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| William Warner |
LIMESTONE — A Florida man famous for reaching record-breaking speeds during the annual land speed racing event at Loring two years ago has passed away after succumbing to injuries that resulted from an accident during an attempt to hit 300 miles per hour within one mile on his motorcycle during the second day of “The Maine Event,” a land speed racing event at the Loring Commerce Centre.
Limestone Police Chief Stacey Mahan said that 44-year-old William “Bill” Warner from Wimauma, Florida appeared to be attempting to hit 300 miles per hours within a one mile distance on the runway when something happened and the motorcycle came to a rest on the east side of the runway.
In a joint statement, Loring Timing Association organizers stated that they were deeply saddened by the passing of their friend at the Maine Event.
“Bill’s easy smile, gentle nature and friendly competitiveness will always serve as the bench mark by which we measure all other competitors,” the LTA’s website reads. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the [Land Speed Racing] community for the loss of an icon, and while there is little we can do to assuage their anguish, I will share the words of Walt Witman: “All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses. And to die is not as anyone supposed, and luckier.”
The website’s forum is filled with fond memories about Bill, including the sentiments “History will always remember the first man to throw his leg over a motorcycle and go over 300 [miles per hour]” and “There are few times in life you get to meet a better person than Bill.”
The accident occurred just before 10 a.m.; Mahan described that Warner was clocked racing at 285 mph during his last, tragic run. The vehicle, a modified turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa, veered to the right and struck a concrete barrier, coming to rest 800 feet from the impact area.
“We send our condolences to the family and all who were involved,” the police chief said.
It was Warner’s second run of the day, the first occurring at 7:51 a.m. during which he reached speeds of 296 miles per hour.
