Gille Follows In Family Footsteps
Third-Generation Driver Wins Illinois and Rockford Titles
Now 27 years old, Gille made that dream a reality in 2015. He piloted his No. 50 Lonnie Held Plumbing/Windsor Auto Sales Chevrolet to the top of Rockford Speedway’s Late Model division with as well as the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Illinois standings.
“I’ve been around racing my entire life,” the Winnebago, Illinois, native said. “My grandpa raced and my dad and uncle followed. I was raised around it.
“My uncle was the only one in our family to win a Late Model championship, he won three. It was always something I wanted growing up, it was my ultimate goal. It was great to win the championship and even better to win it with him helping me.”
2015 STATE/PROVINCE CHAMPIONS | 2015 TRACK CHAMPIONS
His dad, Tom, and his uncle, Jerry, have been competing at the ¼-mile high-banked oval for more than 30-years. Jerry is a three time champion at Rockford Speedway. He began competing in Hobby Stocks at Rockford in 1985. He moved to the Sportsman Division in 1986-88 and then to Late Models in 1989.
“Rockford was a second home for me growing up,” the third generation driver said. “My grandparents took me to the track every weekend to watch my dad and uncle compete. My dad and uncle taught me to love the sport and how to respect it.”
Gille had quite the season on the way to his first championship crowns earning four wins, 15 top fives and 10 top 10s in 15 starts. To become the sixth different champion in six years at Rockford Speedway after finishing 31 points over runner-up, Michael Bilderback.
“It was a great year,” said Gille. “In previous years I wasn’t out there racing for points, but last year I set out wanting to win and that need grew bigger headed into last season. We did everything right and my guys did a great job. We knew we had a shot to go out there and win the championship.”
The title he never dreamed of winning was the state championship.
“It was cool to win the Illinois title,” said Gille. “We’re the only track in Illinois so if you do well, you know you have a shot to win it.”
His success this season and his championship crowns have an even greater meaning to Gille and his family.
“My grandpa passed away during the season,” Gille said. “So to win for both titles for the first time is really special to me and my family.
“We won a race a week after he passed away, so this is a great way to honor him. It’s also special for my grandma and a great way to thank her for supporting our racing careers over the years.”
With Rockford Speedway gearing up for the 2016 season, Gille and his team are excited to get back to the track.
“We have a newer car this season, so we’ve been working hard on that,” Gille said. “We want to try for a repeat this season, but our main focus for the start of the season will be staying in the mix.”
Rockford Speedway will hold the 39th Annual Spring Classic on April 17 at 1 p.m., and their 69th Season Opener will take place on April 23 at 7:07 p.m.
With the 2016 season looming in the horizon and Gille gearing up to defend his titles, he has to thank his many supporters for making his 2015 season such a success.
“I have so many people to thank,” exclaimed Gille. “My entire family – my grandmother, dad, mom, and uncle. My father-on-law, Lonnie Held, for all his support and his babysitting services. My wife Amber, who was out there every week, even when she was pregnant, and our two children.
“All of my sponsors – Lonnie Held Plumbing, Windsor Auto Sales, Cronies Grill, Lask Roofing, A&H Refrigerated Freight, Jerry’s CB Shop, Delta Disc Jockey, Affordable Signs and Ewald Services.
“And of course, my crew for their hard work every week. They put in a lot of work and it takes away time with their families, but I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Established in 1982, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR’s national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. In all, 57 paved and dirt tracks throughout the United States and Canada participated in 2015.
Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series’ title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars are among the many showcases for Whelen products.
Gille won four of 15 late model features at Rockford Speedway in 2015. Courtesy of Jimmy Ambruoso/Finish Line Photos
Sources: Brooke Franceschini, NASCAR