Bruce Hill (racing driver) facts for kids

Bruce Hill (July 9, 1949 – May 14, 2017) was an American stock car racing driver. He was born in Topeka, Kansas. Bruce competed in the top levels of stock car racing, including the Winston Cup Series. He also raced in other series like ARCA.

About Bruce Hill

Bruce Hill was born on July 9, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas. He went to Shawnee Heights High School. Later in life, he lived near Topeka and enjoyed raising American Quarter Horses. Bruce passed away on May 14, 2017, due to cancer.

Racing Career Highlights

Bruce Hill started his NASCAR racing journey in 1974. He competed in the Winston Cup Series, which is NASCAR's highest level. In his first year, he raced in one event in the Winston Cup Series. He also raced one time in the NASCAR West Series that same year.

Rookie of the Year Success

In 1975, Bruce Hill achieved a big milestone. He won the Rookie of the Year award in the Winston Cup Series! This award goes to the best new driver in the series. That year, he raced in almost all of the 30 races. He even earned top-five finishes at famous tracks like Rockingham Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway.

Continuing to Race

Bruce kept racing in the Winston Cup Series in 1976. He competed in 22 races and finished in the top ten four times. In 1977, he again had four top-ten finishes in 16 races. The next year, 1978, he raced in 14 events and got two more top-ten results. During this time, he sometimes teamed up with other drivers to help field his cars.

Later Years in NASCAR

In 1979, Bruce raced in a few events with fellow driver Walter Ballard. He continued to race for Ballard in 1980. His final year in the Winston Cup Series was 1981, where he competed in eight races. He also took part in a NASCAR Late Model Sportsman race at Darlington Raceway that year.

Other Racing Adventures

Besides the Winston Cup Series, Bruce Hill also raced in the ARCA Racing Series. He also competed in races organized by USAC. In 2002, he raced in a Late Model event at Thunderhill Speedway in Mayetta, Kansas.

Throwback Tribute

Years after Bruce Hill stopped racing, his legacy was honored. In 2016, another NASCAR driver, A. J. Allmendinger, used a special paint scheme on his car. This design was a "throwback" to Bruce Hill's 1977 race car. It was used for a special race at Darlington Raceway, celebrating racing history.