Lewis G. (Junior) Pippin Jr., of Conyers, Ga., a longtime racer/owner in NHRA’s Pro Stock Motorcycle class, passed away Nov. 5. He was 64.
The Junior Pippin Racing Facebook page posted the following comment as part of a post on Nov. 6.
The Pippin family sends out their love and thanks for the outpouring of prayers. God’s love and speed to everyone.
Pippin was the owner/operator of Junior Pippin Trucking Company in Conyers, Ga. He enjoyed drag racing and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Most recently, Pippin had success with Chip Ellis as the driver of his Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Ellis had been racing for good friend Pippin since mid-May of the 2015 season.
Ellis finished sixth in the 2015 points standings – highlighted by two runner-up finishes at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and Reading, Pa., and three No. 1 qualifier spots at Englishtown, N.J., Chicago and Indy.
Then, in 2016, Ellis placed fifth in the points standings and captured one win at the fall race in Charlotte, N.C. This season, Ellis has competed in nine races and is 14th in the points.
Pippin was diagnosed with nasal cancer shortly after the NHRA’s Route 66 Nationals July 9-12 of 2015 in Chicago, and he started chemotherapy and radiation Aug. 31 of that year.
It was announced Nov. 2, Ellis would ride a third Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Street Rod at the season-ending NHRA Auto Club Finals, Nov. 9-12 in Pomona, Calif., as a tribute to Junior Pippin.
Pippin returned to NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racing in September of 2013 at Charlotte, N.C., after two years away from the sport. Pippin sat out the 2011 and 2012 seasons out of NHRA competition while supporting his wife, Lisa in her battle with breast cancer.
Pippin is survived by his wife, Lisa; son, Trent (Sonya) Pippin; sons, Derek and Scot; grandchildren, Clarice, Garrett, Sarah and Michael; numerous friends and other family members.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Scot Ward’s Green Meadow Chapel in Conyers, with Pastor Eric Lee of Light of Calvary Baptist Church officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens.
Family will receive friends Nov. 10 from 5-9 p.m. (ET) and Nov. 11 from noon-2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.
