Billy Tibbert

Competitor
CLASS OF 2012 | Pioneers
Veterans Committee Selection

Billy Tibbert had one of the more remarkable careers in racing. He started racing midgets in 1941 at the age of 20 throughout New England, eventually travelling to Florida, Canada and the midwest as the sport gained popularity. He paused his racing career while serving as a Merchant Marine during WWII.

In 1951, he made a couple starts on NASCAR’s Grand National (now Cup Series) circuit.

After contracting polio in 1955 at the age of 34 and at the height of his racing career, which at first crippled him and led to years of rehabilitation. He had to wear awkward leg braces and learn to walk again, and miraculously returned to racing in his 40’s after years away.

He stayed involved in racing in the 1970’s via his son Billy Jr’s racing career. Billy Tibbert passed away on September 26, 2007 at the age of 86. He was inducted into the NEAR Hall of Fame in a special Pioneers induction ceremony in 2012.