Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Industry Veteran Bill McCleskey Passes Away at 78

Bill McCleskey, a longtime veteran of the automotive and motorsports industries, has passed away at the age of 78.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, McCleskey held regional sales manager roles at companies including Dynagear, KSG/Badger and Michigan Engine Bearings/D.A.B. Industries. He spent his final 13 years in the industry with Melling Engine Parts, where he built lasting relationships across the performance and engine-building community and earned multiple sales awards before retiring in 2018.

Over the years, Bill was recognized and won multiple sales awards.

This story was originally published on July 9, 2025. Drag Illustrated

You May Also Like

Features

There’s a version of the Pro Mod rules debate that plays out in comment sections and Facebook groups, where people who have never tuned...

Exclusive

Ten years ago, “Tricky” Rickie Smith added another championship to his robust résumé when he clinched the 2015 PDRA Pro Nitrous world championship. This...

Features

There are programs that spend years grinding toward their first win light. They write checks, burn nitro, shake the car down, and work through...

Race Coverage

The First Drag Race presented by Robbin’s Repairables set at Shadyside Dragway ignited the 2026 ten-race championship season for the Southeast Gassers Association. From...

Since 2005, DI has informed, inspired and educated drag racers from every walk of the racing life - weekend warrior and street/strip enthusiasts to pro-level doorslammer and Top Fuel racers. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-worthy videos to electric live events, DI meets hundreds of thousands of racers where they live, creating the moments that create conversations.