Happy Father's Day Daddy!
On June 13, 2009 a dream fifty years in the making was realized by Bill Phillips. Check out the videos to the right and the story board below. Click on each picture to view a larger version. Then grab some tissues and read Bill's accounting of his surprise of a lifetime. Finally, remember what life is about and take the time to fulfill your dream or, better yet, someone elses!
)
Surprise Party
The story begins here. Bill's 71st birthday and first surprise party ever!
)
Bill with daughter Alice and son David
David came up with the idea and Alice put it into action. With mom's help they pulled it off!
)
Ride 'em cowboy
Remember ... we do everything bigger in Texas!
)
Team Texas Letter
Bill, get ready for some REAL Texas HORSEPOWER!!!
)
About Bill
As a child, Bill's brothers encouraged his love of cars. Standing by the road blind folded, he could tell them the make and model of every car that drove by.
)
Cars, Cars, Cars
Bill bought his first car at age 17 and owned seven by the age of 24. He often raced his favorites on the local dragstrip.
)
Air Force
At age 17, Bill joined the Air Force beginning a distinguished career that lasted for over 20 years.
)
Hand Picked
In 1960, Bill was selected to compete on the Okinawa 18th Tac Fighter Weapons Team at PACAF.
)
Winning Combination
His team won the competition qualifying them to compete at the worldwide level.
)
A Champion
Bill and his team's dedication led them to become the World Tactical Fighter Weapons Team Champions.
)
A Vietnam Veteran
Serving our country with honor, Bill earned Airmen of the month multiple times, Airman of the year in 1964 and two Air Force Commendation medals.
)
Always a team player
Throughout his life Bill has dedicated himself to those around him. His country, his kids, his friends...he has always put others first.
)
Well deserved
After a lifetime of service, it's time for Bill to live his dream.
)
The Dream
An avid race fan his entire life, Bill has always dreamed of driving a NASCAR. It's time to make that dream come true.
)
Gilliland Car
David Gilliland drove this car in 2007. This is where Bill's dream becomes reality!
)
An actor too?
In 1977 Bill and his '40 Ford appeared in the movie Greased Lightning. Securing a small speaking part, this scene mimics his role.
)
Helmet On
Suited up and ready to go, Bill's mood turns serious. It's time to get down to business.
)
This is it!
It's really happening, Bill's dream is about to come true.
)
Pull those straps tight one more time
With a lifetime of preparation (including all of those races he's watched) Bill enters HIS NASCAR anticipating the ride of his life!
)
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity
Let's Go Racing Bill!
)
Green Flag!
And he's off! Ten laps around Texas Motor Speedway. Driving a manual Ford Fusion with 700 Horsepower, Bill puts the pedal to the metal!
)
NASCAR driver
Bill drives like a pro. Slowing down on the corners, he finds them to be the easiest part of the racetrack. The lead car is not too far in front of him. The race is on!
)
Go Bill Go!!!
Catching the lead car in turn three on lap 2, Bill can taste victory. He pushes the car to it's limits bumping the Rev Limiter every time around.
)
Black Flagged!
The need for speed earns Bill a black flag. What does he say about it? "It was worth it!" Did it slow him down?
Not a chance!
)
Back on the Track
After his black flag slap on the wrist pit stop, Bill continues to bump the Rev Limiter on every lap.
)
The Checkered Flag
With the track to himself, Bill enjoys his last two laps. Always a winner, they wave the checked flag just for him.
)
Thank You!
Bill graciously thanks his coach and crew. Every driver needs a great team. For Bill, it's always about the team.
)
Walking on Cloud 9
Enough said!
)
Experienced
NASCAR Driver
)
Trophy Wife
Bill celebrates with Nedra, his supportive wife and 'racing widow.'
)
A Dream Fulfilled
His entire life Bill dreamed of racing a NASCAR. On June 13th, 2009 his dream came true.
He thanks his family, but the truth is he deserved it. His ability to give unconditionally to others has created an atmosphere of love and compassion around him. He is surrounded by people who want to see him live his dreams. After 71 years, we say
Thank you!
We love you!
You are deserving!!!
My 71st Birthday
On my 71st birthday, May 31, 2009, we were in Mansfield, TX, for my granddaughter Taryn's college graduation and to await the birth of her baby around June 17. I had a date with my daughter Alice to go to The Texas Roadhouse for dinner on Monday, June 1. However, she changed it to my birthday but I didn't think anything about it. I went to her home to pick her up at our preplanned time of 5:00 p.m. She delayed us a bit by pretending to wash dishes and getting ready to go. No one was home with her but I still wasn't suspicious.
When we arrived at the restaurant about six cute, young girls met us at the entrance. Alice pointed to the left and right, and in plain sight, ten feet away was her family, my son's family and my wife Nedra whom I had left at our RV eight miles away. Needless to say, I was happy and excited to see everyone. I was actually speechless. The party began with gifts and cards galore. I really didn't know how to accept it all having never had something like that pulled on me. My son David gave me a warning that I'd better graciously accept everyone's gifts or I would not get the paper he was holding up. He said, "Dad, trust me; you really want this piece of paper." Little did I know bigger surprises were in store for me. My son-in-law Jackie and my daughter Alice presented me with a letter. I opened it and nearly fainted with I saw they, and their children Rolan, Natalie, Taryn, Tommy and Dakota had bought and scheduled me for NASCAR Driving School with Team Texas on June 13, 2009. This would occur at the Texas Motor Speedway near Denton, TX. I could hardly breathe. This is something I have wanted to do for 50 years. Now, I was getting to drive a real NASCAR race car as fast as I wanted on a fantastic race track.
After I finally started to breathe again my son David presented me with his paper. When I opened it there in huge letters was a name, address and phone number of a great air force friend I had been missing for 49 years. How wonderful that was! We have been in contact a lot since.
The day I drove a NASCAR race car my son-in-law Jackie and I arrived at Texas Motor Speedway at 7 AM June 13th. There were 62 other people there to drive. First, we had a classroom briefing for about 30 minutes. Next we were fitted with driving suites and helmets. They put 10 of us on the track together and passing was allowed. They pushed started us in second gear because some people had never driven a stick shift. I was placed in the third group to go out. We were randomly assigned to the racecars by number and I was really fortunate to get the car I wanted. It was the number 38 M&M ford that David Gilliland drove for Robert Yates. We were to run 10 laps but I got black flagged and had to pit for driving the car to hard. They didn't like me pushing it to the engine rev limiter. They let me go back for several more laps and I hit the rev limiter four more times. My speed going into the banked turns was all the car would do. It was the most gratifying experience I ever had. I always thought I could do it, now I know I was right. Even at 71 years old this was the ultimate anyone could have given me and I am so grateful to Alice, Jackie and family for it.
~ Bill Phillips ~
Herbert (Bill) Phillips
NASCAR driver
for a day.
A dream come true.
Ride Along - Part 1
Ride Along - Part 2
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon
Video Coming Soon