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Bill Simpson

Bill Simpson (March 14, 1940 – December 16, 2019) was an American racing driver and pioneering figure in motorsports safety equipment, best known for founding Simpson Performance Products and revolutionizing protective gear for racers worldwide.^[1]^[2]^[3] Born in Hermosa Beach, California, Simpson began his racing career as a teenager in drag racing in 1958, where a severe crash at age 18—resulting in two broken arms—prompted him to innovate safety measures, including the first rear-mounted parachute for dragsters to aid deceleration.^[4]^[5]^[6] He founded Simpson Performance Products in 1959 to produce drag chutes, later expanding to seat belts and harnesses, fire-resistant driver suits, helmets, head and neck restraints, and other gear that became industry standards, significantly reducing fatalities and injuries in motorsports.^[4]^[2]^[3] As a competitor, Simpson transitioned from drag and SCCA road racing to USAC and Champ Car series, accumulating 52 starts with 11 top-10 finishes, including a notable qualification for the 1974 Indianapolis 500 where he started 20th and finished 13th due to mechanical failure.^[1]^[2]^[6] His racing achievements earned him induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2003 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 2014, recognizing both his on-track contributions and his enduring legacy in safety innovation.^[1]^[4] Simpson's work influenced global racing regulations, with his products used in NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One, and beyond, saving countless lives and cementing his status as a transformative force in the sport.^[5]^[2]^[3]

Early life

Childhood and family background

Elwood Jesse "Bill" Simpson was born on March 14, 1940, in Hermosa Beach, California.^[1]^[7] Orphaned at a young age, Simpson grew up independently in the working-class beach communities of Southern California during the post-World War II boom, a period marked by widespread enthusiasm for hot rodding and automotive innovation.^[8] This environment provided early exposure to cars and mechanics, shaping his innate aptitude for engineering and speed without the structure of a traditional family unit; details on siblings or parental backgrounds remain undocumented in available records.^[9] Simpson's childhood experiences revolved around the local automotive culture, where he began developing hands-on mechanical skills through informal tinkering and observation of drag racing scenes prevalent in the region. He completed high school around 1958, forgoing college to immediately engage with motorsports as a teenager.^[4]

Introduction to motorsports

Bill Simpson's introduction to motorsports occurred amid the explosive growth of Southern California's hot rod culture in the mid-to-late 1950s, a period when beach cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway and informal street racing captivated young enthusiasts in coastal communities like his hometown of Hermosa Beach. Born on March 14, 1940, in this beachside enclave, Simpson, an orphan raised in modest circumstances, found early inspiration in the era's car modification trends and the allure of speed among peers tinkering with surplus World War II parts to soup up sedans and coupes.^[1]^[10] By his mid-teens, Simpson immersed himself in drag racing, beginning in 1955 through hands-on involvement in the local scene where self-taught mechanics built and modified vehicles for straight-line acceleration runs. He attended and participated in events at nearby strips, honing skills in engine tuning and chassis adjustments without formal training, driven by the thrill of competition in an era when drag racing was transitioning from chaotic street meets to more structured outings. These formative experiences at venues like those in the Los Angeles area fostered his mechanical aptitude and passion for the sport's raw intensity.^[10]^[4] The rise of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), established in 1951 to legitimize and sanitize drag racing by sanctioning safe, organized events, profoundly influenced Simpson's early enthusiasm, providing a framework for local competitions that drew hot rodders away from dangerous roadways. This organizational momentum, coupled with icons like early NHRA pioneers who championed timed quarter-mile runs, fueled his dedication to the discipline as a teenager navigating the SoCal circuit.^[11] Simpson's initial forays were not without peril, as the lack of safety standards in unsanctioned and early formal racing exposed participants to severe risks; at age 18 in 1958, he suffered a harrowing crash in his dragster at San Fernando Dragway, breaking both arms after failing to slow adequately at the end of the strip. This incident, occurring just three years into his racing hobbies, vividly illustrated the vulnerabilities of high-speed runs without protective measures like braking parachutes, sowing the early seeds of his awareness of motorsports' inherent dangers.^[1]^[12]^[10]

Racing career

Drag racing and early competitions

Bill Simpson entered competitive drag racing in 1958 at the age of 18, competing in local and regional events sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) using modified rail dragsters and other hot-rodded vehicles in Southern California's thriving scene.^[11] His early efforts focused on high-performance classes, where he honed his skills amid the sport's growing popularity and increasing speeds. Over the next decade, Simpson actively participated in NHRA-sanctioned meets, racing alongside notable figures like Don Prudhomme at tracks such as Lions Dragstrip in Long Beach.^[8] Shortly after beginning his racing career, Simpson suffered a near-fatal incident at San Fernando Dragway in 1958. While racing at high speed exceeding 150 mph, his dragster overshot the end of the strip, crashing and resulting in two broken arms and severe bruising; the accident left him hospitalized and reflecting on the dangers of inadequate stopping mechanisms.^[10] This 1958 crash inspired Simpson to invent the drag chute as a supplemental braking device for dragsters. Drawing from military surplus parachutes, he designed and sewed the first purpose-built versions in his garage, founding Simpson Drag Chutes to produce them. An initial test with friend Mike Sorokin in a Chevrolet station wagon at around 100 mph demonstrated the concept's potential but went awry when the oversized chute lifted the vehicle airborne, crashing it into a tree nursery and leading to their brief arrest; Simpson sustained minor injuries but refined the design for dragster use thereafter.^[6] The innovation quickly gained adoption, revolutionizing post-run deceleration in the sport. By the late 1960s, after roughly 10 years of active drag racing, Simpson began transitioning from full-time driver to safety innovator, spurred by ongoing risks exemplified by the 1967 death of Sorokin. Sorokin was killed on December 30, 1967, at age 28, at Orange County International Raceway when the clutch in Tony Waters' dragster exploded, cutting the car in two during an elimination run.^[6] This event, amid a year that saw 23 drag racing fatalities, solidified his pivot toward developing protective equipment, though he continued occasional racing into the early 1970s before focusing primarily on safety advancements.^[11]

