NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racer William Janke, 57, of Newburgh, N.Y., died from injuries suffered Sunday.

Longtime NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racer William “Bill” Janke, 57, of Newburgh, N.Y., died from injuries suffered Sunday during Top Sportsman eliminations at the Division 1 race at Lebanon Valley Dragway.

According to New York State Police Trooper Aaron J. Hicks, the department’s public information officer, Janke’s accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Hicks’ report said Janke “lost control of his vehicle for unknown reasons and struck a barrier. Janke was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical service personnel.”

An article in the publication County Local News said, “Janke’s impact on the NHRA community extended far beyond the track. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help fellow racers, always offering advice and support to those in need. His warm personality and sense of humor made him a beloved figure in the racing world, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Susan Wade has lived in the Seattle area for 40 years, but motorsports is in the Indianapolis native’s DNA. She has emerged as one of the leading drag-racing writers with nearly 30 seasons at the racetrack, focusing on the human-interest angle.  She was the first non-NASCAR recipient of the prestigious Russ Catlin Award and has covered the sport for the Chicago Tribune, Newark Star-Ledger, and Seattle Times. She has contributed to Autoweek as a