I was fortunate enough to race at Mr. Hielscher's Green Valley Raceway, back in the '70's, and while there, got a rare look into his racing memorabilia garage. (Picture to be posted later) He visited the local track in Monroe, La. in the mid '80's, and considered purchasing it. He promoted a Funny Car Exhibition and Bracket Race for the track while he was there, and it was a tremendous event, the likes of which have never been equaled at that track.. I spoke with him briefly, and discovered that he was a very genuine person. The man, and his immense talent and love for the sport, will be sorely missed.
| Bill L. Hielscher | ||
| 1935 - 2002 | ||
| Bill L. Hielscher, 67, a drag racer and
track owner, passed away Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002.
Funeral: 11 a.m. Wednesday. (Please contact Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home for the exact location after Monday.) Burial: Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Bluebonnet Hills. Memorials: Flowers are acceptable or, if desired, a memorial may be made to the chapel Bill built at the race track, The Racers Chapel. The mailing address is Texas Raceway, P.O. Box 690, Kennedale, Texas 76060. The drag racing world lost one of its own. The legendary "Mr. Bardahl," Bill L. Hielscher, co-owner of Texas Raceway and Amarillo Dragway, died after a brief illness. Bill began his drag racing career at the age of 30 and made an agreement with his wife, Mary, that he would go racing for one year. She would support the family. If he were successful he would turn professional. In his six and a half years as a professional his accomplishments have never been surpassed, accomplishments such as winning 37 AHRA major championship races, nine AHRA championship races in one year, winning the World Points Championship six times in a row and setting a world record at Bonneville Salt Flats. On several occasions Bill would say he thought the road would end when he stopped racing, but in his happy trails atmosphere he just turned around and started racing back down the same road that made him a champion. He purchased a new Corvette, went road racing and was the undefeated champion for his class in his first year. Not only did he dominate road racing, he journeyed to Bonneville and set another land speed record. In March of this year, Bill, daughter Cindi and son-in-law Dave purchased Texas Raceway in Kennedale. In eight short months, Bill displayed the same drive that brought him so many championships in drag racing. The track was brought into the 21st century by replacing and repairing the facility. The biggest track improvement Bill was proudest of was the addition of Racers Chapel. Chapel is held each Tuesday night where there is complimentary food at 7 p.m. and service begins at 8 p.m. There is also a children's chapel with their own area. The chapel is open to anyone who wishes to attend and has been a hit with the racers who cannot attend their own church Sundays due to racing. He will always be remembered for his "Howdy" when he greeted someone and his "Happy trails" when departing.
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