Championship car series participation

Bill Simpson entered the USAC Championship Car series in 1968, building on his background in drag racing and SCCA formula events to compete in open-wheel oval racing.^[3] Over nine seasons through 1977, he accumulated 52 starts, primarily driving for independent or small teams such as his own entries and the American Kids Racer squad owned by Richard Beith.^[13]^[14] Simpson's performance emphasized reliability over dominance, with no victories but consistent mid-pack finishes that included 11 top-10 results.^[15] His best placement came at the 1970 Milwaukee 200, where he crossed the line sixth after navigating a competitive field on the mile oval.^[4] Another highlight was his sole Indianapolis 500 appearance in 1974, starting from the 20th position in an Eagle 72-Offenhauser chassis and finishing 13th despite handling the race's grueling 500 miles.^[16] Throughout his USAC tenure, Simpson piloted diverse chassis like the Eagle 67 with a Chevrolet turbo engine and the Cheetah-Chevrolet, often contending with mechanical issues such as clutch and piston failures that hampered potential higher finishes.^[17]^[18] Adapting from the straight-line acceleration of drag racing to the sustained cornering and traffic management of oval events proved an ongoing challenge, contributing to his steady but winless progression in the series.^[2]

Transition to safety focus

In 1977, after accumulating 52 starts in the USAC Championship Car series from 1968 to 1977, Bill Simpson announced his retirement from driving. The decision crystallized during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500 that May, when Simpson found himself distracted by thoughts of a pending phone call and business matters rather than focusing on the track.^[1]^[19] He later reflected, "I realized that if I crashed, I wouldn't be able to make that phone call. That's when I knew it was time to quit driving," highlighting his escalating awareness of the inherent dangers in high-speed competition.^[1] This moment underscored broader safety concerns Simpson had developed from witnessing numerous peers' accidents, including the tragic fatalities at the 1973 Indianapolis 500, where driver Swede Savage perished from injuries sustained in a catastrophic fire.^[20]^[1] Simpson's personal reflections on safety were profoundly shaped by his own near-fatal experiences, particularly the 1958 drag racing crash that left him with two broken arms.^[1]^[5] These observations intensified through the 1960s and 1970s amid a rash of drag racing deaths—23 in 1967 alone—and ongoing risks in championship car events.^[6] By the mid-1970s, these cumulative experiences had eroded his appetite for racing, prompting a deliberate pivot toward mitigating such hazards for others.^[21] Even as he continued competing into the 1970s, Simpson's early advocacy efforts focused on urging the adoption of superior protective gear within the USAC-sanctioned series.^[21] He relentlessly campaigned for enhanced fire-resistant materials and equipment standards, building on his earlier introductions of Nomex-based suits that appeared on 30 cars during the 1967 Indianapolis 500 grid.^[1] These initiatives in the mid-1970s aligned with growing industry momentum, influencing the eventual mandating of fire-retardant suits in major series by the decade's end.^[21] Simpson's shift in priorities during his final racing years involved carefully balancing competitive commitments with hands-on prototype testing for safety innovations.^[1] While qualifying for events like the 1974 Indianapolis 500—where he started 20th and finished 13th—he devoted increasing time to refining gear prototypes, often demonstrating their efficacy personally to gain traction among drivers and officials.^[5]^[1] This dual role culminated in his full retirement, allowing undivided commitment to safety advocacy and development, a move he described as liberating him to "do what I do best."^[1]

Safety innovations in motorsports

Invention of the drag chute

Following a severe drag racing crash in 1958 that left him with two broken arms, Bill Simpson began contemplating ways to enhance driver safety during high-speed runs exceeding 200 mph, leading him to conceptualize a parachute system for rapid deceleration at the end of quarter-mile strips.^[1] Inspired by rudimentary uses of military surplus parachutes in earlier drag racing experiments, Simpson envisioned a more reliable, purpose-built device to supplement inadequate braking systems on early dragsters.^[11] Simpson prototyped his first drag chute in the mid-1960s by renting a sewing machine and constructing it from durable nylon fabric in his garage, initially adapting and converting military surplus cargo parachutes before refining his own cross-form design. In 1965, Simpson pioneered the dual drag chute design, enhancing safety for faster vehicles.^[22]^[6] To test the prototype, he collaborated with fellow drag racer Mike Sorokin, attaching it to the rear tow hitch of a Chevrolet station wagon and deploying it at approximately 100 mph on a deserted street; the violent deployment ripped the hitch from the vehicle, causing Sorokin to crash into a telephone pole, after which both were briefly jailed by police.^[6] Further iterations involved nighttime high-speed trials using Simpson's Renault Dauphine on empty sections of the 405 freeway in Southern California, allowing him to refine deployment mechanics and durability.^[23] Key features of Simpson's drag chute included a pilot chute for initial aerodynamic capture and controlled inflation of the main canopy, which ranged up to 20 feet in diameter for top-speed applications, with secure attachment points to the vehicle's rear frame or axle to ensure stability without compromising the chassis.^[24] These elements addressed the limitations of surplus models, providing consistent braking force while minimizing tangling risks during deployment at speeds over 200 mph.^[11] The chute gained rapid traction among elite drag racers, with legendary driver Don Garlits becoming Simpson's first major customer in the late 1960s, integrating it into his Swamp Rat dragsters for enhanced shutdown control.^[4] Simpson's design became the industry benchmark in the 1960s. The NHRA had mandated parachutes for vehicles exceeding 150 mph since 1959, later requiring dual chutes for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes by 1971 to handle escalating performance levels.^[25] This innovation proved lifesaving in numerous high-speed crashes, preventing catastrophic overruns and contributing to a marked decline in post-run injuries across drag racing.^[6]

