In memory of racers no longer with us:

[Donald]

We have lost another one, Bill Van died yesterday, more later.

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

We have lost another one, Bill Van died yesterday, more later.

Oh my gosh.?I’m so surprised as he seemed OK at Depue last August. My sincerest sympathy to Eileen

[Master Oil Racing Team]

A blow to Pro guys to lose both these fine racers at the same time. I spent some time with Clyde at the Old Phart's party in Naples and he told me all about his flying machines. And of course Bill Van....what a friend. I will miss him greatly.

[ProHydroRacer]

It had been a bad 6 months for the PROs - Ed Thirlby, Marshall Eldredge, Jim Warren, Clyde Queen and now Bill Van Steenwyk.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

That's right Bill. I just got off the phone with Eileen. She was a zombie for the first two days, but she's settling in now. Has gotten many, many phone calls. I didn't really know Jim Warren, but I did the others. Ed and Marshall were part of several generations of boat racers and Clyde and Charlotte were as far as I'm concerned....The Outboard Club of Chicago. They made a big impact on our sport. It is sad to lose so many in such a short time.

[Steve Litzell]

So sorry to hear this, jst found out as don’t get here as much as I would like. Will miss our talks and story telling and just plain talking at races, condolences to Eileen and so sorry for your loss. Steve

[racingfan1]

Diane Murray posted this today on the USTS Facebook page. It certainly has been a terrible start to 2018 Clyde Queen , Bill Van , and now this!! My most heartfelt condolences to Connie and the family. Rip

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this. Steve Litzell has passed away. Steve had just turned 66 on March 12th and was planning on cutting back his hours and/or retiring from Honey Baked Hams. Steve grew up in Sarasota, FL and he had one sister and three brothers. Steve married Connie shortly after meeting her at a party on Long Island-I believe they were married in Las Vegas at a drive through wedding chapel. Steve’s only son, Stephen, was recently married in November 2017.

Steve also had his Outboard Marine Service business, which is how most of us came in contact with him. Steve started boat racing when he was twelve in a B Stock Runabout and had connected with Bill Hosler to get him into boat racing as Steve worked for Bill in a marina. Steve later moved from Florida to Georgia to work with Ralph Donald at the car wash. Ralph was instrumental in introducing Steve to Dieter Koenig. Steve spent time with Dieter and learned the skills of his trade, which was a benefit to all that boat raced. Steve was an accomplished boat racer as well as a mechanic winning many racing awards both domestically and internationally.

Steve was a great friend and was also a pain in our “butts” as well, but we still loved him. There are never any words to say to ease the loss of this special man. Let’s all have a glass of Jack Daniels (make it a double) – on the rocks – for Steve. Also, let’s keep Connie and Stephen in our thoughts.

More details will be posted as they become available.