think also think Bill would never want someone to quit what they are passionate about because of this.
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Always a smile
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Always a smile
the best way to remember him.
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In searching for more information on Bill Warner, I found the following sites most informative:
http://www.dragbike.com/dbnews/templates/fast1320_z2.aspx?articleid=6219&zoneid=2
http://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/epilogue-hedy-goes-here-and-here/2131649
Tom
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Thanks for the links, Tom. When the local Wisconsin media ran the news about Bill's death, they did not give his name........just that a motorcycle speed record holder was killed at a competition.
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Thanks Tom. The article in the Tampa Bay Times was excellent.
We've all lost an amazing gentleman.
My sympathies to his family and all who knew him. Rest in peace Bill.
Pete
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It's not often than someone comes along and sets the bar so high and leaves such an indeligible mark. Bill was one of those people who, when you meet them, you feel like you've known them for years. Here, even though he was busy helping others, he took time to check out some changes I had made to my bike. As everyone else who came in contact with Bill, I feel lucky to have met him. A real gentleman. A profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues and all land speed racing.
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I don't think breaking any record disrespects the current holder; it's about going faster and I think that's why the LSR family is so open to helping each other. Record or not, there was only one Bill Warner and nobody racing today will ever forget him. By the way Fred, that 201 on the V-Max was also naked if I'm not mistaken.
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I am pretty sure you are right!! :cheers:
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I'd appreciate a PM from someone with Bill's documented highest timed speed. As mentioned in a few of the discussions about him -- the speeds seem to have suffered some inflation. Whether a timed mile or a trap speed, at Maxton or Loring or Wilmington or Bville - please give me the exact highest recorded speed that was on a timing slip of Bill's. Thanks.
PS It need not be a PM -- but I figure we don't need a long harangue about the issue -- just a speed.
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While I've only known Bill for 5 years, he always made me feel like we had been friends forever...
This picture was taken just 24 hours before he left us, gladly presenting me with my lowly 200 club hat...
RIP Bill...
(http://)
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From the LTA website I've got my answer:
5113 Bill Warner Warner/Forstall Racing APS/BF-1350/4 2011
311.945
Thanks for the help.
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http://www.eatmyink.com/memorials/BWarner.html
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Slim, you may have this already, but ECTA records show that April, 2010 running MPS/BF 1650-4 he ran 272.340 and in May he came back and upped the track record running MPS/BF 1350-4 to 272.374. I think that was also the year that Scott Guthrie gave him a plaque at our awards banquet for making the (unofficial) 250 club at Texas.
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RIP
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(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l138/72tx340/Chrysler%20windsor/PICT0368_zpsa2bf51eb.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l138/72tx340/Chrysler%20windsor/IMG_2752_zpsdfb074bd.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l138/72tx340/Chrysler%20windsor/IMG_2748_zps2ca4c1b7.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l138/72tx340/Chrysler%20windsor/IMG_2750_zps045fbd84.jpg)
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Slim,
Bill ran a 296.xxx (296.285 I think it was) earlier on the morning of 7/14 in the mile. I can get the exact speed from Tim if you like.
Frank
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I've got the information I wanted. Thanks to all that offered help.
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Jon, Do you know if there is any chance to put up some kind of display about Bill at the Century of Speed show in Pomona in January. I think it would be a wonderful tribute and he definitely deserves the recognition for his achievements even if he was so humble to think he shouldn't. I am stretched bad right now but should be able to contribute to some of the associated costs in a few months hopefully.
By the way, I am hoping to get some of my family to that event since I can't persuade them to come to our venues due to the sound, heat, etc... that we all love. I am guessing there are others among us that have that issue. Best chance for me to expose them to the sport is fork up some award miles! :cheers:
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The Service for Bill today was a very good one. The Priest hit on topics that I have been dealing with.
After the Service and Burial there was a gathering of family, friends and racers at the Knights Inn Hotel.