Development of fire-resistant apparel

In 1967, Simpson was introduced to Nomex, a meta-aramid synthetic fiber developed by DuPont for NASA applications in space suits and astronaut gear, which offered superior fire-retardant properties by charring rather than melting or igniting quickly.^[26] Inspired by this material, shared with him by NASA astronaut and racer Pete Conrad, Simpson began producing the first Nomex-based suits.^[27] That year, 30 of the 33 starters at the Indianapolis 500 wore Simpson's Nomex suits, demonstrating rapid adoption in open-wheel racing.^[27] To validate the suits' effectiveness, Simpson conducted dramatic live demonstrations, including setting himself ablaze while wearing the gear, often doused in gasoline, to show how Nomex could protect against direct flames for several seconds—enough time for a driver to escape a burning cockpit.^[8] These tests, performed multiple times in the late 1960s and 1970s, highlighted the fabric's ability to withstand intense heat exposure without causing severe burns to the wearer.^[21] Simpson expanded his product line to include Nomex gloves, balaclavas, shoes, and socks, creating a comprehensive suite of fire-resistant apparel that covered the entire body.^[27] By the 1970s, iterations of these products incorporated refinements for better breathability and durability, such as multi-layer constructions that balanced protection with comfort during prolonged races, while maintaining the core Nomex base.^[26] The impact of Simpson's fire-resistant apparel was evident in high-profile incidents, such as the multiple fires at the 1973 Indianapolis 500, where the suits helped reduce burn severity for drivers like Salt Walther, contributing to a shift toward mandatory safety standards.^[26] By the 1980s, sanctioning bodies like NASCAR and the FIA had mandated fire-resistant suits for drivers and crews, solidifying Nomex-based gear as a cornerstone of motorsports safety and crediting Simpson's innovations with saving thousands of lives worldwide.^[28]

Advancements in helmets and restraints

In the 1970s, Bill Simpson introduced full-face helmet designs that met Snell certification standards, providing enhanced protection against high-impact forces.^[6] These helmets incorporated fire-resistant inner linings to safeguard against burns during crashes, complementing the protective fire suits drivers wore.^[29] Simpson's designs also featured improved visor systems for better visibility and reduced fogging under racing conditions, setting a precedent for modern motorsport headgear.^[30] Simpson pioneered restraint systems, including the five-point harness, which secured drivers across the shoulders, lap, and crotch to prevent ejection during collisions. Developed in response to severe crashes in the late 1970s, these harnesses utilized durable webbing capable of withstanding extreme forces while distributing impact energy to minimize bodily harm.^[30] Simpson Performance Products holds numerous patents related to these head and neck support devices, reflecting ongoing refinements to enhance occupant retention and reduce injury risk.^[31] To validate his designs, Simpson employed rigorous testing protocols at facilities like Impact Engineering, including drop tests to simulate head impacts and crash simulations to assess restraint performance under deceleration forces.^[6] These methods ensured compliance with emerging safety standards and helped identify weaknesses in materials and configurations. By the 1980s, Simpson's helmets and restraints saw widespread adoption in NASCAR and IndyCar series, where they became integral to driver equipment.^[6] This integration influenced industry standards, contributing to substantial declines in head and neck injuries; for instance, subsequent technologies like the HANS device, building on Simpson's foundational work, achieved up to an 80% reduction in fatal craniovertebral junction injuries in professional auto racing.^[32]

Business endeavors

Founding of Simpson Performance Products

Bill Simpson founded Simpson Performance Products in 1959 as Simpson Drag Chutes, initially specializing in parachutes designed to slow down drag racing vehicles following high-speed runs.^[33] The company's origins stemmed from Simpson's own near-fatal drag racing accident in 1958, which prompted him to develop reliable braking parachutes using surplus military materials.^[2] This flagship product quickly gained adoption in the drag racing community, establishing the foundation for Simpson's shift toward broader motorsports safety innovations.^[11] By 1968, the company had expanded significantly from its parachute focus to offer a comprehensive line of safety equipment, incorporating fire-resistant materials like Nomex introduced in 1967 for racing suits and apparel.^[34] Headquartered in Southern California during its early decades, Simpson Performance Products grew its operations to support a diverse product portfolio exceeding 200 items, including gloves, head socks, harnesses, and helmets tailored for various racing disciplines.^[1] Annual revenue reached approximately $40 million by 1998, reflecting the company's dominance in the safety equipment market.^[35] Throughout its growth, Simpson Performance Products faced challenges, including multiple patent disputes over innovations in restraint systems and protective gear. For instance, the company initiated infringement lawsuits against competitors like NecksGen Inc. in 2017 regarding head and neck restraint patents, and similar actions against Zamp Inc. and Leatt Corporation in the mid-2010s. Additionally, it encountered intensifying competition from established brands such as Alpinestars, which offered rival fire-resistant suits and gloves, pressuring Simpson to continually innovate and defend its market position.^[36] These obstacles underscored the competitive landscape of motorsports safety, where technological leadership was essential for survival.^[37]

Evolution and sale of the company

During the 1980s and 1990s, Simpson Performance Products grew substantially under Bill Simpson's leadership, broadening its product portfolio in safety equipment such as fire-resistant suits, harnesses, and helmets, which became key revenue drivers through innovations like advanced helmet designs.^[26] The company established global distribution networks, exporting safety gear to markets in Europe and Asia to meet growing international demand in motorsports.^[33] In 1998, Simpson sold a two-thirds majority interest in the company to private equity firm Carousel Capital for an undisclosed sum, retaining a minority stake while transitioning to a consultant role.^[38] This transaction marked a pivotal evolution, allowing the company to pursue further expansion under new ownership, including subsequent acquisitions that strengthened its position in the industry.^[39] The company's trajectory shifted dramatically following the February 18, 2001, death of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt during the Daytona 500, where initial investigations implicated a Simpson-manufactured seat belt in the fatal crash due to alleged failure.^[40] Although subsequent expert analyses cleared the belt of manufacturing defects, attributing issues to improper installation, the controversy sparked widespread media scrutiny, multiple lawsuits against Simpson Performance Products, and a significant reputational blow within the racing community.^[41] In response, Bill Simpson filed a defamation lawsuit against NASCAR in February 2002, seeking $8.5 million and claiming the organization wrongly blamed his product; the suit was dropped in July 2003 after a confidential settlement.^[42]^[43] The fallout led to financial pressures, including declining sales as some racing teams boycotted Simpson products amid safety concerns.^[44] Simpson resigned from his consulting position later in 2001, severing ties with the company he founded.^[12]

