TERRE HAUTE — What’s started as one of the most difficult seasons in a number of years for Wabash Valley fans and racers became even tougher in recent days with news of the passing of local U.S. Auto Club car owner Bill Biddle.
The 61-year-old Terre Haute businessman fell victim to a heart attack while with his race team for a USAC race at Richmond, Va.
The loss will leave a large void in the area representation on the USAC sprint and champ-car scene. The team has suspended operations and is not expected to return to racing. Although the team that ran under the BWB Racing banner was involved in the sport for a relative short time, it left its mark under Bill’s able leadership.
With a roster that at times represented a who’s who in USAC racing, the team came just two spots shy of a national championship back in 2002. It was credited with 14 national championship feature wins.
Many drivers filled the seat of the always immaculate open wheel machines — the cars invariably red, white and blue — made it to victory lane were Jack Hewitt, Jay Drake, Tracy Hines, Dave Steele and Derek Davidson.
Davidson gave the team its first USAC win at Paragon in July of 1998 and Drake its final at Newton, Iowa, last fall.
Family and friends gathered to pay their final respects last Friday. Many spoke of the generous and competitive ways of the Williamsport native.
Among those in attendance was USAC President Rollie Helmling, who spoke of Biddle’s many contributions to racing.
“He [Biddle] was the epitome of a racer … a very successful businessman who shared his love of family and racing — USAC racing in particular,” Helmling said.
“He was not only a car owner, he was an enthusiast, spelled with a capital E. He loved being part of this sport.
“There will be a hole in our racing that won’t be able to be replaced. He was a great car owner who went to every race to win. He hired the best people, the best drivers and put them in the most competitive and safe cars possible.
“Over the years, he contributed a lot not only to USAC racing but to the race fans by giving them a chance to watch the caliber of cars he took to the race track.”
Although the team was better known for its USAC efforts, Biddle entered the sport with local drivers Ray Morgan and Kevin Newton. Eric Burns and Greg Dillion also drove BWB cars.
Biddle turned to local talent to prepare his cars at the team’s Terre Haute southside race shop and to oversee day-to-day operations at the track.
Veteran crew chief John Granby was there in the early going while Greg Smith of Seelyville served as the team’s manager when it won nine of its features. Most recently, Doug Porter handled the duties both at the shop and track.
Smith looks back with pride at the success the team enjoyed, feeling thankful for the opportunities Biddle offered him during the team’s formative seasons.
“He was committed to racing. He wanted that championship ring,” Smith said of Biddle’s approach to racing. “He put me with a caliber of team that was capable of winning a championship. We ran as high as third that one year.”
Smith recalls Biddle as a “hands on” car owner. “He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He wasn’t above washing one of his cars,” he said.
Like Smith, Porter welcomed the chance to carry the BWB Racing colors. “Bill loved the opportunity of giving a guy a chance. He always wanted to help someone get going,” said Porter.
The union between Porter and Biddle was in its third season and had all the appearance of heading in the winning direction.
“It’s always a learning process in the business. The pieces were starting to fall in place. Especially with our pavement program. We had that big PRA [Premier Racing Association] win at Berlin, Mich., last month,” Porter said.
“Bill had his way of doing things. They didn’t always go with the conventional ways in racing but they usually worked themselves out. He gave me the chance to make a living in the sport. I will always appreciate that.”
While Biddle was best known for his contributions in racing, he quietly offered a helping hand to those outside the sport who were seeking to fullfill lifetime dreams.
He was a big supporter and financial backer of local boxer Terry Ray. When Ray traveled south for trainning he often stayed at Biddle’s Florida home, Ray said.
“He was there for me my whole career. He was a giving type guy who never asked for anything in return,” recalled Ray.
The pair got to know each well during their brief times together. They shared common traits. A strong work etheic and competitive nature.
“We laughed about coming close to making that big money. It didn’t quite pan out, but we had a great time working together,” Ray said with a wide smile.
“He was really into my training. He liked guys who worked hard, guys who gave 100 percent. He was a very competitive type of guy,” voiced Ray.
Like the many drivers who were given the chance to wheel one of the BWB cars, fans from this area took pride in having a first-class effort representing them at tracks across America. For that, we say thanks Bill Biddle.
Tribune-Star auto racing columnist Joe Buckles can be reached by e-mail at jbuckles@verizon.net.
Sports Columns
Trackside: Wabash Valley racing scene mourns loss of Bill Biddle
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