A short track racing legend’s battle with brain cancer has come to an end.
Bobby Gill, who won the Snowball Derby and World Crown in 1993 and 1997, passed away at the age of 65 on Thursday. He leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the all-time greats in pavement short track racing.
The news was shared by his family on social media on Friday morning.
“It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Bobby Gill,” a family statement, shared by Jaimee Gill, read. “Bobby lost his battle to stage 4 brain cancer on October 17, 2024. Everyone knew him as this hard nose racer. But this man had the biggest heart. He never was the easiest to get along with. But if he wasn’t giving you a hard time, he didn’t love you. We love you Bobby, you fought hard! RIP.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
Gill’s legacy in short track racing spans multiple generations.
Outside of his two wins in the Snowball Derby, Gill was known most for his success in the USAR Pro Cup Series prior to the series’ transition to asphalt late models. He won three consecutive championships (1999, 2000, 2001) when the series was at the height of its popularity, and then won a fourth title in 2007.
Gill was also a frequent competitor in the ALL PRO Super Series before the tour disbvanded in 1990, winning eight times against drivers such as Larry Phillips, Billy Bigley, Jr., Rick Crawford, Jody Ridley, and, Steve Grissom among others. He also had wins in the NASCAR All Pro Series and an ASA National Tour win in 1995 in a stacked field which included Ken Schrader, Mike Eddy, Dick Trickle, Gary St. Amant, Matt Kenseth, Dave Sensiba, Tony Roper, and Tim Sauter.
Also on his impressive list of accolades was a victory in the All-American 400 at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in 1994.
Gill’s passing was mourned by much of the racing community.
Gill also made 16 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, scoring four top-10s in 1996.
Bobby Gill’s legacy will certainly be remembered in the coming weeks with both the All-American 400 and Snowball Derby still to be run. Gill competed in the Snowball Derby 20 times throughout his storied career. His last start in the Pensacola classic came in 2009.
