RIP Bill Schmitt 4 Time #NASCAR Winston West Series Champion

Race In Peace Bill Schmitt
February 13, 1936 - November 08, 2014

Bill Schmitt won an amazing four #NASCAR Winston West Series Championships; winning in 1977, 1979, 1989 and 1990. In 236 races, this driver could boast 21 wins, with 123 top-five finishes.  

Schmitt also participated in 44 Cup races.  He was the winner of the first NASCAR sanctioned race outside of the United States winning a 500-lapper at Calgary, Alberta Canada. 

Bill also competed Melbourne, Australia for the first race NASCAR ever had off the North American Continent. Schmitt was inducted into the Gatorade Circle of Champions in 1989.

Obituary

Bill Schmitt, loving husband, dad and grandpa, respected businessman, NASCAR Champion, and community supporter in his home city of Redding, made his last lap here on earth, and headed to his final pit stop in heaven on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the age of 78.

Bill was a prolific businessman, starting or buying more than two dozen businesses over his lifetime, and driving the majority to success. He was well-known as one of the leaders in the North State logging industry in the 1980s and was chosen Logger of the Year in 2007. He wasn't all work, though, and made time to play hard at his dual passions, fishing and NASCAR racing.

Bill and Sylvia hosted dozens of their friends and family on their Alaskan King Salmon fishing trips annually. He was also a constant presence on the NASCAR circuit from the late 1970's into the 1990's, powering his way to NASCAR Winston West Champion four times with the help of Sylvia, his family, and many friends. He was inducted into the Gatorade Circle of Champions in 1989 and competed in the very first International NASCAR race.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia, his children and their spouses, Jim & Karen, Steve & Rhonda, Kathie & Frank, Kenny, his nine grandchildren and their spouses, Jimmy, Tracie, Kristi, Melanie, Denise & Joe, Frankie, Jon & Beth, Megan & Steve, Amber & Dustyn, and seven great-grandchildren – Kevin, Matthew, Addison, Ryder, Jaylen, Baylie, and Kynzie.