Landracing Forum

Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: Bonneville Racing News on November 29, 2015, 07:50:04 PM

Title: Bill Burke
Post by: Bonneville Racing News 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

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: Podunk 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.

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: Glen 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.

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: SPARKY 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:

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: Speed Limit 1000 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. 

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: wobblywalrus on November 29, 2015, 10:40:19 PM

Was it Bill Burke that invented the belly tank racer?

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: 4-barrel Mike on November 29, 2015, 11:08:27 PM

Don Montgomery, "Authentic Hot Rods," 1994.

Mike

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: Dynoroom 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

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: aircap 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.

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: Jack Gifford 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.

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: PorkPie on November 30, 2015, 10:47:03 AM

Another legend left the salt, was great to knowing you...God Speed Bill

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: DallasV 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

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: Stainless1 on November 30, 2015, 02:33:29 PM

GodSpeed Bill, you were one of our founders and heroes, you will be missed

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: velocity 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.
 

Title: Re: Bill Burke
Post by: ggl205 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