Bill Ritger - Our Friend

[bobbylove]

I have been a freind to Bill & Claudia for almost 11 years. It tears me apart to here and see this man hurt like this. This man got me to stay doing what is fun in life thru racing and visiting many tracks of the U.S.of A. God willing Bill will beat this as beating being laid off from work or falling down on his bike. This glitch will not get him. I as his friend am going to do everything I can for this great fun person. He is on this planet for a reason & I especialy will not let any negative thing like this take control of people I truely love.  Keep fighting Bill the cavalry is coming.             Love you & yours,             Bobby love

[Super Dave]

Crap.

Lost my mother and father to liver cancer.  I know it too well.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

This man got me to stay doing what is fun in life thru racing

I hear ya Bobby.  My self-esteem was at a lifetime low when I met Bill.  Through corner working, Bill gave me respect, responsibility, and pride.  All the cool stuff that's come since, the racing, writing, coaching, ect. would have never happened if Bill hadn't built me up, pointed me, and lit the fuse.
That's the defining characteristic of Bill's personality.  He loves his workers like family, and he's such a good leader that his troops become better people just from having worked for him.
I'm not just saying this now because Bill is sick.  I took the opportunity years ago to tell Bill how greatful I am, and how much difference his mentoring has made in my life.  For those who have read Highside, the Gil Peterson character is obviously nothing more than a thinly-disguised representation of Bill Ritger.

[chris_chops]

Bill is a great guy.  Let's all send him something, he deserves it for all he has done for us racers.


Matt

[Court Jester]

that sucks. bad.
i only met him one time but ended up talking to him for about 30 or 40 minutes at the track that day. awesome guy. i never remember names, but i remembered his. like i said, i didn't know him well, but had the pleasure to meet him. my best wishes go out to him. i'll be sure to get something in the mail for him ASAP.
thanks for posting this.
keep us posted.

[Mark Bernard]

I know Bill and Claudia well. Mear words cannot even begin to express my shock and sadness. I am honored and proud to call Bill and Claudia my freinds! You two are in my prayers! Mark B.

[HAWK]

Jester, your signature sums it  up the best I've ever seen. I spoke with Bill and Claudia yesterday and they both seemed in pretty good spirits. I don't know them well as this is my first year in racing (motorcycles anyway) but I think I can safely say that they are doing what they love. All of us in this sport are but how many of your friends can say the same. Try everyday to help someone find the courage to do something that means as much to them as racing does to Bill and Claudia and all the rest of us.

Bill and Claudia, thank you for being my friends and for letting me be yours. I can never know if I'll see tomorrow but I'm grateful  for knowing you today.

Hawk

[Protein Filled]

Bill and Claudia are awesome! They are a big part of the CCS family that makes me keep on coming back! Get well soon Bill! There are so many more beers that I need you to introduce me to!!!!

[weggieman]

Bill is back in the hospital again. He has an infection they are fighting right now. He was in last week and had another stent put in, went home but now is back in.

Dave Doe visited him yesterday and says he doesn't look good at all.

I'll keep news coming as I get it. I hope to get to Madison later this week to see him.

[Super Dave]

What hospital, Gordie?

[spyderchick]

Gordie, let us know when you plan to make a visit. We might tag along.

thanks for the updates.

[HAWK]

Alexa,

How are my leathers coming along, I would like to pay Bill a visit and maybe stop by the shop at the ame time this week, I'm thinking  Wednesday the 13th.

Paul