MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The racing world lost another legend on Monday when safety pioneer Bill Simpson died at the age of 79 after suffering a stroke.
Simpson, a native of California, outfitted some of racing’s top drivers with safety equipment since beginning his racing journey in the late 1950s.
In the time since his death became public knowledge, racers have flooded social media platform Twitter with memories, thoughts and condolences. We’ve compiled a selection of those messages here.
Will forever be thankful of what Bill Simpson did for safety and the support he gave me as a young racer. No doubt the biggest personality in the room anywhere he went & a dear friend. RIP Bill!
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 16, 2019
We lost a true racing pioneer today. Bill Simpson was a racer and innovator who made drivers and crew members safer. The safety equipment that bears his name saved me plenty of times. #RIPBillSimpson pic.twitter.com/afplJia33M
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) December 16, 2019
Bill Simpson was one of my best friends. He made a huge positive impact on racing and we should all be grateful for his contributions. Bill did things his own way and he was 100% committed to making racing safer. I’m not sure I’d be here today without Bill. I’ll really miss him. https://t.co/AERNwArQG6
— Rusty Wallace (@RustyWallace) December 16, 2019
Sorry to hear about the passing of my neighbor Bill Simpson. He did a lot for our sport and I’ll for sure miss running into him on walks around the neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/Xq4BCPUeJU
— J.R. Todd (@JRTodd373) December 16, 2019
Bill Simpson had an incredible impact on motorsport safety. His commitment and dedication made the sport so much safer for all involved. He will be missed!!!!
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) December 16, 2019
We are saddened by the passing of a longtime friend and pioneer of safety, Bill Simpson. Rest easy, Bill ?. #TeamJDM | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/67YSS5xNFt
— JD Motorsports w/ Gary Keller (@JDMotorsports01) December 16, 2019
There was only one Bill Simpson.
Racer. Innovator. Promoter. And one helluva character. Racing lost one of safety’s true pioneers today. “If we can build a better mousetrap, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
Will miss him in the paddock. #RIPBillSimpson pic.twitter.com/0Ss7TcPAIw— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) December 16, 2019
RIP Bill Simpson, a racer who cared enough about other racers to build not one, but two strong businesses providing for their safety. A legendary hard partyer and loyal friend, after Bill they broke the mold.
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) December 16, 2019
Godspeed Bill. A huge loss for our industry, he changed our worlds as drivers. Thank you Bill, Rest In Peace my friend. https://t.co/tYfDxcgXsu
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) December 16, 2019
Sad news at the passing of Bill Simpson. He leaves a big legacy in the safety we take for granted in motorsports today. A passionate innovator, racer and one of our sport’s true characters. https://t.co/ArRnXmA5L2
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) December 16, 2019
Vale #billsimpson … legend! Legacy in Motorsport safety is enormous. Big smile & big character. RIP
— Leigh Diffey (@leighdiffey) December 16, 2019
Icon! Legend! Hero! Friend!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Bill Simpson! Thank you for everything you did to help DDR! Your impact on our sport will forever be remembered and appreciated! Rest Easy Bill! ? pic.twitter.com/Ywg2IrtbP3
— Dave Darland Racing (@DaveDarland) December 16, 2019
Sad day today and empty feeling learning of Bill Simpson’s passing, Bill was a true racer and helped many drivers like me during their careers. Never one to hold back we will miss his unfiltered thoughts and stories.
RIP Bill pic.twitter.com/f6lsSVNHHj— Arie Luyendyk (@ArieLuyendyk) December 16, 2019
I will miss the great Bill Simpson.. Bill was a GREAT innovator in safety for all of us racers.. He once set himself on fire to prove his SIMPSON fire suits were good.. He was a dear friend and we did a lot of partying???..
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 16, 2019
We lost a good one today. RIP Bill Simpson
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) December 17, 2019