It was about this time last year when I got a letter in the mail from Bill. He included photos of the Scorpion Dragster and wanted to know if it would be alright if h...<P><P>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
Last year was my first but for sure not the last drags I'll attend. I didn't talk to him cause he looked pretty focused on making a run, but that image is exactly as I remember him and the car. I studied that ride quite a while. It's a work of art. Sorry for the loss.
I really liked that car, I enjoyed seeing it at the Roundup. I wish I could have met and talked to Bill...
I never met the man but I can tell from the picture what kind of guy he was... I think it is only fitting that the photo become a permanent part of the HAMB as a memorial to our fellow "Car Guy" Bill. Thanks for allowing all of us to share in your passion, even it was only for a short time.
I sure hope I can smile like that in the future.....I saw that car at the LSR and it made me smile... just like Bill. RIP
exactly! sure wish I could have spoken to him and shook his hand. they did an awesome job on that car
I can distinctly replay watching him make a pass at the drags in my head, It's the first thing that happened when I saw the photo and read RIP. I remember thinking that I hoped to be doing the same types of things in my later years.
I used to think "getting old" was a bad thing. People like Bill are a constant reminder that the things you have a passion for can keep you young at heart at least 'till the end. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Greatfull to have seen him make a pass. again, god-speed Bill
I remember his pass at MoKan, and I remember those guys pulling up to the registration tent and asking "Where's tech?". Then as we all slowly made our way around the table slack-jawed and started making circles around the trailer Ryan was able to get out, "You just passed." I'm going to work a little harder and a little later in the garage tonight.
Nice write up. We all got to chat with him a bit last year at the HAMB Drags as they setup right next to us. Beautiful car and a great guy. That ear to ear grin was with him all day while taking the Scorpion down the 1/4 numerous times.
When they pulled into the Ramada it was almost instant coverage as we all walked around and drooled. Then when it fired up at the drags it was almost like church in the sense of respect and awe. Thanks Mr. Collins. We appreciated your gift to us that day. RIP One pass I recorded. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v72/VonDad/?action=view¤t=ad6cdd90.flv
I was standing there at the timeslip shack when they handed it to him. You could really tell how much that run meant to him. His spirit lives on in that photo. Yes it's the thrill of the moment, but there's also a bit of that far away look. Re-living past glory or the satisfaction of reaching a goal, who knows. Lots of good vibes.
These are all of the shots I had of Bill and the car from that day. They are still compressed and resized, if anyone wants one full size just let me know and I'll email it to you. Bill left an indelible impression on me with that gleam in his eye and that smile on his face that day. Thanks Bill... RIP.
The smile will live forever.I saw the car in Ky. at the Rodders reunion.I remember photos of it in the 50's as I looked at my Brother's HRM's.It was a real rush to see it in the flesh.RIP
What a fantastic picture. I'll bet he had that same smile as a kid getting his first taste of speed. It's great to see the passion never dies.
Seeing this today bummed me out at first... then I thought about it... I really hope I'm smiling like that at that age.... Dude definately had it going on..... RIP...
Group: Bills funeral will be Saturday evening at 4:00 PM. At, Byrum Funeral Home 425 N. Dallas Av. Lancaster TX. 75146 Phone, 972-277-2121 Visitation will be Friday evening at 6:30 to 8:30 PM> Thanks Don Ross
I agree that the pictures are very cool, and I had a thought or two. Maybe someone could get a quality enlargement(s), make Bill an Honorary H.A.M.B. Alliance member with a special tag, get one of his H.A.M.B. Drags timing slips, and put it all under glass at a professional frame shop. I'd be willing to put in a few bucks toward something like this. Thanks, Kurt