Veteran NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racer William “Bill” Janke, 57, of Newburgh, New York, passed away on Sunday from injuries he sustained during the Top Sportsman eliminations at the Division 1 race at Lebanon Valley Dragway. The accident happened on Sunday at approximately 12:30 p.m., according to a report from New York State Police Trooper Aaron J. Hicks, the department’s public information officer. Janke was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel after losing control of his vehicle for unidentified reasons and striking a barrier.
Witnesses claimed that when Janke drove off the New Lebanon, New York, racetrack after defeating Lawrence Willard, his automobile caught fire.
Meredith Howard Janke, Janke’s wife, shared the following on social media:
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their prayers. I’m sobbing uncontrollably as I post this. I adore my spouse Bill Janke dearly, and he passed away in a terrible vehicle accident today. He is now in heaven.He was a huge drag racing fan! It was his passion and his life. Know this: He adored his family, the drag racers! To him, you were everything!
“I genuinely loved my husband with all of my heart, and I’m not sure how I’m going to get through this.”After going on a blind date, we fell in love right away. Two months later, he proposed to me, and a year later, we were married. We would have celebrated 29 years this August. My life would be unimaginable without him. I apologize for my digression. I was just completely devoted to him. He was really my lifesaver. “I’ll notify everyone as soon as I’ve made plans,” he said. He was devoted to all of you! I’m grateful.
According to a story in County Local News, “Janke’s influence on the NHRA community went well beyond the racetrack.” He was renowned for his kindness and readiness to assist others.
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