BILL LIPKEY - USAC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2018

Bill Lipkey, of Kokomo, Ind., organized and presented the first USAC race ever held, a Midget race indoors at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind. on January 8, 1956. The long-time race organizer at the legendary Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway, also organized races at Baer Field in Fort Wayne and staged numerous indoor events at the Fort Wayne facility where a recent ceremony was held unveiling a commemorative marker saluting the first USAC race. The Lipkey family was a staple at USAC events in the Midwest and Bill’s son Vic served as USAC’s chief starter on many occasions spanning various racing series. Bill served for many years on USAC’s Advisory Board as the race organizer representative. In 1983 he received USCA’s prestigious Jim Blunk Award in recognition of his contributions to the sport of Midget auto racing. Bill passed away at the age of 86 in 1999.