Two-time Snowball Derby winner Bobby Gill passed away Thursday, October 17 following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 65.
Gill’s family shared on social media the news of his passing.
“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Bobby Gill,” reads the message. “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
“We will announce arrangements once they have been made.”
Gill was most widely recognized as a four-time champion in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, taking the tour’s top honors in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2007. His 46 wins were the most in the series’ history.
Growing up as a racer, you always remember who your toughest competitor was. Mine, was Bobby Gill.
See you again one day my friend. I know you, Billy and Boger are already sitting around in heaven laughing like crazy about old stories..
RIP. #racer ?? pic.twitter.com/WrFFplVSNT— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) October 18, 2024
Gill also won eight races in the ALL PRO Super Series between 1987 and 1990, and 10 races in the NASCAR All-Pro Series between 1991 and 1994. He won the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in 1993 and 1997, the World Crown 300 at what was then known as Peach State Speedway (later Gresham Motorsports Park) in 1993 and 1997, as well as the 1994 All-American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
1??9??9??3??: After straight three years of not making it past lap 100, Bobby Gill put it all together and won the Snowball Derby. The race was slowed by 22 yellows and took almost three-and-a-half hours to complete. #FlashbackFriday pic.twitter.com/FjOoM08mtG
— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) November 25, 2022
Gill made 16 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series during his career. He scored four top-10 finishes in those starts, with a best finish of sixth at The Milwaukee Mile in 1996.
Throughout Gill’s fight with cancer, many in the racing community have offered their support. Earlier this season, Grant Enfinger paid tribute to Gill with his CR7 Motorsports No. 9 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry at Martinsville Speedway with a truck designed in the likeness of Gill’s Pro Cup Series championship-winning cars.
Beautiful day @MartinsvilleSwy ! pic.twitter.com/S50dMlu1SY
— Grant Enfinger (@GrantEnfinger) April 5, 2024
Last month, Johnny Sauter dedicated a victory in the UARA National Bigley Memorial Tune-Up at Freedom Factory to Gill and his cancer battle.
“This one’s for Bobby,” said Sauter in victory lane. “Bobby was my crew chief here back in November [in the 2023 Billy Bigley Memorial] when I just didn’t get going on that last restart. I felt like we kind of gave that one away.
“Just so pumped. I hope Bobby’s proud, because Richie [Wauters] worked with Bobby for a long time. Just super special to get this win for him.”
Among Gill’s other accomplishments are an ASA ACDelco Challenge Series victory in 1995 at the Minnesota State Fair Speedway, two wins in the NASCAR All-American Challenge Series in 1989 and 1990, the 1989 Rattler at South Alabama Speedway and three consecutive Florida Governor’s Cups at New Smyrna Speedway from 1990 to 1992.
— Photo Credit: CR7 Motorsports