Launch of Impact! Racing

Following the expiration of a one-year non-compete agreement after selling Simpson Performance Products, Bill Simpson founded Impact! Racing in 2002 in Mooresville, North Carolina.^[6]^[12] The company operated on a smaller scale compared to his previous venture, focusing on research and development of custom safety gear tailored for motorsports drivers.^[12] Drawing lessons from past business challenges at Simpson Performance Products, Impact! emphasized innovative, driver-specific designs to enhance protection without large-scale manufacturing.^[6] Impact! Racing's core products included updated racing harnesses and fire-resistant suits that incorporated carbon fiber elements for improved strength and reduced weight.^[45]^[46] The Carbon6 suit series, for example, featured a Nomex design with woven carbon fiber-inspired accents, parabolic tailoring for better fit, and anatomical gussets to enhance mobility during high-speed maneuvers.^[45] Harnesses were engineered with advanced webbing and quick-release mechanisms to meet SFI standards while prioritizing comfort and rapid deployment in emergencies.^[47] The business model centered on direct sales to racing teams and individual drivers through a retail storefront in Mooresville and online channels, allowing for personalized fittings and rapid prototyping.^[48] This approach fostered close relationships with motorsports professionals, enabling iterative improvements based on real-world feedback from tracks.^[49] Impact! Racing maintained operations with limited expansion until Simpson sold the company in 2010, citing his advancing age.^[12]^[50] Despite its modest scope, the venture continued Simpson's commitment to advancing safety through targeted innovations rather than broad commercialization.^[6]

Involvement in football safety

Collaboration on helmet designs

In 2011, Bill Simpson partnered with racing team owner Chip Ganassi to form Simpson Ganassi Helmets (SGH), applying his expertise from motorsports helmet design to address growing concerns over concussions in the NFL.^[51]^[52] The collaboration was inspired by Simpson's observations of football impacts after attending an NFL game in 2009, prompting him to adapt racing-derived materials and construction techniques to better protect against head injuries.^[53] The SGH helmets featured a lightweight shell made from carbon fiber for stiffness and Kevlar for impact attenuation, combined with a thick, custom-molded inner liner designed to absorb and dissipate energy more effectively than traditional foam pads.^[51]^[54] This design resulted in helmets weighing approximately half as much as standard models—around 2 pounds for adults—while providing a snug fit to minimize head movement during collisions.^[55] The liners, distinct from air-bladder or multi-pad systems, used progressive cushioning to handle varied impact forces, with five patent applications filed for these innovations.^[51] Prototypes underwent rigorous testing at the NFL's equipment laboratory in Pittsburgh, exceeding National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) benchmarks through drop tests simulating on-field impacts.^[51]^[55] Early trials in 2011 involved approximately 20 NFL players, including Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, and wide receiver Austin Collie, who reported no concussions during the 2011 season while using the helmet.^[51]^[56] Lab data indicated improved energy absorption, reducing sub-concussive effects such as headaches compared to conventional helmets.^[51]^[55] Despite promising results, the partnership encountered significant challenges with regulatory approvals from the NFL and NCAA. Initial padding durability issues, such as sogginess after use, required refinements, while broader adoption was hindered by the NFL's evolving lab standards.^[51]^[55] By 2018, SGH models were phased out and prohibited for new use after failing to meet updated performance criteria in NFL testing, though existing users could continue until season's end.^[57]^[56]

Commercialization and impact

Following the successful prototyping of his football helmet designs in collaboration with Chip Ganassi, Bill Simpson founded SG Helmets in 2011 to commercialize the technology, focusing on lighter, concussion-resistant headgear adapted from motorsports innovations.^[53] The company targeted the NFL market, securing approval from the league to supply helmets to players and teams by 2012, with initial adoption by several Indianapolis Colts players, including all-pro center Jeff Saturday.^[53] By 2013, up to 40 NFL players were testing versions of the SG helmet, which emphasized reduced weight to minimize rotational forces during impacts.^[55] This marked an early entry into professional football, though broader market share remained limited compared to established brands like Riddell and Schutt.^[58] SG Helmets expanded into high school and college markets starting in 2012, promoting the helmets' design for youth play to address rising concussion concerns.^[53] The company's efforts contributed to ongoing discussions around helmet rating systems, including participation in NFL and Virginia Tech testing protocols that evaluated concussion risk reduction through lighter materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar.^[58] Although later models received lower ratings in 2018 lab tests—leading to an NFL ban on certain variants—the initial designs influenced industry shifts toward prioritizing rotational impact mitigation over skull fracture protection alone.^[56] In 2018, Simpson sold SG Helmets to a group of investors led by former racecar driver and executive Nick Esayian, who relocated operations to California and rebranded the company as LIGHT Helmets in 2019 to continue advancing soft-shell and lightweight technologies.^[59] Under new ownership, the focus shifted toward youth and flag football applications, with products earning top Virginia Tech ratings for non-contact sports by 2023, extending Simpson's safety legacy to broader athletic standards. As of 2025, LIGHT Helmets models, such as the Apache, continue to earn 5-star ratings and rank #1 in Virginia Tech's varsity football helmet evaluations for concussion risk reduction.^[60]^[61] This evolution helped shape post-2010s guidelines for youth and college football, emphasizing adaptive, performance-oriented headgear to lower injury risks across levels of play.^[62]

