This weekend the American All-Star Series Presented by PPM Racing Products has two races in memory of Keith Bills. However, Bills was much more than just a mere name on a trophy. The larger-than-life character dubbed the “Underdog” was beloved by many and respected by his fellow drivers. Series points leader A.J. Hicks can attest to that.
“Keith was a guy who loved racing and brought so much energy and excitement to the track,” said Hicks, of Grayson, Kentucky. “He was a guy who you wanted to be around — never negative. Keith was someone I enjoyed getting to have a conversation with. He would start most of our conversations with, ‘Hey boss, you’re going to have to take it easy on them.’ He was just an upbeat person, loving life. One of the most respected competitors. I seen him race with a lot less equipment and smoke them.”
Many remember Bills for his understated equipment. However, his racing record includes eight championships. Bills’ 143 feature wins came across 13 tracks among five states over the course of a 37-year racing career. Ultimately, Bills understood the principle that perfect is often the enemy of good. In fact, perfect often interferes with having fun.
“If it was rolling and he could race it — even if he slapped it [against the wall] the lap before — he was going out on that track,” said his son and sport mod racer Bryce Ryan, of Ona, West Virginia. “A lot of guys are worried about like saving tires for the weekend. That wasn’t the case for Keith — he rolled with what he had and done really good. That’s what he instilled in me — that never give up attitude.”
Keith Bills seemingly raced like every race was his last opportunity to enjoy what he enjoyed most — steering a race car on track. Someday, that will hold true for every racer. Bills won on his last night out at Beckley Motor Speedway, on October 28. On February 24, he passed away unexpectedly due to a heart attack. He was 52.
This Friday, August 2, the American All-Star Series Presented by PPM Racing Products heads to Beckley Motor Speedway for the Keith Bills Memorial. The series then proceeds to Willard Speedway in Kentucky on Saturday, August 3, for The Underdog 36 in Bills’ honor. Either way, Bills serves as a reminder of what all racers seek to achieve in the sport. It’s not the wins, the trophies, nor the money. It’s the fun.
Outside Groove Note of Transparency: Outside Groove is a sponsor of the American All-Star Series. The American All-Star Series paid for the production of this article. The content is not subject to the approval of the American All-Star Series.
The Outside Groove Executive Editor has covered motorsports since 2000. His many awards include the 2019 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Jim Hunter Writer of the Year and the 2013 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
