After more than four remarkable decades of service to the sport he loves, Bob Abitz is officially retiring from his role as a racing technical inspector and as the ASA Midwest Tour Technical Director. Bob’s retirement marks the end of an era in the racing community. His dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport, and his legacy will be remembered for generations.
In the early years, Bob grew up watching his dad race a midget and even before he was old enough to drive, he was a car owner at the age of 14. As soon as he turned 16, Bob moved to the driver’s seat. During the height of his career, he was racing 4 to 5 nights a week at asphalt tracks across the state of Wisconsin and the Midwest. Bob balanced his teaching career with racing and was known as the Flying Schoolteacher, often joined by his students at the track.
In the early 1980s, Bob managed to race and serve as a technical inspector simultaneously. Bob retired from driving in 1983 and focused on technical inspections, working with various sanctioning bodies throughout his career including ASA, NASCAR, ARTGO, and ARCA.
Bob’s commitment to fairness and safety in racing has set a gold standard. His presence at the track, his meticulous inspections, and his passion for the sport have earned him the respect and admiration of drivers, crews, and officials nationwide.
Bob’s involvement in racing has led to many lifelong friendships. He spent countless hours on phone calls, visiting engine builders and manufacturers, and sharing his expertise with the racing community.
Bob was named the 2015 NASCAR Officials Choice Award Winner and inducted into the Circle of Fame at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2020.
Bob’s work has shaped the foundation of American short track racing. His dedication and integrity have made a lasting impact, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the honor to work alongside him.
The ASA Midwest Tour has promoted Shawn Buckingham to the role of Technical Director, a role which he will also remain in for the Midwest Truck Series.
