Bill Whittington Race Car Driver: A Legacy of Speed and Triumph
Bill Whittington, who died in a plane crash in 2021 at the age of 71, led a colorful and controversial racing career. The Texan driver achieved motorsport glory by winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, piloting a Porsche 935 alongside his brother Don and German driver Klaus Ludwig. While Whittington competed in prestigious races from the Indianapolis 500 to IMSA sports car events, his legacy remains complicated by his conviction for drug smuggling, which reportedly funded his racing endeavors.
Whittington’s racing resume included three Indianapolis 500 starts and success in sports car racing, particularly with the Kremer Porsche 935 K3 that carried him to Le Mans victory. His 1979 Le Mans win was particularly notable as it set up an unusual showdown with Hollywood legend Paul Newman, who was competing in the same race with different ambitions but similar machinery.
Early Life and Personal Background
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Bill Whittington was born on September 11, 1949, in Lubbock, Texas. The racing world would eventually know him as a Le Mans champion, but his story begins in the American Southwest.
Growing up, Bill split his time between New Mexico and Hawaii, forming the foundation for his adventurous spirit. He was the son of Dick Whittington, who himself was a racing enthusiast in the 1950s.
The Whittington family legacy in motorsports began with father Dick, whose own racing career in the ’50s clearly influenced his sons. Bill wasn’t alone in his racing pursuits—his brother Don would become his racing partner and co-champion.
Before diving into the racing scene, Bill focused on the family’s aviation business. This experience with high-performance machines would serve him well when he later transitioned to controlling high-powered race cars.
The brothers’ upbringing fostered a competitive spirit that would eventually lead them to international racing glory. Their childhood in multiple locations gave them adaptability—a trait that would prove crucial in the unpredictable world of motorsport.
Bill’s early years established the foundation for what would become a remarkable, if complicated, racing career spanning multiple decades and championships.
Racing Career Highlights
Bill Whittington’s racing journey spanned multiple prestigious events and series, establishing him as a versatile driver who conquered Le Mans, competed at Indianapolis, and made his mark in IMSA competition. His career was defined by both spectacular victories and persistent determination across the global motorsport landscape.
Le Mans Victory and Porsche 935 Legacy
The crowning achievement in Whittington’s career came at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he triumphed alongside his brother Don and German driver Klaus Ludwig. The trio piloted the iconic Kremer Racing Porsche 935 K3 to victory, marking the first time a production-based car had won the legendary endurance race since 1952.
Their victory wasn’t just surprising—it was revolutionary for turbocharged racing technology. The Porsche 935’s dominating performance helped cement its status as one of the most successful racing platforms of its era.
What made this achievement even more remarkable was that the Whittingtons were relative newcomers to international racing, yet managed to conquer motorsport’s most grueling challenge. Their unlikely path to Le Mans glory remains one of racing’s most fascinating stories.
IMSA and Road Atlanta Triumphs
Whittington’s success extended well into IMSA competition, where he established himself as a formidable competitor in the Camel GT Championship series. His IMSA career peaked in 1984, when he secured an impressive position in the championship standings.
Behind the wheel of various Porsche models, Whittington demonstrated exceptional skill at Road Atlanta, a track that seemed particularly suited to his driving style. His mastery of this challenging circuit resulted in multiple podium finishes throughout his career.
What separated Whittington from many competitors was his adaptability to changing race conditions. Whether navigating through torrential Georgia downpours or managing tire wear in scorching heat, he showed remarkable consistency.
Bill’s partnership with various teams showcased his ability to extract maximum performance from his machinery while maintaining the endurance needed for sports car racing’s demanding format.
Indianapolis 500 Endeavors
Whittington’s versatility as a driver was perhaps best demonstrated by his participation in the Indianapolis 500. In his 1982 qualifying effort, he secured the sixth starting position, an impressive achievement for someone whose background was primarily in sports car racing.
Unfortunately, engine failure cut short what might have been a spectacular Indy 500 debut. His persistence brought him back to the Brickyard in subsequent years, with his final Indianapolis appearance in 1985 resulting in a 14th place finish.
His Indy car statistics reflect a driver who could compete across drastically different disciplines:
| Year | Qualifying Position | Race Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 6th | DNF | Engine failure |
| 1985 | Mid-pack | 14th | Final Indy 500 appearance |
Whittington’s ability to transition from the right-turn world of sports cars to the unique challenges of oval racing demonstrated his exceptional adaptability as a driver.
Watkins Glen and Daytona Achievements
The high-speed challenges of Watkins Glen and Daytona became proving grounds for Whittington’s talent. At these iconic American circuits, he demonstrated remarkable car control and strategic thinking against world-class competition.
Daytona’s banking and lengthy endurance format suited Whittington’s patient yet assertive driving style. Though victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona eluded him, his performances there were frequently marked by tenacity and consistent lap times regardless of weather conditions.
At Watkins Glen, Whittington navigated the technically demanding layout with precision. The upstate New York circuit’s combination of high-speed straights and challenging elevation changes showcased his well-rounded abilities.
