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My name is Bill Hartman. I have been driving derby cars since 1987. Before that, I had built a number of them. Mostly Chryslers. The first car I derbied was a 1973 Chevy Townsman Wagon. It was a decent car and it didn't get very far. I had transmission problems. A friend of mine ran my car the next night and got third in the feature. After that a lot of my friends ran Chevy's but I dared to be different. Although the 4 yrs to follow my first were done out of fun it was the year 1991 that I became more serious about winning. That was the year my son was born. I named him after my best friend who was killed in an automobile accident. That friend helped me build my first derby car in 1987 and was killed one year later. His name was Dennis Mark Brinker. My parents have been very supportive of my decision to derby and have traveled many a mile to see me win. My father and mother have put in many hours to help me build my cars. What a parent wont do for their children - eh?
My father showed parade horses. When I was little he wanted to win so that he could give me his trophy. I remember those days so vividly now that I have my own children. When my son was born I decided then and there that no matter what I would win a trophy in each demo derby I ran so that I too, could give it to my son.
You see, my Mother and Father were unable to have children. They were in their mid 40's when they adopted me at 18 mos old. Ever since then they have made it a point to make sure I have never been without. I lost my mother February 21st, 2004 and my father is in his mid 80's. I now try and give back to them as much as they have given to me. Making it almost impossible to continue to drive in derbies. If Im lucky I get to do one a year. I havent drivin a derby car since September of 1998. I received my last trophy then and I hope that I can derby more in the future. ~still trying to find a decent car~ I havent drivin since 1998 because my second child was born the summer of 1999(a little girl). Things have been very hectic since then. (although, I think she will turn out to be a wonderful derby driver herself) Now 5, Sarah has loved to watch Derbies since the age of 2, and her first words were "I see Derby Tars"(I am a very proud father!)
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