Bill Fickling
Bill was bitten by the racing bug early in life when, at age 5, his Dad bought him and his 3-years-
The racing bug bit early. Bill age 6 in Quarter Midget he shared with his brother Bruce in 1957.
older brother Bruce a quarter midget to campaign on southern California 1/16 mile dirt ovals. After 2 years of having fun in the
midget, his competitive desires were detoured into baseball until age 15. But, as most racers know, once the racing virus is in your bloodstream, it never really leaves.
In 1967, after seeing the movie “Grand Prix” and attending his first real pro race – the Times Grand Prix CanAm race at Riverside – the virus took full command.
Bye bye dugout… Hello paddock!
In 1972 it was off to SCCA drivers’ school at age 21, followed by the rough and tumble world of 70s Formula Ford racing, which cemented any doubts about his wanted career path.
In spite of a level of reasonable success in FF, like most drivers who have dreams of being the next Dan Gurney, reality sets in, and at some point they realize that making a living in the
Racing at P-1 was a family affair with son Geoff, now a race engineer with IMSA, and daughter Katie.
sport is more likely achievable outside the cockpit rather than in it.
So Bill founded prep shop P1 Racing in 1980, and soon found enough customers who needed guidance and/or full season preparation and trackside programs.
Van Diemen and Swift dealerships soon followed, and eventually led to a 50% ownership of Swift Cars with partner Jim Chapman.
In 1987 P1 turned its attention full time to pro Formula Atlantic, winning the championship with Mark Dismore in 1990 and Jovy Marcelo in 1991.
Other notable P1 pilots were Jimmy Vasser, Alex Gurney, Derek Hill, Rocky Moran Jr., Lee Bentham, Alex Tagliani and Tony Ave. Bill was voted Team Owner of the Year in 1995 and 2001.
During these times Bill still found time to scratch the driving itch when the schedule allowed, winning several National and Pro races in Formula Ford, Sports 2000 and Formula Atlantic.
Since retiring from racing as a full-time job, Bill has enjoyed vintage racing his 1975 March F2/FA car and 50th anniversary FF races.
Bill lives in San Clemente, California with his oh-so-patient, very good sport, racing wife of 52 years and counting, Nonie.
Last rodeo with wife Nonie at the Long Beach vintage Formula Atlantic race in 2021.
Riverside podium following a Sports 2000 win in 1986 with Bob Schader (left) and rising star Scott Atchison.
Victory lap at Portland in 1985 with crew chief Bruce Holden flashing the bubbly.
With fellow 1978 Eagle FF teammate David Loring at a 2009 vintage race at Watkins Glen.