These were handed out as a reminder of Bill:
(http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad318/GKABBT/Gregg%20Adams%20Land%20Speed%20Rampage/IMG_5029_zps1da4779b.jpg?t=1374348827)
Gregg
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I'll pass the word on about the CoS event at Pomona next January. Thanks for the idea.
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This picture of Camryn was taken in Loring 2011. He said, "Should I skooch down a little bit? I'm new at this." :-)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y188/Gsxracegirl/Loring%202011/image.jpg)
I took this picture on Saturday, July 13, 2013. She told him she had gotten her picture taken with him before and he told her the next time he saw her they should do it again to see how much she grew. He then signed the t-shirts we got from him, he had to wipe dust off the table with his hand so "your shirts don't get dirty". As we walked away, Cam said, "He is so nice and cool."
We watched all of his runs over the weekend...except the last one. We were driving through the gate when we heard him going to the lanes. Tracy stopped the truck for one moment and looked back. Then we drove out of the gate. Cam's last memory of Bill is of excitement and "coolness".
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y188/Gsxracegirl/image.jpg)
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We watched all of his runs over the weekend...except the last one. We were driving through the gate when we heard him going to the lanes. Tracy stopped the truck for one moment and looked back. Then we drove out of the gate. Cam's last memory of Bill is of excitement and "coolness".
Wow...very sweet. Does she know? Not saying she should or shouldn't...I can certainly see the pros and cons of both...
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As we walked away, Cam said, "He is so nice and cool."
Asub1, I agree with Gary.....Very sweet story. Her quote about him sums it all up!
Gregg
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Since we had planned on a little mini vacation on the southern Maine coast and were meeting up with an LSR friend who was unable to make the event, we chose to tell her in case the conversation with our friend ended up discussing it.
She is 10, very smart and sometimes wise beyond her years. We are very open and realistic as parents also. She has handled it well...but "just can't believe it." She was also a student at a Christian school for 7 years. She knows in her heart that he is in a better place.
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Since we had planned on a little mini vacation on the southern Maine coast and were meeting up with an LSR friend who was unable to make the event, we chose to tell her in case the conversation with our friend ended up discussing it.
She is 10, very smart and sometimes wise beyond her years. We are very open and realistic as parents also. She has handled it well...but "just can't believe it." She was also a student at a Christian school for 7 years. She knows in her heart that he is in a better place.
Tough conversation. But it sounds like you handled it the right way...
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I should like to pay my respects to a man I alas never met, who made an indelible mark in the history books. Mr. Warner may you rest in peace.
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Scott Guthrie sent this along to me for posting here.
"At the time I wrote this service, I knew
that Ellen and I were not going to be
able to attend Bill's funeral.
I sent this to Walt Kudron, in hopes
that, with Walt's help, there could
have been one final "coming together"
with Bill before we wished him our
"final goodbyes"
I had hoped that this could have been
delivered at Bill's graveside remembrance.
Bill Warner’s graveside service
Today, we share a Gathering of Eagles,
the men and women who held the throttle wide open,
and who in spirit joined Bill on every run.
No-one but this group truly understands Bills drive,
and all that he accomplished in his unfortunately
all – too - brief career as the best LSR pavement racer
in the history of the world.
As we give Bill back to the earth,
we remember how high he flew.
Let him go to our friends who have gone before,
with our praise ringing in his ears for a job well done,
and thanks for his friendship lovingly given.
Let us form one last circle with Bill and remember him.
In this circle, may we also be joined by Debbie Dross,
Larry Forstall, Karl Gunter, Scott Guthrie and Billy Shoemaker.
Those friends of Bill, who – but for fortune – could
now be waiting for him, but who can
still twist the throttle in his honor.
One last time, let us all hold Bill’s one hand,
while Bill offers his other hand up, and is greeted
by our old friends John Becket and Dave Owen.
Bill: Go forward, with us knowing that you would
have made your last run, your greatest run ever,
at over 300 mph in the mile.
The memories of your life and accomplishments
will live in our hearts until we join you.
Thank you Bill, for filling our lives with smiles.
Thank you Bill, for making our world a better place."