Personal life and death

Family and residences

Bill Simpson was married three times throughout his life.^[63]^[64] He fathered two sons, Jeff and David, both of whom followed in his footsteps by engaging in motorsports.^[63]^[2] His son David, also known as Dave Simpson, competed as a driver, including seven starts in what is now the NASCAR Xfinity Series during 1988 and 1989.^[2]^[65] David passed away on July 4, 2017.^[66] Public details about Simpson's relationships with his spouses or extended family members remain scarce. Simpson spent much of his early life on the West Coast, having been born in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1940.^[1] His professional pursuits in racing and safety equipment led to relocations, including a residence in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area until early 2001, after which he relocated to the area near Indianapolis due to safety concerns.^[67] He maintained a home in the Lake Norman region of North Carolina, near key motorsports hubs.^[50] Outside of his career, Simpson pursued personal interests such as sailing, often taking his boat to Mexico for leisure.^[63] Information on his involvement in philanthropy, particularly for racing-related charities, is not extensively documented in available sources.

Health issues and passing

In his later years, Bill Simpson faced significant health challenges stemming from both his extensive racing career and age-related conditions. He suffered a stroke earlier in 2019, from which he recovered sufficiently to resume attending IndyCar events.^[68] Throughout his racing career, Simpson endured multiple injuries, including a severe drag racing crash at age 18 in 1958 that resulted in both arms being broken, an incident that later inspired his innovations in safety equipment.^[68]^[69] On December 13, 2019, Simpson suffered a massive stroke that led to his hospitalization in Indianapolis, Indiana.^[68]^[2] He passed away three days later, on December 16, 2019, at the age of 79, due to complications from the stroke.^[68]^[2]^[64] Simpson's immediate family handled the announcements of his passing, with the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America confirming the details on their behalf.^[2] A private service was held for family, and a public celebration of life was planned for May 2020 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, though details on its execution remain limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[68] His family provided support during his final illness.^[2] Limited public information is available regarding Simpson's health management in the period leading up to his final stroke.^[68]

Legacy and recognition

Influence on racing safety standards

Bill Simpson's innovations in drag racing parachutes directly influenced the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to mandate their use as early as 1959 for vehicles exceeding 150 mph, establishing a foundational safety protocol that prevented high-speed overruns and collisions.^[11]^[70] This requirement, pioneered by Simpson through his adaptation of military surplus designs, became a standard across North American drag racing.^[6] Simpson's development of Nomex-based fire suits in 1967, introduced via connections with NASA materials, played a key role in advancing international standards for flame-resistant driver apparel.^[6] The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) formalized fire-resistant suit mandates in the 1970s, building on early U.S. adoptions driven by Simpson's products, which emphasized multi-layer protection against burns during crashes.^[71] These standards evolved through the 1980s to include stricter testing for heat exposure and material durability, reflecting the widespread integration of Nomex technology that Simpson popularized.^[3] The adoption of Simpson's parachutes and suits correlated with significant safety improvements in drag racing.^[64] His broader advocacy for restraint systems indirectly shaped trackside innovations, such as energy-absorbing barriers, by highlighting the need for comprehensive crash protection in high-impact environments.^[26] The 2001 death of Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the Daytona 500 sparked controversy over Simpson Performance Products' harnesses, with investigations revealing improper installation in Earnhardt's car, despite Simpson's prior warnings about mounting angles and twists.^[72]^[73] This led NASCAR to enforce stricter harness regulations, mandating compliance with manufacturer guidelines, seven-point minimum systems, and head-and-neck restraints like the HANS device—innovations Simpson championed—to prevent basilar skull fractures.^[74]^[75] Simpson's pioneered safety concepts, such as head and neck restraints, have influenced global standards and continue to be used in series like Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship (WRC), meeting FIA homologation for enhanced driver survival in diverse high-risk scenarios. As of 2025, Simpson Performance Products remains active, unveiling tributes to his legacy at events like the PRI Show.^[76]

Awards and hall of fame inductions

Bill Simpson's groundbreaking contributions to motorsports safety earned him widespread recognition from industry organizations, highlighting his role in revolutionizing protective gear and protocols that saved countless lives. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards for innovation and humanitarian efforts, often tied to his development of flame-retardant suits, parachutes, and harness systems. These honors reflected his transition from racer to safety advocate, emphasizing practical advancements that became industry standards. Key awards included the Hot Rod Industry News Safety Award in 1973, acknowledging his early work on drag racing parachutes. In 1987, he was presented with the CART Humanitarian Award for his dedication to driver protection. Simpson also earned the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Louis Schwitzer Award for Engineering, Innovation & Excellence twice, in 1990 and 1991, for helmet and restraint innovations. Later, in 2005, the NHRA honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring impact on drag racing safety.^[77] Simpson's legacy was further cemented through several hall of fame inductions. He was enshrined in the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1988 for his influence on the aftermarket performance industry. In 2003, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inducted him in the At-Large category, recognizing his comprehensive safety advancements across disciplines. The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame welcomed him as an inductee in 2009, crediting his parachute invention as a pivotal drag racing milestone. Finally, in 2014, he joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, honoring his Indianapolis 500 participation and broader safety contributions.^[78]^[1]^[79]^[4] Following his death in December 2019, Simpson received posthumous tributes from major series, including statements from IndyCar and NASCAR praising his life-saving innovations. A public celebration of his life was planned for May 2020 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, though details were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These recognitions affirmed his foundational role in elevating racing safety standards.^[5]^[2]^[80]

