E.J. “Bill” Simpson was a pioneer in motorsports safety, a self-made millionaire and a stubborn character that answered to no-one.
Simpson, who died Monday after suffering a massive stroke last Friday, did a little bit of everything during his 79 years.
Born in Hermosa Beach, Ca., Simpson started drag racing in the late 1950s and broke both arms when he was 18 years old. That led to his initial safety idea of mounting a parachute behind the car to slow it down, and soon enough it was adopted by the NHRA. But his big breakthrough came in the 1960s, when astronaut Pete Conrad introduced him to a fire-retardant material called Nomex. Simpson began cranking out Nomex suits, and by 1967, 30 of the 33 starters at Indy were wearing them.
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Racers react:
Bill Simpson was one of my best friends. He made a huge positive impact on racing and we should all be grateful for his contributions. Bill did things his own way and he was 100% committed to making racing safer. I'm not sure I'd be here today without Bill. I'll really miss him. https://t.co/AERNwArQG6
— Rusty Wallace (@RustyWallace) December 16, 2019
Will forever be thankful of what Bill Simpson did for safety and the support he gave me as a young racer. No doubt the biggest personality in the room anywhere he went & a dear friend. RIP Bill!
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) December 16, 2019
We lost a true racing pioneer today. Bill Simpson was a racer and innovator who made drivers and crew members safer. The safety equipment that bears his name saved me plenty of times. #RIPBillSimpson pic.twitter.com/afplJia33M
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) December 16, 2019
Amen. Rest in peace, my friend. https://t.co/mmbVz5B6OH
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) December 16, 2019
Today the racing world lost a pioneer & an innovator, and I lost a friend. Everyone knows how important Bill Simpson was to racing, and how he famously would light himself on fire, but who knew that @GanassiChip supposedly lit that very first match? RIP Bill. We’ll miss you. pic.twitter.com/4pFdLeTLNr
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) December 17, 2019
Bill Simpson had an incredible impact on motorsport safety. His commitment and dedication made the sport so much safer for all involved. He will be missed!!!!
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) December 16, 2019