These performances at America’s premier road courses complemented his international success and cemented his reputation as a driver whose talent translated across continents and competition formats.
The Whittington Brothers
Bill and Don Whittington formed one of racing’s most colorful and controversial partnerships in motorsport history. The siblings from Lubbock, Texas made their mark on the racing world with both impressive victories and notorious off-track activities.
Racing as a Family
The Whittington brothers were a powerful force when they joined forces on the track. Bill Whittington, born September 11, 1949, and his brother Don created a racing dynasty that few family partnerships could match. Their most notable achievement came in 1979 when they, along with Klaus Ludwig, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Kremer Porsche 935 K3.
The brothers weren’t content with just European racing. They competed extensively in the IMSA GT Championship during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming fixtures of the American racing scene. Their driving style was aggressive and fearless, characteristics that served them well on challenging endurance circuits.
In addition to sports car racing, the Whittingtons also tried their hand at the Indianapolis 500. Bill qualified for the race in 1982, showing the brothers’ versatility across different racing disciplines.
Don Whittington Partnership
The partnership between Bill and Don Whittington extended beyond merely sharing driving duties. The brothers co-owned the Road Atlanta racing circuit for a period, demonstrating their business acumen alongside their racing talents. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish various aviation and racing enterprises.
Unfortunately, their partnership had a darker side. The Whittington brothers became infamous for funding their racing careers through drug smuggling, which eventually led to legal troubles for both. This illicit activity allowed them to finance their expensive racing habits while competing against legitimate teams.
During the height of their racing partnership in 1979, the brothers faced off against Hollywood star Paul Newman at Le Mans in what became one of the most talked-about races of the era. Their Porsche 935 proved superior, securing their place in racing history despite the controversy that would later surround their careers.
Technical Aspects of Racing
Bill Whittington’s success on the track wasn’t just about his driving skills, but also his understanding of the advanced machinery he piloted. His time with the Porsche 935 and knowledge of turbocharging technology played crucial roles in his racing achievements.
Porsche 935 Performance
The Porsche 935, which Whittington famously drove to victory at Le Mans in 1979, was a technical masterpiece of its era. Based on the 911 Turbo, the 935 featured a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing between 750-845 horsepower depending on configuration.
What made the 935 exceptional wasn’t just raw power, but its balance of performance metrics:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2L twin-turbo flat-six |
| Power | Up to 845 hp |
| Weight | ~2,200 lbs |
| Top Speed | 210+ mph |
| 0-60 mph | ~2.9 seconds |
The car’s rear-engine layout provided exceptional traction coming out of corners, while its relatively light weight made it nimble on technical circuits. Whittington mastered the 935’s unique handling characteristics, which required precision to manage the significant turbo lag common in that era.
Turbo Technologies
Turbocharging in the late 1970s was still developing as a racing technology, and Whittington became adept at managing these complex systems. The Porsche 935’s twin KKK turbochargers operated at approximately 1.5 bar of boost pressure, creating significant power but also the characteristic turbo lag.
Drivers like Whittington had to anticipate this lag, sometimes waiting 1-2 seconds between throttle application and power delivery. This required a completely different driving style from naturally aspirated cars.
The heat management of these early turbo systems was also critical. Intercoolers were less efficient than modern designs, and engine temperatures could spike dramatically during extended high-speed runs.
During Whittington’s racing career, boost control evolved from primitive mechanical systems to more sophisticated electronic management, changing how drivers approached turbo power delivery on track.
Race Car Design and Development
Whittington competed during a transformative period in race car design when aerodynamics began dominating performance considerations. The Porsche 935 utilized massive rear wings and front air dams to create downforce, essential for maintaining grip at high speeds.
Racing teams of this era were beginning to use telemetry data, though primitive by today’s standards. This data helped engineers make crucial setup adjustments between sessions.
Suspension technology was also evolving rapidly. The 935 used a mix of traditional torsion bars with more modern coil-over setups. This required drivers and engineers to find the optimal balance for different track configurations.
Fuel management became increasingly important as well. During endurance races like Le Mans, Whittington and his teammates had to balance performance with efficiency. They often adjusted boost levels and driving style to extend fuel range when strategic advantages could be gained.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Bill Whittington’s racing career was overshadowed by serious legal troubles that ultimately led to prison time and permanently tarnished his legacy in motorsport.
Drug Trafficking and Smuggling
The high-flying lifestyle of the Whittington brothers came crashing down when federal authorities began investigating the source of their seemingly endless racing funds. In the mid-1980s, Bill and his brother Don were accused of operating a massive drug ring that smuggled Colombian marijuana into the United States.
The scale was staggering – approximately 400,000 pounds of marijuana. Let that sink in. While winning races at Le Mans and Indianapolis, Bill was allegedly running one of the largest drug smuggling operations of the era.
The case shocked the racing world. These weren’t just weekend warriors – they were Le Mans winners with the prestigious Kremer Porsche 935 K3, now linked to a criminal enterprise that bankrolled their racing careers.
