Bob Storck wrote an admirable tribute to prolific racing writer William Neely who died in North Carolina March 25 from complications after heart surgery. Among his 19 books was Stand On It which introduced the fictional character Stroker Ace, subsequently brought to film life by actor Burt Reynolds. “Humpy” Wheeler who was Neely’s competition when he led Firestone public relations and Neely Goodyear’s, was quoted about his rival by Storck: “He was one of the icons of auto racing in the 1960s, when auto racing was really jumping forward by leaps and bounds.” Neely also pursued an acting career and enjoyed lounging on a yacht once owned by Greta Garbo. The family requests any donations be made to Friends of Felines www.friendsofelines.org, P.O. Box 475, Castle Hayne, NC 28429.
Wade Hoyt, Toyota Northeast PR Manager, wrote to express his fond memories of retired GM PR man and hearty IMPA supporter, Bill Winters and advised donations in his memory should be sent to West Cornwall Fire Dept., c/o Patience Lindholm, Box 220, West Cornwall, CT 06796.