Billy Shipman has passed away

B99 · 6/8/24, 12:54 AM

Apparent victim of an auto accident while headed to a MARA event. Billy was a long time flag man and official, his dad Johnny a starter in USAC and at IMS,

https://www.facebook.com/alicia.lynn...JWR6kl?__cft__[0]=AZXwsivv-_X9saITEHVBDpMsae4oOHjqZaOJHKf5CzB6wpFZlfTN3FFCELu M5yBTAmqotwj9woOcpkWmYgk-nKPhwv7aMt9thlcIiXxe5TAFjuAmg5jExGhG5Y9q8DHfC5_YH1 HbllzXa8Uthe89KSkK5tAJV4So5XHT-CardW6sOlt7nVp_JWnoPdFodSE7BM39Pv9hjTzEOiv-oCyY5sHyabj16zSVAnwrSzpq0Z-keTW5-dUKUoTnw8eBu_o0wKA&__tn__=-UK-R

opnwhlmnd · 6/8/24, 1:10 PM

I wonder if Jack Hewitt ever got the chance????

RMR3 · 6/8/24, 1:32 PM

https://www.mararacing.com/press/article/153996

RMR3 · 6/8/24, 2:23 PM

Bill was the first one to call when the MARA midget series was revived last year. He wanted to be a part of it and he was very enthusiastic about it. He had been part of the original MARA series and I think getting to be a part of its revival meant a lot to him. Many of the newcomers to the sport do not know how much of a showman he was. He was one of if not the first to use dual checkered flags to complete a race and he once flagged a night donned in a full tuxedo. Quite a guy and he will be missed.

Hustlin-Hoosier · 6/8/24, 3:40 PM

I’m so Sorry to hear this!
Prayers n Condolences to the Family and Friends at this difficult time.
Our Families have known each other for many years.
Through both Racing and Personal relationships.
God Speed Billy
Bobby Breneman and Family
Browns and Collins Families

Pitdad · 6/8/24, 3:49 PM

Very sobering moment when we got word last night. We didn’t know Bill for that long, only seeing him at the co-sanctioned events. He was definitely a character. Was expecting to see him in a couple of hours when we pull into Sycamore.

Officials don’t get enough credit for making these things happen. They’re practically volunteers in most cases (totally volunteers in many). Without them, the show would not go on. They do it for the love of the sport and all too often we lash out at them with our frustrations. Frustrations that probably stem from our own poor decisions. Rest in Peace Bill.

Indy1808 · 6/8/24, 4:44 PM

Rip Billy Shipman
May God wrap his arms around the friends and family in this tuff time.

Charles Nungester · 6/8/24, 5:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opnwhlmnd

I wonder if Jack Hewitt ever got the chance????

Way too soon.

illiNOISE · 6/9/24, 1:41 PM

I definitely felt honored to work with Bill for a few shows at Vermillion County. He will be missed.

RMR3 · 6/10/24, 7:20 PM

MARA & BMARA Tribute to Billy Shipman

https://youtu.be/CuAL7pqYgiA?si=dNvsdjTO0mLBcRSB