References

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Bill Simpson - Motorsports Hall of Fame
Category: At Large CLASS OF: 2003. BORN: March 14, 1940. DIED: December 16, 2019. BIRTHPLACE: Hermosa Beach, California. Official Nomination Bio.
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Motorsports safety pioneer Bill Simpson dies at 79 - NASCAR.com
Dec 16, 2019 · Simpson, a native of Hermosa Beach, California, began his racing career in drag racing, then made 52 starts in USAC and Champ Car competition ...Missing: driver | Show results with:driver
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Bill Simpson - Safety's Celebrated Pioneer - Fuel Curve
Apr 13, 2020 · Simpson was born in Hermosa Beach, California, on March 14, 1940. He spent his early career racing drag cars and formula cars in SCCA, before ...
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Bill Simpson - IMS Museum
Starting as a teenage drag racer in California in 1958, Simpson is generally credited with pioneering the use of a rear-mounted parachute to slow a dragster at ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
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Safety pioneer Bill Simpson, 79, dies - INDYCAR.com
Dec 16, 2019 · His work in motorsports safety started inadvertently when he crashed his dragster as an 18-year-old in 1958, suffering two broken arms.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
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Bill Simpson: A Life Dedicated to Racing and Racing Safety
Dec 18, 2019 · Indy car racer Bill Simpson qualified for the 1974 Indianapolis 500. In an interview given when he was 63, the female writer noted that he was a ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
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Bill Simpson - OldRacingCars.com
Dec 16, 2019 · Born: 14 Mar 1940. Hermosa Beach, California ; Died: 16 Dec 2019. Indianapolis, Indiana ; Nationality: United States ; Indy 500s: 1 (1970-1977) ...
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Bill Simpson Lit Himself on Fire to Protect Racers Worldwide
Apr 29, 2020 · He was a racer and a hell of a character. We look back on Simpson's life and his impact on the racing world.Missing: education | Show results with:education
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Bill Simpson: Racing Safety Pioneer – Biography & Legacy
Dec 1, 2024 · Bill Simpson was born in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1940. Details about his family background are scarce, but his early environment in ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
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Bill Simpson biography - Historic Racing
Mar 10, 2020 · Born in Hermosa Beach, California, 'Bill' Simpson was an orphan who came from nothing to build an empire devoted to safety. He started drag ...
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Safety pioneer Bill Simpson passes away; brought parachute to drag ...
Dec 16, 2019 · Safety equipment pioneer Bill Simpson, founder of Simpson Racing Products, died Dec. 16, three days after suffering a massive stroke. He was 79.<|separator|>
[12]
Bill Simpson, racing and safety innovator, dead at age 79 - Hemmings
Dec 18, 2019 · He was 79 years old. As a driver, Simpson broke both of his arms at a drag race in California in 1958. While recuperating, Bill became ...
[13]
Bill Simpson races, wins and teams | Motorsport Database
9 (1968 - 1977). Starts. 52. Wins. 0. Poles. 0. Podiums. 0. Years in Database. 1 ... 1975 SCCA/USAC F5000 Championship · Berta. 0 (2). 0. 0. 0. 0. View all ...
[14]
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 26 May 1974 « Indy Car
Bill Simpson, Eagle 72 [7219] - Offy 159 ci turbo #18 American Kids Racer [Richard Beith] (see note 12), 163, Piston. 14, Mike Hiss, McLaren M16C [3] - Offy 159 ...
[15]
Safety Pioneer Bill Simpson Passes Away - Motor Racing Network
Dec 16, 2019 · He made 52 career Indy-car starts between 1968 and 1977. He produced 11 top-10 finishes, including a career best of sixth in the 1970 Milwaukee ...Missing: Championship | Show results with:Championship
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1974 - Race Stats by Year | Indianapolis 500 Historical Stats
1974 INDIANAPOLIS 500 RACE RESULTS ; 13, 20, 18, Bill Simpson, American Kids Racer ; 14, 3, 68, Mike Hiss, Norton Spirit ...Missing: position | Show results with:position
[17]
Eagle 1967 Indy car-by-car histories - OldRacingCars.com
Jul 15, 2025 · Then sold to Bill Simpson (Los Angeles, CA), fitted with a 203 ci Chevrolet turbo engine built by Bruce Crower, and raced by Simpson at two late ...
[18]
1969 USAC Brainard 100 Heat 2 | Racing Years
Johncock Racing Team · Eagle - Ford, 34. 3 ... Bill Simpson, Bill Simpson, Cheetah - Chevrolet, 8, Clutch ... A.J.Foyt · Ansted-Thompson Racing · Coyote - Ford, 5 ...
[19]
Racing safety pioneer Bill Simpson dies at 79 - Autoweek
Dec 16, 2019 · His work in motorsports safety started inadvertently when he crashed his dragster as an 18-year-old in 1958, suffering two broken arms.Missing: events | Show results with:events
[20]
Safety evolution at Indy 500 spurred by tragedies of 1973
May 28, 2023 · Art Pollard was killed in a pole day crash. David "Swede" Savage died from injuries sustained in a terrifying race-day crash. In the chaos after ...
[21]
US racing's safety pioneer: Bill Simpson, 1940-2019
Dec 17, 2019 · Bill Simpson is credited with saving countless lives, thanks to innovations that include the Nomex suit, drag parachutes and crumple zones.
[22]
Drag Racing Story of the Day - Simpson's First Drag Chutes
### Summary of Bill Simpson's Drag Chute Invention and Development
[23]
[PDF] Packing Instructions - Simpson Race Products
The Simpson Cross-Form Drag Chute must be securely mounted to the race car frame. DO NOT mount directly to any part of the body or bumper. Make sure that when ...Missing: features | Show results with:features
[24]
Behind the Chute - DodgeGarage
Dec 5, 2017 · It is generally agreed that the first chutes were used in NHRA around 1959. They soon became mandatory for cars that could run 150 mph.
