24 replies to this topic

[Rappin on Racin]

Bill was returning from the races last night on his motorcycle and hit a deer.

Bill Wheeling first raced at Glen Drive Speedway in Franklin in the modified coupes in 1956. He won his first race one year later at Shippenville Speedway near Clarion.

In 1966, he ran late models on the Stateline/Eriez circuit. Bill's Sprint car career began in 1967 driving for George Wackaski.

He won the mid-season championship at Mercer in 1969 and the point's championship in 1971.

They competed in many All-Star Circuit of Champions races in the series first year. When Waclaski retired, Bill continued driving sprints for Dan Davis, AI Deane, Red McDowell, and Andy Raiti.

In 1986 after being out of racing for 10 years, Bill returned to the modifieds driving for Dick Shingledecker, picking up a win at Tri-City in 1987 before retiring.

Bill raced at many speedways over the years with approximately 150 wins.

Bill has also competed in the senior series and won a point championship.

He was inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Hall of Fame in 2005.

Bill was a great competitor and a good friend...rest in peace buddy.

[23wellerfan31]

Just seen him Saturday night at the Cochranton Fair tractor pulls. Unreal.Godspeed Bill

[tjtrackrabbit]

Oh man, this is so sad. Bill was a great guy, always smiling. RIP Bill.

[tjtrackrabbit]

How I'll always remember Bill.

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[Walt Wimer]

This has been such a sad month for all of us that have been around local Sprint Car racing for years. first Putsy Kekich, then Frank Crash and now Bill Wheeling. I got to know Bill better than the others, as for years he was part of the Tri-City speedway "family", driving the pace truck for a number of years while son Greg was on the flagstand. As said, always smiling and a fun person to be around!! My condolences to all the Wheeling family. R.I.P. Bill Walt

[dale]

Oh man,this is hard to take. I just talked to Bill last night at Eriez.It was about 8:00 when we chatted in the grandstand. Now he is gone. One of the best guys I ever knew. RIP.

[Pitboard]

Thank you Don for posting this, and to everyone for the kind words. It is shocking and difficult for the whole family. Grandpa was still in good health, still always working in the garage or on the house. But he went the way he would have wanted to, on his motorcycle on his way home from a race, and he is in a better place now. That is all anyone can ask. Nathan Wheeling

[lube265]

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[racer67x]

RIP..

[3799]

I could hardly believe it when Greg called this morning. I had the pleasure to work with Bill and count him among my racing friends. I will always remember our trips to Syracuse for the races in October. Bill was the safest rider I had ever met. I will miss him greatly, but like Nate said he was riding his motorcycle on his way home from a race. Nathan you are spot on with your comments on your Grandfather and how he went home to a better place. We should all strive to be home with Bill someday ourselves. To his sweet wife Shirley, to Greg, Steve, Cathy and their families I am so sorry for your loss.

[racer65]

Our deepest sympathy to the Wheeling family.....what an amazing foundation Bill built both with the racing community and also his family......generations of folks who loved the sport from a man who's passion clearly came from the heart. That truly generated through into his racing, the passion makes you a winner! It brings comfort that he will be greeted by so many of his peers, all legends, whom made us who we are today.....Thanks my friend.....RIP....Race In Peace.....The King Family

[grandstand]

Very sad day, would someone be so kind to post the arrangements once they are made, Thoughts to the Wheeling family.

[mmiley]

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Wheeling Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Matt Miley

[94.3-RADRACER]

Dick and I are so deeply saddened by Bills accident. I just met him for the first time last night as Dick and I were leaving the races with them. We talked to him and Ed Laskey. I was able to tell in that short amount of time what a remarkable man he was and remember saying to Dick, I really like those guys. Sometimes in life you just know after a short meeting how special some people are. Then on the way home Dick told me what how much he liked him and he was a great guy, awesome sprint racer(Dick and him would go round and around about sprints and late models, which were the best)and inspiration he was to him, doing things like driving his motor cycle to Fla. He truly lived life to the fullest and I feel blessed to have known him that short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg and the family and for Ed, as you could tell what great friends they were. Dick, Chris, and Scott Bidwell

[Pitboard]

For those looking for the arrangements: Visitation Wed from 3:00 - 7:00 at Gardinier's Funeral Home in Franklin Thursday Visitation from 10-11 and Funeral at 11:00 at Grace Church in Rocky Grove (Franklin address) Thanks again for the kind words and support. Nathan Wheeling

[motomom9]

So sorry to hear this sad news. Our sincere condolences to Greg, Steve, and the entire Wheeling Family. Schaeffer Motorsports.....Karl, Chris, Kevin, Brandy and sons, Matt and Autumn.

[bobby]

very sad day. our deepest sympathy to the wheeling family. bobby & cindy neill

[mcmillen61m]

R.I.P. U will be missed by many

[Western PA Travelers]

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wheeling Family at such a difficult time. Bill was an ambassador of motorsports and was always smiling and very friendly. Rest In Peace, Bill. Marcie and Linda Barlow Winner's Circle Motorsports, LLC

[Lernerville PR BigE]

On behalf of Lernerville Speedway General Manager Gary Risch Jr. and the entire Lernerville Speedway family, we’d like to extend our sincerest condolences to Greg and the entire Wheeling family. I personally never had the opportunity to meet or talk to Bill, but I know all I need to know about the man by knowing and calling his son Greg my friend. God Speed Bill and Peace be with you Greg!