SAD NEWS: NHRA top sportsman drag racer dies in a car crash at……
William Janke, a top Sportsman racer from Newburgh, New York, died Sunday while competing in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Lebanon Valley Dragway in West Lebanon, New York. Janke, a quick bracket racing eliminator veteran, lost control of his 2013 Chevrolet Camaro at the finish line and exited the track.
Meredith, William’s wife of 28 years, said in an online post, “My husband Bill Janke, whom I love with all my heart, has gone to heaven today following a terrible car accident that took his life. He truly adores drag racing! It was his livelihood and passion. Please know that he cherished his drag racing family! You meant the world to him! I honestly loved my spouse with all of my heart, and I’m not sure how I’ll endure this. We met on a blind date and fell in love immediately. He asked me to marry him two months later, and we married a year later.
Those who had competed with and seen the northeast racer race in the category for over a decade with the NHRA and PDRA filled special media with memories of him. Following the tragedy, racing at Lebanon Valley was suspended for the day. The eliminations will continue on Monday morning.
In his final race, William turned on the win light as an appropriate tribute to a man who had dedicated most of his life to drag racing.
