This Saturday night’s Bill Meiller Memorial 101 at Dells Raceway Park is being held in memory of former friend and crew member to many in the short track racing industry. Ed Szelagowski of Assembly Products has orchestrated this event to honor and celebrate his friend, who passed away last fall. The Meiller Family will give the command to start the engines, wife Trisha, daughter Amanda Burby, son James along with Bill’s sister Leela Brink and seven of his eleven grandchildren.
The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was important to Meiller, in fact he was awarded with the Purple Heart Challenge Coin from the Foundation for his integrity and friendship to the Hero’s who attended and assisted alongside Bill at various events throughout the region. When the green flag waves over the starting field for the ARCA Midwest Tour on Saturday night, Colonel John McDaniel, founder of the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation will be signaling the start. All told, there will be a total of five Purple Heart recipients in attendance Saturday night through WWIA.
With 40 plus years as a volunteer firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department, over 20 years as a Correctional Officer with the State of Wisconsin and duties for the School District of Westfield at the time of his passing, Meiller enjoyed giving back to his community. Bill loved outdoor sports; hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, farming and of course racing. He had helped numerous race teams throughout his life including Bernie Fritz Sr. & Jr., Smiley’s, Ed Jr., Lichtfeld’s and Burby to name a few, but would help anyone out when needed. Even in his death, Bill continued to help others. He gave the ultimate gift and donated his organs and tissues to help two lives directly and countless others in research. Representatives from the American Red Cross, UW Organ Donation Center and the Castle Rock Harley Owners Group will pay tribute Saturday at Dells Raceway Park.
In addition to the Bill Meiller Memorial 101 for the ARCA Midwest Tour presented by SCAG Equipment, the Mid-American Stock Car Series and Bandits will also be in action. Spectator gates open at 4:45, qualifying at 5pm, a fan autograph session will take place at 6pm with the first race at 7pm. Adult general admission tickets are $18, Students (10-15) and Seniors (ages 65 and over) are $16 with kids ages 9 and under admitted FREE.
Dells Raceway Park is located just three miles west of i-90 exit 85 on State Highway 16. For additional information please call 608-253-7223 or visit www.arcamidwesttour.com.
