RPW Exclusive: Sometimes, Racing Isn’t All About Checkered Flags & Trophies
Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – MALTA, NY – This past weekend may have been a big event for the fans, racers and officials at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, but for one person in particular, Bob James from Bobco Racing Video, it meant more than just laps around a race track.
Last Thursday at the Malta, NY oval was a special event, in more ways than one for Bob. For over two decades, ‘Bobco’ has been the videographer of several races at many of the area’s speedway. Unfortunately, right at the moment, he’s not filming battles, he’s in one of his own, as he’s in a courageous fight against cancer.
With the help of many, it was decided to hold a silent auction to raise money to help join in his fight and mounting medical bills. Many race teams donated panels from their race cars and other items to raise money for Bob .
However, track promoter Lyle DeVore wanted to do something extra to help out. As an added bonus, DeVore reached out to defending Pro Stock track champion, Kenny Martin, who recently moved to North Carolina. He use to race for Bob in the class and wanted to see if Kenny would be a part of the special Pro Stock event held that night. He wanted something special for Bobco.
In true Kenny fashion, he said he would be thrilled to do so, and said he would be there for his great friend and give it a whirl in the race. The interesting part was that Bob knew nothing about Kenny coming up. The crew had something up their sleeves.
To put a twist on his home-coming. With Bob owning the #93 Bobco Video Pink Panther car, the crew stated they were taking it to Kenny in North Carolina to race. While Bob was on track for a presentation, much to his surprise, out came the #93 with his driver “Krazy” Kenny behind the wheel.
This was the first time for Kenny was back in a racecar since last season. For Bob, seeing his car with Kenny behind the wheel sure did put a big smile on Bob’s face. Kenny show Bob a great run on the track as well, starting scratch (20th) and working his way to a fine fifth place finish.
Hats off for everyone who had a hand in making this a special night for a very strong a special gentleman to everyone in this sport.
If you’re interested in helping out, a goFundMe page has been set up to help Bob as well. Click here to show your support.