[25]
r/formula1 on Reddit: Bill Simpson, IndyCar driver and funder of the ...
Nov 30, 2020 · Bill Simpson, IndyCar driver and funder of the Simpson Race Products, setting himself on fire at Indianapolis to demonstrate the fire resistance qualities of ...Missing: Swede Savage
[26]
How Bill Simpson Changed Motorsports Safety Forever - Road & Track
Dec 18, 2019 · The man was a racer and a hell of a character, never afraid to use his own body as a test bed for his products. We look back on his life and ...Missing: 1950s rod
[27]
Motorsports Safety Pioneer Bill Simpson Passes Away
Bill Simpson, 79, motorsports safety pioneer, died December 16, 2019, after suffering a stroke. A class of 1988 SEMA Hall of Fame member and a 2003 ...
[28]
Evolution of fire suits in NASCAR
Jun 28, 2021 · Uniforms gave way to actual fire suits with the quickened development of a material called Nomex, a fiber developed by DuPont that serves as a ...
[29]
Vintage 1970's Simpson Model 40 Helmet Snell 1975 Race Used
Vintage 1970's Simpson Model 40 Helmet Snell 1975 Race Used ; Condition. Pre-owned ; Quantity. 1 available ; Item number. 315423480366 ; Brand. Simpson ; Type.
[30]
Simpson Racing Gear & Accessories - CARiD.com
4.4 29K · 30-day returns... Bill Simpson as Simpson Drag Chutes and has ... I also liked the fire-resistant lining – it gives more confidence in protection.
[31]
Innovations by Bill Simpson
Bill Simpson designed drag racing parachutes, which allowed drivers to slow down more quickly and safely after their runs. These parachutes are deployed at high ...
[32]
Patents Assigned to Simpson Performance Products, Inc.
Abstract: A head and neck support device for an occupant of a vehicle with a shoulder harness over the shoulders of the occupant and a helmet on a head of the ...
[33]
A revolution in preventing fatal craniovertebral junction injuries ...
Jul 12, 2016 · Conclusions. The HANS device, with an 80% reduction in flexion-distraction vectors, has led to dramatic declines in fatal CVJ injuries. ...
[34]
About Us - Simpson Race Products
### Summary of Simpson Race Products
[35]
Indy 500 Veteran, Racing Safety Pioneer Simpson Dies at 79
Dec 16, 2019 · Perhaps Simpson's biggest racing safety breakthrough came in 1967. He was introduced to a temperature-resistant fabric called Nomex through NASA ...Missing: expansion | Show results with:expansion
[36]
Speeding into growth mode - Sports Business Journal
Bill Simpson ... Simpson Performance Products Inc. earlier this ... That market is expected to push annual revenue from $40 million to as much as $300 million ...
[37]
https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/21-1715.OPINION.11-17-2021_1866275.pdf
[38]
[PDF] WAGNER v. ASHLINE - U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Nov 17, 2021 · In February 2021, the trial court granted Simpson's and Mr. Ashline's motion for summary judgment on each of Ms. Wagner's claims. Wagner v.
[39]
SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC. v. HORN - Justia Law
In 1998, Simpson, the company's founder, sold a two-thirds interest in the company to Carousel Capital.
[40]
Carousel Capital Exits Simpson Performance Products
Feb 20, 2015 · Carousel Capital announced today that it has exited Simpson Performance Products (“Simpson” or the “Company”), the leading provider of critical motorsports ...Missing: 1998 | Show results with:1998
[41]
NASCAR sued by Earnhardt seat-belt maker | CBC News
Feb 13, 2002 · Bill Simpson, the former owner of a safety equipment manufacturer known as Simpson Performance Products, Inc., filed a defamation of character suit in ...Missing: controversy 2001
[42]
Report: Earnhardt Belt Not At Fault - CBS News
Aug 10, 2001 · Earnhardt's fatal skull fracture will be not be blamed on a broken seat belt. Investigators have essentially confirmed the findings of Dr. ...
[43]
rpm.espn.com: Simpson seeks $8.5 million
Simpson Performance Products had been named as a plaintiff on the original draft of the lawsuit but a spokesman for SPP said the company never intended to fight ...Missing: revenue | Show results with:revenue
[44]
Simpson Drops Defamation Suit Against NASCAR
Jul 16, 2003 · Safety manufacturer Bill Simpson on Tuesday dropped a defamation lawsuit that accused NASCAR of wrongly blaming his former company's seat belt ...Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
[45]
Simpson, NASCAR settle - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Jul 16, 2003 · Simpson later resigned as a consultant for the company he founded and eventually sold it. Some teams stopped using his equipment after the ...
[46]
[PDF] 2 3 - Impact Racing
Integrating parabolic design with a unique woven carbon fiber inspired accent fabric,. Impact is proud to offer the Carbon6 as our most comfortable and advanced.Missing: Jeff | Show results with:Jeff
[47]
Impact Racing Carbon6 Driver Suit
Carbon Fiber Styled Nomex® Design. • Functional Back & Auxillary Gusset. • Anatomical Stretch Crotch. • 360 degree full-floating arm gussets. • Comfortable ...Missing: harnesses | Show results with:harnesses
[48]
https://www.impactraceproducts.com/orderingandreturns_a/238.htm
[49]
Impact Racing F.A.Q.
The official factory sales and retail store front in Mooresville, NC is located in the SRI Performance shop in the heart of stock car country, and is ...
[50]
The advantages of the Impact NecksGen unit - Impact Racing
The Impact NecksGen is made from a DuPont carbon fiber composite. How heavy is the Impact NecksGen? The Impact NecksGen is very lightweight, at 1.9 lbs for ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[51]
The Bill Simpson Foundation Team
Meet the passionate team behind the Bill Simpson Foundation. We're a group of dedicated individuals committed to carrying forward Bill Simpson's mission of ...
[52]
Will Carroll: It took the racing world to innovate a new, safer football ...
Aug 29, 2012 · Bill Simpson is a long-time innovator in racing equipment, known as the "Godfather of Safety," while Chip Ganassi owns racing teams that ...
[53]
[PDF] LIGHT Helmets - Team Up Athletics
