Bill Muncey Story Part 13 - The Muncey Legacy

The Bill Muncey Story not only documents his legendary racing career from the early 1950's to his tragic death in 1981. But also includes some of the best historic racing footage ever seen. You'll follow Muncey from his early years in Detroit, then the move to Seattle in 1955 to drive the Miss Thriftway. His success through the '50's and into the early '60's driving the Thriftway hulls made him the sports new super-star. The mid-sixties, found Muncey driving several slower boats getting the most out of them. But by the early '70's he was back on top driving the famous Atlas Van Lines boats. Muncey also became the sports premier spokes-person appearing in interviews and broadcasting. In 1976 Muncey became an owner buying the entire Pay'n Pak team which included an unfinished cabover hull. After a successful '76 season in the proven "winged wonder," Muncey gambled on crew chief Jim Lucero's new space-age hull and simply dominated the sport for the rest of the decade. But as the 1980's unfolded, Muncey found himself the underdog having to count on his depth of experience and determination to keep pace with the new powerful Miss Budweiser. Although the story of Bill Muncey ends tragically in Mexico in 1981, his legacy has continued to this day. Bill Muncey continues to be the most famous name in unlimited hydroplane racing and his three decades of accomplishments are unequaled.
Back in 2001, when it was decided to produce a documentary film about the life and racing career of the greatest driver of all time, Museum Director David Williams, video producer Don Mock, and the Museum Board of Directors realized that the eyewitnesses to his life story were fast approaching their golden years. There was no time to waste in gathering first hand testimony. So they cast a wide net and got right to work, spending many hours collecting interviews from every corner of Bill’s colorful life. And what stories they heard! Today, as this film is re-released, many of the legends who are interviewed here are gone, making their words and memories all the more poignant.

[@PAKiller1]

Thank you for doing this series.. was great to relive all of my memories of him.. I went to the races in Detroit every year from 1970 until 2017… Both of my wives knew that there was only 2 events that was mandatory they attend.. and that was unlimited hydroplane races and Alice Cooper concerts, lol

[@user-np9jd3pi5g]

Thank you for doing this. Bill Schumacher is right.

[@Coronetguy]

What a great job Dave. I had no idea this was even filmed. I was able to meet Fran in Chelan this year. It was a thrill!

[@williambishop8099]

Bill Muncey rest in peace! You were the best driver ever. Great job Chip

[@hbomb65]

I created my first piece of art and gave it to him in 1980, meant a lot how friendly and warm he was in receiving it in Stan Sayres Pit that Seafair, his last...

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Remarkable, how much Wil Muncey looks like his daddy!