Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Willard Saulsbury “Bill” Holland, born on December 18, 1907, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was not initially destined for a career in motorsports. The son of a fireman and former professional baseball player, Holland showed early talent in skating and even tried out for the 1932 Olympics. However, his path took a dramatic turn towards racing. Holland’s racing career began to take shape in 1937, with his first notable victory coming on July 30, 1938, at Mineola, New York. He quickly made a name for himself, winning three times in 1939 and nine times in 1940. His prowess in “big car” races, the precursor to modern sprint car racing, was evident as he won the AAA Eastern Big Car championship in 1941.
Major Successes and Highlights
Bill Holland’s racing career is most renowned for his performances in the Indianapolis 500. He made a spectacular debut in the 1947 Indianapolis 500, finishing second in a dramatic race where he slowed down, allowing his teammate to pass, mistakenly thinking he was a lap down. His crowning achievement came in 1949 when he won the Indianapolis 500, a victory marked by team dynamics and strategic racing. Holland continued to race in various events, including the AAA Championship Car series, where he consistently achieved top finishes. His career was also marked by a suspension in 1951 for participating in a NASCAR event, highlighting the strict racing regulations of the time.
Life After Racing and Legacy
After retiring from active racing, Bill Holland’s life took a quieter turn. Along with his wife Myra, he ran skating rinks in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They later moved to Tucson, Arizona, in the early 1970s. Holland’s later years were challenged by Alzheimer’s disease, leading to his death on May 20, 1984. Despite these challenges, he remained active, often cycling long distances. Holland’s legacy in motorsports is cemented by his induction into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1992 and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2005. His life and career continue to be celebrated, including the naming of the inaugural USAC Silver Crown Series race at Selinsgrove Speedway as the Bill Holland Classic.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Deidt | Offenhauser | 7th | 6 | |
| 1953 | Kurtis Kraft | Offenhauser | NC | 0 |