LIGHT Helmets found its beginnings as SG Helmets, which was started in 2011 by Bill Simpson and Chip Ganassi. After revolutionizing the professional auto ...
[54]
New company focuses on making football helmets that reduce ...
Aug 30, 2012 · Ever since seeing his first live National Football League game at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2009, Bill Simpson has been obsessed with designing ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[55]
NFL helmet manufacturers hope to reduce concussions, save game
Sep 5, 2018 · Made of carbon for stiffness, fiberglass for strength and Kevlar for impact attenuation, SG Helmets are much lighter than most football helmets.
[56]
Racing innovator Bill Simpson tackles football concussions with new ...
Jan 17, 2013 · All Simpson will say is that Collie went concussion-free in 2011 while using an SGH helmet -- only to suffer one in the 2012 preseason while ...
[57]
Founder of Brownsburg's SG Helmets defends his product after NFL ...
Apr 18, 2018 · Simpson has made racing helmets since 1979. He partnered with IndyCar team owner Chip Ganassi and put that technology and research toward ...
[58]
NFL and NFLPA ban the use of specific helmets for first time - ESPN
Apr 16, 2018 · Ten helmet models from Rawlings, Schutt, SG Helmets and Riddell have been targeted for phaseout, six immediately and four by the start of ...Missing: regulatory hurdles
[59]
The First Line of Defense - Sports Illustrated
Oct 22, 2013 · Riddell's Revolution Speed, a five-star helmet, and Schutt's ... Bill Simpson's Kevlar-lined SG brand with Kevlar in the shell (rated ...
[60]
New local owners of SG Helmets hope to protect next generation of ...
Sep 4, 2018 · A group of local investors recently acquired SG Helmets, an Indiana-based company that incorporates auto racing helmet technology to build a lighter and safer ...
[61]
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/varsity-football-helmet-ratings.html
[62]
Lightweight helmet finds home in youth football league - Argus Leader
Jun 3, 2015 · Helmet designs over the years focused on reducing skull fractures; Simpson's helmet was designed with a focus on reducing concussions. That ...Missing: study | Show results with:study
[63]
Motorsports Safety Pioneer Bill Simpson Passes Away
Bill Simpson, 79, motorsports safety pioneer, died Monday, December 16, after suffering a massive stroke.
[64]
EJ 'Bill' Simpson dies: Driver known as safety pioneer - USA Today
Dec 16, 2019 · E.J. “Bill” Simpson was a pioneer in motorsports safety, a self-made millionaire and a stubborn character who answered to no one.Missing: class victories
[65]
Dave Simpson - OldRacingCars.com
Son of Bill Simpson, the racing driver and safety pioneer, who was Dave's team boss, entrant and sponsor for Dave's American Racing Series efforts.
[66]
rpm.espn.com: Simpson seeks public apology
He eventually moved out of his former home in Charlotte, N.C.. "Everyone who has ever dealt with NASCAR has acquiesced to them and nobody will stand up to them.Missing: North residence
[67]
Motorsports safety pioneer Bill Simpson, 79, dies after stroke - ESPN
Dec 16, 2019 · Bill Simpson, a pioneer in motorsports safety, died Monday from complications of a stroke suffered three days earlier. He was 79.
[68]
Bill Simpson remembered for trailblazing racing safety - IndyStar
Dec 16, 2019 · Simpson's career in the sport began with drag racing, where one of his own wrecks appeared to spark the innovative off-the-track career that ...
[69]
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2019/12/16/bill-simpson-remembered-trailblazing-racing-safety-mario-andretti/2670484001/
[70]
https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCStory.asp?ID=84972
[71]
rpm.espn.com: Simpson says he warned Earnhardt
Aug 21, 2001 · "Bill Simpson told him for years that the way he was using the belts was not safe," said Bob Horn, one of Simpson's lawyers. "Dale listened, but ...
[72]
Simpson: Belt not installed properly - Autosport
Aug 22, 2001 · Simpson recommended that the belts be mounted 2 1/2 inches forward of the extended back line of the seat, but he claims Earnhardt mounted his 5 ...
[73]
A legacy of safety: NASCAR's evolution since Earnhardt's death
Feb 18, 2021 · Today, NASCAR requires at least a seven-point system and recommends a nine-point system. Each belt is designed to catch the driver in a ...
[74]
Simpson Drops Lawsuit Against NASCAR over Earnhardt Death
Jul 15, 2003 · Safety manufacturer Bill Simpson on Tuesday dropped a defamation lawsuit that accused NASCAR of wrongly blaming his former company's seat belt for Dale ...Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
[75]
[PDF] Simpson 2017 CATALOG - CARiD.com
HANS Devices are used in NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USAC, Formula 1, WOO and most other racing series. Value priced with the same performance as Professional Series ...<|separator|>
[76]
https://www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow/exhibitor/press-releases/announcement/2025-11-13/simpson-performance-products-unveils
[77]
About Bill Simpson
Today, he continues his legacy through his countless, everlasting contributions to motorsports safety, and through his non-profit organization, The Bill ...Missing: philanthropy | Show results with:philanthropy
[78]
HOF - Bill Simpson - Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
Simpson went on to innovate other safety products, notably the Nomex fire suit, which Bill developed after friend (and early astronaut) Pete Conrad introduced ...Missing: expansion 1980s 1990s
[79]
International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees 1991-2010
Nov 13, 2023 · International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees 1991-2010. Class ... Bill Simpson; Jack Engle; Leroy Goldstein; Jim Read; John Buttera; Bob ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[80]
Remembering Bill Simpson 1940-2019 | RACER
Indianapolis, IN -- Veteran racer Bill Simpson, who made one Indianapolis ... A celebration of his life is being planned for May 2020 at the IMS Museum, with ...