Bill Simpson - The passing of a motorsport pioneer

Bill Simpson, the man who pioneered an array of safety products in motorsport, has passed away at the age of 79.

Simpson's name was universally recognized in the motorsport arena thanks to the eponymous business he founded that manufactured the first Nomex racing suits, fireproof clothing, helmets and safety harnesses.

A former racer turned entrepreneur, Simpson built a veritable safety empire whose products were used in virtually every form of motor sport around the world.

To prove the efficiency of his race suits, Simpson never hesitated to put his money where his mouth was, challenging a competitor to a "burn-off" and lighting himself on fire!

He never won the Indy 500, but Simpson's legacy will last for decades to come.

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