The roar of the engine, the smell of methanol, the thrill of sliding sideways through the dirt – sprint car racing is more than just a sport; it’s a passion that burns deep within those who are part of it. For many, like myself, the dream of getting behind the wheel of a sprint car starts young and never truly fades. I remember a time when that dream felt both incredibly close and impossibly far away. It was a time when the spirit of racing and the memory of a friend fueled a desire to chase that dream, no matter what.
Like many involved in the sport around Harrisburg, PA, I grew up around the tracks, Williams Grove Speedway being a place etched in my memory. I was fortunate enough to be around racing teams, learning the ropes, turning wrenches, and absorbing everything I could about these incredible machines. One person who profoundly impacted my journey was Billy Kimmel. Billy wasn’t just a driver; he was a mentor, a friend, and an embodiment of the heart and soul of sprint car racing.
I first started helping Mark Coldren, and it was during that time my friendship with Billy grew. He was like a brother. Whether we were at the shop or just hanging out, Billy was always there, a positive force, and someone who lived and breathed racing. He might not have always had the newest equipment or the biggest budget, but he had passion, skill, and an unwavering love for the sport. That’s what made him special, and that’s what made his loss at Williams Grove in 2007 so deeply felt by the entire racing community.
Alt text: A vibrant sprint car race in full swing on a dirt track, showcasing the speed and excitement of motorsports.
The week after Billy’s accident was a blur. Dealing with the shock and grief was overwhelming. It made you question everything. Why do we do this? Is it worth the risk? But amidst the sadness, something else began to emerge. Billy’s passion, his dedication, and his sheer love for racing became a powerful reminder of why we are drawn to this sport in the first place.
One memory of Billy stands out, perfectly capturing his spirit. It was in 2004. Billy was driving the 34 ½ car owned by John Wickard, and the shop was shared with Mark Coldren’s 07 car. One night, a rainout at Port Royal Speedway left us at the shop. Billy, in his typical spontaneous way, decided to create some fun. He pulled out the 34 car, handed me his driver’s suit – which was comically oversized on my 14-year-old frame – and helmet, and strapped me into the cockpit.
Alt text: A young teenager, nicknamed “The Bullet,” sits in the driver’s seat of a sprint car, embodying the dreams of aspiring racers in Harrisburg, PA.
With his girlfriend’s sister, Jen, filming, Billy pushed me around the shop in the car with a four-wheeler. Then, he took it up a notch. He inflated the rear tires, pushed me down a hill, and let me experience the thrill of sliding a sprint car, even just in the shop yard. He nicknamed me “The Bullet” that day, a name he continued to use, always encouraging my racing aspirations.
That experience, and countless others with Billy, solidified my connection to sprint car racing. While I initially considered driving, I found my niche as a crew chief, working with Mark and later Cale. But Billy’s passing reignited that original spark, that desire to drive. It wasn’t just about honoring Billy, though that was a part of it. It was about chasing a dream, a dream that resonates with so many in the Harrisburg racing community and beyond.
For those who share this dream, or who are deeply involved in sprint car racing, the need for quality parts is constant. Keeping these high-performance machines running requires dedication and resources. And for many, especially those just starting out or running on a budget, finding used sprint car parts in Harrisburg PA is essential.
The Harrisburg, PA area is a hotbed for sprint car racing. Tracks like Williams Grove, Lincoln Speedway, and Port Royal are legendary. This vibrant racing scene also means there’s a strong network for buying, selling, and trading used parts. Whether you’re building a car from the ground up, repairing damage from a race, or simply looking to upgrade components without breaking the bank, the used parts market in Harrisburg offers a valuable resource.
Alt text: A skilled mechanic carefully examines used sprint car parts in Harrisburg, PA, highlighting the importance of quality components for racing.
From engines and chassis components to wheels, tires, and safety gear, the availability of used sprint car parts in Harrisburg PA can make the dream of racing more accessible. It allows enthusiasts to participate in the sport without the overwhelming cost of brand-new everything. It’s about resourcefulness, community, and keeping the passion alive.
Billy Kimmel’s legacy isn’t just about remembering a talented driver; it’s about embracing the spirit of sprint car racing, the camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of the dream. And for many in Harrisburg, PA, that dream is kept alive, in part, by the ability to find and utilize used sprint car parts to keep their cars on the track, race after race. The passion continues, fueled by memories, and sustained by the practicalities of keeping these incredible machines running.
