Bill Meyer’s push truck isn’t just any push truck, it’s a machine with history. Decades ago, his father named it “Fugly” because of its unusual color and "no-nonsense" attitude, Bill stated. It wasn’t the prettiest truck on the road, but it was always the one that got the job done. It pulled massive fifth wheel trailers across the country, hauled race cars to the track, and went on countless camping trips. While newer, better looking trucks came and went, Fugly was the one still running strong at the end of every weekend. That legacy continues today as Fugly keeps the Arizona dirt track racing scene moving.
For Bill, pushing race cars isn’t just about the mechanics, it’s about the people. Fugly Push Co. is more than just a team; it’s a family. Together, they do whatever it takes to help the sport grow. Their passion for racing fuels their commitment, whether it’s pushing cars, lending a hand in the pits, or simply keeping the energy alive at the track. While they appreciate all forms of racing, there’s nothing quite like pushing 410 non-wing sprint cars. “They are the best race cars ever created,” Bill says, and anyone who has witnessed the raw power and skill it takes to race them would agree.
Bill himself has been behind the wheel of a push truck for the past four years, but Fugly has been in the game for 50. That longevity speaks volumes, not just about the truck’s reliability, but about the dedication and love for the sport that runs in the Meyer family. Through the years, he’s come to appreciate the emotional side of racing as much as the action on the track. Being up close and personal with drivers as they experience the highs and lows of competition makes the job incredibly special. “When you see them heartbroken in defeat, it makes their joy of victory much more special,” he says. Seeing those moments unfold from the best seat in the house is something he’ll never take for granted.
Of course, no push truck team can do their job without a good working relationship with track promoters, and for Bill, Brad Whitfield has been that guy. “Thanks for being open-minded about my crazy ideas,” he says, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in keeping the sport alive and thriving.
Over the years, Bill and his team have pushed at several tracks, but none feel quite like home the way Cocopah Speedway does. “It was the first race track that I felt at home since Manzanita closed,” he says, citing not just the racing but the people and facilities that make Cocopah special. But if there’s one event that remains on the bucket list, it’s the Knoxville Nationals. The energy, the prestige, and the sheer magnitude of the event make it a dream for any sprint car fan, and one day, Bill hopes to have Fugly lined up there, ready to do what it does best.
After a long night at the track, the team enjoys a well earned beer, but they aren’t picky. “Any beer that a driver hands us is always our favorite,” Bill jokes. At the end of the day, it’s about the camaraderie and the shared passion for racing, not what’s in the can.
When it comes to advice, Bill keeps it simple. “I am really not the one to give anyone advice,” he says with a laugh, but he does believe in one universal truth. “Racing is no different than anything else in life. The effort you put into it decides the reward you will get out of it.” Whether it’s a young driver dreaming of making it big or an up-and-coming push truck operator looking to follow in his footsteps, hard work and dedication will always be the key to success.
For Bill Meyer and Fugly Push Co., pushing sprint cars isn’t just a weekend hobby, it’s a way of life. It’s about family, passion, and keeping the sport alive for future generations. Whether they’re at their home track or chasing a dream at Knoxville, one thing is certain, Fugly will be pushing race cars for years to come!
Join Bill Meyer and the Fugly Push Co. team as they elevate the racing community and bring families closer with their outstanding Fugly Pet Drive. For more information click on the link and get involved with the Fugly Pet Drives today!