Bill Burke

[Bonneville Racing News]

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

[Podunk]

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.

[Glen]

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.

[SPARKY]

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!! 

[Speed Limit 1000]

I had the pleasure to meet Bill Burke on the Monster Garage show. He made the first belly tank lakester. God speed Mr. Burke. 

[wobblywalrus]

Was it Bill Burke that invented the belly tank racer?

[4-barrel Mike]

Don Montgomery, "Authentic Hot Rods," 1994.

Mike

[Dynoroom]

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

[aircap]

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.

[Jack Gifford]

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.

[PorkPie]

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

[DallasV]

One of my favorite people on the salt. Always a smile, always a story, always a humble legend. He will be missed

[Stainless1]

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

[velocity]

For those who never knew "Mr. Hotrod" and those that had the pleasure . . . The attached PDF highlights an incredibly full and fascinating life.

[ggl205]

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