Our Fall Meet and Track Day at Sebring International Raceway on October 15th would not have been possible without the hard work and persistence of Bill and Tricia Rose. Tricia originally began to explore the possibility of us getting out on the track with Chin Track Days. However, it turned out to be a better option with SCCA, which Bill pushed through and organized to make a reality and an incredible opportunity to drive the track with one’s own favorite Volvo.
There was a car corral set up under the pines on the infield for those that didn’t want to drive the track, and around noon Bill and Tricia graciously hosted lunch at their home just minutes from the Raceway. Lunch was 5-star and plentiful with meats cooked Sous vide (slow in water for a long time) by Jose Laboy and sides and brownies prepared by Tricia. Our crew ate happily and heartily, raving about the meal.
In what was labeled a Track Experience, there were 4 slots during the day for us to take our cars on the track. Bill roared about with the others in his 350Z.
It seems in retrospect that Bill willed himself to keep going and to make this meet happen just so others could enjoy the thrill of driving their cars on the track, as sadly for us all, he passed away just days later in his home.
Bill holds a dear place in the hearts of hundreds of Volvo enthusiasts. With his extensive/superior knowledge of the marque, he expertly repaired and restored our Volvos bringing us so much joy.
With his love of helping others, he freely gave his time to answer questions and give advice to anyone who contacted him. Over the years he and Tricia hosted Volvo meets for both the Southwest FL Volvo Club of America and Florida Volvo Club of America where Bill often gave Volvo repair sessions
He will be greatly missed, and we will cherish our memories of the special times we were able to share with him.
Some of Bill’s particulars:
William Allan Rose, 3/2/1953 to 10/27/2022
Born: Worcester, Mass. Deceased: Sebring, Fl.
Business: Owner and Lead Technician, Auto Clinic of Naples, Inc.-Volvo Specialist-June 1990 to November 2020
Club Affiliations:
Member, Volvo Club of America (Founding Member of Southwest Florida Chapter-1995 to 2002/Florida Chapter 2002-2022)
Associate Member, Volvo Sports America (Founding Member of Central Florida Chapter-2002 to 2022).
Sports Car Club of America-Central Florida Region-1999 to 2022-Competition Racing license 1999 to 2012.
Sponsor of numerous SW FL VCOA local chapter events, FL VCOA State events, VCOA, and VSA National events.
SCCA:
Along with A.C.N. Volvosports Teammate, Steve Alander, built a 1980 Volvo 242 for Improved Touring B. The 242 Volvo was later given to and campaigned by Teammate and Friend, Steve Alander. The 242 (then #17) was totaled in a racing incident in Turn 1 at Sebring International Raceway while being driven by Steve.
*A photograph of the 242 featuring Bill’s daughter, Heather, in front of the original location of the Auto Clinic of Naples, was included in Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. 20th Century Photo Album
Built 1973 Volvo 1800ES for F Production/E Production (dubbed Bluebird#18). Bluebird was campaigned competitively from 2001 to 2012 by both Bill and his wife, Patricia. Volvo was sold to Gordon Ross of Canada. Bluebird still appears at Car Shows and Driving Events around Canada.
*The 1800ES was included in the Volvo In Motorsports, A History of Volvo Car Corporation 1927-2010, page 73.
**The Evolution of Bluebird article appeared in the January/February 2013 issue of Rolling, the magazine of the Volvo Club of America.
Bill campaigned Bluebird, the 1800ES, at Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway and Watkins Glen (2001 VSA National Meet-Volvos at the Glen).
Bill married his wife, Patricia (Tricia) Rose, April 30, 1995 after completing the FL VCOA Timed Distance Speed Rally in his 1973 1800ES (prepped for street at the time) at the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Fl. The article, Life with the ES, appeared in the July/August 1995 issue of S-E-ES magazine, the magazine of Volvo Sports America.