Income Tax Evasion Case
In 1986, Bill Whittington pleaded guilty to tax evasion in connection with the drug smuggling operation. The case revealed a complex web of financial crimes designed to hide illegal income.
The IRS investigation uncovered millions in unreported income. Bill’s conviction resulted in his first prison sentence, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the racing champion.
More troublingly, this wasn’t the end of his tax troubles. Decades later in 2018, Bill Whittington was sentenced to 18 months in prison for tax fraud in an unrelated case, showing a pattern of financial impropriety that spanned his adult life.
Aftermath and Impact on Career
The legal troubles devastated Whittington’s racing career. His competitive driving effectively ended following the initial convictions, closing what had been a meteoric rise in motorsport.
Beyond personal consequences, his case became a cautionary tale in racing circles. The Whittington saga highlighted the sometimes murky financing behind expensive racing programs and raised questions about oversight in the sport.
The brothers’ story has become legendary in motorsport culture – talented drivers whose ambition and greed led them far beyond the boundaries of the law.
Despite his undeniable skill behind the wheel, Bill Whittington’s legacy remains defined by these controversies – a driver who could have been remembered purely for racing excellence, instead permanently linked to criminal enterprise.
Retirement and Post-Racing Ventures
After his illustrious racing career, Bill Whittington’s life took several unexpected turns that reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and the controversies that followed him away from the track.
Life after Professional Racing
Bill Whittington’s transition from professional racing wasn’t the typical retirement story. Following his victory at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, Whittington gradually stepped back from competitive driving. The man from Lubbock, Texas found himself navigating a complex path after hanging up his racing helmet.
His post-racing life became entangled with legal issues that stemmed from his funding methods during his racing days. Whittington became known as one of IMSA’s most famous marijuana-smuggling drivers who had used illicit means to finance his racing passion.
Despite these challenges, Whittington maintained connections to the motorsport world. He continued to attend racing events and remained a memorable figure in racing circles until his passing on April 23, 2021, at age 71.
Business Endeavors
Whittington’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to various business ventures after racing. He invested in aviation and transportation businesses, leveraging his mechanical knowledge and connections from his racing days.
One of his notable ventures was in air transport services, where he operated planes and provided specialty aviation services. However, these businesses also became entangled in legal complications.
The Whittington brothers had purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation’s 1975 Porsche 934, which became part of their business dealings related to racing memorabilia and collection.
His business activities reflected the same bold approach he took to racing – high-risk, high-reward ventures that sometimes operated in legally questionable territories.
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Legacy in Motorsport
Despite controversy, Whittington’s racing achievements cement his place in motorsport history. His crowning achievement remains the 1979 Le Mans victory, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance.
Whittington’s legacy is complex – both celebrated for his driving talent and notorious for his off-track activities. Racing historians note his contribution to American presence in international endurance racing during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, acknowledged his passing with respect for his racing accomplishments, showing how his sporting achievements remain respected despite his personal controversies.
Significant Events and Memories
Bill Whittington’s racing career was marked by extraordinary achievements and dramatic moments that showcased his versatility as a competitor. His life combined remarkable racing successes with aviation adventures that often proved as thrilling as his time on the track.
Memorable Races
The 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans stands as Whittington’s crowning achievement. Alongside his brother Don and Klaus Ludwig, Bill won the prestigious endurance race driving a Porsche. This victory cemented his place in motorsport history.
His Indianapolis 500 appearances showed his versatility across racing disciplines. Bill made five starts at the Brickyard, with his best finish coming in his final appearance in 1985, placing 14th.
The Whittington brothers were known for their flamboyant style and ability to compete in multiple racing series. Bill’s NASCAR appearances further demonstrated his adaptability, though he never achieved the same success there as in sports car racing.
Notable Competitions and Rivalries
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Whittington established himself as a formidable competitor in multiple racing disciplines. His rivalry with fellow sports car racers of the era created compelling storylines that captivated racing fans.
The brothers’ ownership of Road Atlanta circuit gave them a unique position in American motorsport, allowing them to influence the sport from both sides of the pit wall. This dual role as competitors and track owners was unusual in professional racing.
Bill’s qualifying performance at Indianapolis in 1982, starting sixth, showed his raw speed, though an engine failure derailed what might have been his best Indy 500 result.
| Race Series | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|
| Le Mans | 1979 Overall Winner |
| Indianapolis 500 | 5 starts, Best finish: 14th (1985) |
| Air Racing | Multiple wins at Reno (1978-1983) |
Plane Crash Survival
Before focusing on cars, the Whittington brothers were accomplished aviators. Bill’s success in air racing at Reno between 1978 and 1983 showed that his skill in the cockpit matched his talent behind the wheel.
The brothers’ background in aviation remained a constant throughout their racing careers. Flying often served as both transportation to races and a competitive outlet separate from their automotive pursuits.
Tragically, Bill Whittington’s life ended in April 2021 at age 71. He died in a private plane crash in Arizona. This final flight cut short the life of a man who had spent decades pushing the limits of speed both on the ground and in the air.
