not forgotten . . .

Bill Roynon


Tampa, Florida
05.May.1935 - 15.Apr.2008

Bill Roynon was a very accomplished sprint car driver, accustomed to running at the front of pack. He had driven sprint cars for 40 years and had been inducted into the Little 500 (Anderson Speedway) Hall of Fame. "He was one of the best," said Johnny Ardis of Mobile, AL. "My family knew him for many years. He drove one of our cars, and always did a great job. His death is a big loss for the entire racing community." Bill was a sprint, midget & supermodified driver in the 60's through the 80's. He ran all over the country in USAC, IMCA and non-sanctioned races. He ran the "Little 500" and many other big races, including the last ever "Keystone Classic" at the Allentown Fairgrounds in 1968 where he finished 3rd.


William W. "Bill" Roynon, 72, of Tampa, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. A native of Tampa, he was a sprint car driver for 40 years and inducted into the Little 500 Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Tommy Mena; daughters, Tammy Criss, Karen Ann Helle, Carla Herrera and Kimberly Roynon; sister, Ann Clark; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.


1962

around 1967

Late '70s, racing with Michigan's Bob Seelman at Desoto

1972 at Jackson

Tampa's Buzz Barton (outside) in his carbureted BB Ford powered super races with fellow Tampa pilot Bill Roynon (injected Dodge wedge) at Palm Beach Speedway, West Palm Beach, Fla. January 1963. Courtesy Marty Little collection.

Bill spent some time behind the wheel of this Bill hite creation although I believe Marvin Carmen was the pilot on this day (1972 Oswego Classic). I have been told but am not sure if that is Bill Roynon leaning over the car...

August, 1973 at Speedway Park in Ontario, Canada
photo by Donald "Tex" Swiston

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