Bill worked as heavy equipment operator, he also worked for a local newspaper and then for 27 years, on his own creations; The Western Motoring News and The Boating News.

In 1957 Bill’s life was about to change. He was coerced into going to a power boat race all the while proclaiming “no interest and no damn way!” In a short period of time, Bill was scraping and painting a boat in his garage. The boat was named Hell’s Angel and was a 145 ci class hydro with Ford V8-60 power. Bill ran three races that year.

Bill campaigned the Hell’s Angel the next few years as a 225 class hydro with Studebaker power. It was during this period that the boat was renamed the Alouette Angel. Bill was instrumental in organizing the Alouette Regatta in 1962, while also honing his driving skills during that period.

In 1963, Bill sold the original Alouette conventional hydro after seeing the new Ron Jones cabover hydro design of which he purchased the second one built. He competed with the

BILL ALLAN - Inducted 2006

Pioneer - Power Boat Racing

Bill Allan on Record Run  (Bill Allan collection)

By George Bell, 2006

Bill Allan

cabover in the 225 class with Ford Comet power. 1963 saw Bill inducted into the Gulf Oil 100 MPH Club.

1964, 1965 and 1966 confirmed the faith that Bill had in the Ron Jones design, better finishes were starting to come his way.

1967 and 1968, competition saw Bill win two national high points Championships in the 225 class.

1969 was costly with blown engines and ending up one point short of a third consecutive 225 class National high points title.

In 1970, Bill bounced back and won his fourth 225 National high points title.

For 1971, 1972 and 1973, Bill was hired to drive a Seattle based seven litre hydro called The Tool Crib. Power was a Keith Black blown hemi, 150 mph, not bad for a guy who had minimal swimming skills and started racing with T shirt, shorts and no helmet!

Bill retired at the end of 1973.

 

Sadly Bill passed away just a few weeks before he was to be honoured by being inducted as a Pioneer of motorsport.