A pivotal figure in driver safety and responsible for saving many lives, his company, Simpson Performance Products, was one of the top manufacturers of racing safety products until Dale Earnhardt's fatal crash. Although Simpson's seat-belt was linked to Earnhardt's death, it never held much ground - however the emotion involved meant Bill eventually quit the company he founded. However, happily, he bounced back. Bill owned a restaurant in Indianapolis, attended non-NASCAR races and formed another company, Bill Simpson Impact Racing, which manufactures racing suits, helmets and safety harnesses. Bill, himself, however, sold the business to focus on the non-racing projects (which includes manufacturing helmets for American Football) and to enjoy more time to himself. Bill's son, Dave, followed him in the sport, racing in the ARS series, but sadly Dave died in 2017. Bill followed him two years later, passing away after suffering a stroke a few days before he died.

Biography last updated 16 Dec 2019