Bill Simpson Passes Away at 79

E.J. “Bill” Simpson, the acclaimed American racecar driver and the founder of Simpson Performance Products, has passed away last Monday, December 16, 2019. Bill Simpson started his career as a racer, participating in drag racing and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Formula racing. Eventually, he moved up to the United States Auto Club (USAC) Championship Car Series where he raced in the 1968-1974 and the 1976-197 seasons. After qualifying for more races and finishing in the top 10 for 11 times, Simpson retired from racing in 1977. Sometime during the start of his racing career, Simpson got into a bad crash and broke both of his arms. "Until then, I was like most drivers. The only time I thought about safety was after I'd been hurt. This time, I was hurt bad enough to do a lot of thinking," Simpson later said.   Simpson Performance Products have been used in many different motorsport events. Some of these at NASCAR, IndyCars, and the National Hot Rod Association. Simpson Performance Products supply majority of the belts, window nets, helmets, and racing suits used by the drivers in these events. Perhaps one of Bill Simpson’s greatest achievements is when he showed up at the Indianapolis 500 donning the first ever Nomex racing suit and set himself on fire to prove that his invention could save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. This little show changed the course of racing history forever, and that’s how Bill Simpson will be remembered. As a pioneer and torch bearer who dedicated his life in prioritizing international motorsport safety.   Bill Simpson died from a heart attack at the age of 79.  

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