Motor sports great Eddie Hill named Legend of North Texas

“The heart of a man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

- Proverbs 16:9

After a year’s delay due to a spike in COVID-19, Eddie Hill, one of the greats of the motor sports world, will be inducted as a Legend of Wichita Falls at a luncheon in October.

It was through a joint decision by Eddie and Ercie Hill and Madeleine Calcote-Garcia, executive director at the Museum of North Texas History, to cancel last year’s event for safety’s sake and look toward a more favorable date.

“This well-deserved honor is a definite go and we are in the process of tying up date, time and site and enlist a few sponsors,” Calcote-Garcia said. “It is likely we will hold it at The Forum. Soon we’ll announce details including individual and table prices plus guest speakers. It is time that Eddie Hill joins this group of distinguished Wichitans.”

Nat Fleming, a country and western band leader, and owner of the iconic “Cow Lot,” was the first “Legend” inductee. He was followed by Civil Rights activist Charlye Farris, radio legend Joe Tom White, Roby Christi, the HHH creator, and humanitarian Arthur “Bea” Williams.

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“We are excited to honor Eddie Hill as the 2022 Legend of North Texas. Not only has he contributed to the racing world, but he is also a fixture in Wichita Falls with his business, Eddie Hill’s Fun Cycles”, said Calcote-Garcia.

While attendees gather to honor Hill, it should be noted that proceeds from the event go to help the Museum of North Texas History grow in areas of development and need. Just becoming a supporting member of the museum adds to the dimension of this downtown venue.

Tickets will be available starting in August. For more information about tickets and sponsorships, contact Calcote-Garcia at the museum at director@museumofnorthtexashistory.org or call 940-322-7628.

Hill is an ageless wonder who credits his Lord and savior Jesus Christ for every victory, setback, injury and recovery. Notoriety that comes his way gives him the chance to share his testimony with others. This has been the mission of the man called “Fast Eddie” since age 13.

Still going strong on race courses at age 86, it is only natural to ask Eddie when he plans to retire to a hammock with a cold glass of lemonade with wife Ercie.

He opened Eddie Hill’s Fun Cycles in the early 1960s and it remains today as one of the longest running local businesses in Wichita Falls. And so, he works and plays along the way.

Even now, during the gentle days of spring and fall, you’ll likely find Eddie and Ercie touring a competitive road raceway in Hallett, Okla. He does it for pure fun. However, where point totals are concerned, he remains among the leaders.

As part of the coming introduction of Hill as a “Legend of Wichita Falls” this October, it will be noted that Eddie’s remarkable professional racing life has stretched through nine decades.

Eddie set speed records on land and water in the same year and he owns 16 major dragster wins and 12 national titles. This doesn’t even take in the countless victories he’s won aboard motorcycles.

It seems that if it has wheels, Eddie can handle it. But goodness, nine decades in a sport built for speed and deft reflexes are extraordinary. It may even be some sort of record.

And so, not surprisingly, when asked for the umpteenth time when he plans to retire, Hill says, “Really haven’t thought about it. I’m having a good time. Can’t see any reason to stop.”

The foundation of Eddie and Ercie’s lives is in part taken in part from The Lord’s Prayer—“Thy will be done.” In other words, Eddie and Ercie Hill reside in God’s hands.

Something David Jeremiah once said is a fitting close: “God will show us his will for our life. It’s our responsibility to nurture his calling and perfect it for His glory.”

The event honoring Hill will be 11:30 a.m. Oct. 12 at the Kemp Center for the Arts, 1300 Lamar Street. Tickets can be purchased online, or call 940-322-7628 to purchase a table. Individual tickets are $50 and table of 8 is $360

Ted “Spud” Buss is a former TRN sports and business editor.