(Wisconsin Dells, WI) – Longtime ASA Midwest Tour tech inspector Bob Abitz announced prior to the start of the 2025 season that he was retiring from the sport.
On Saturday, August 30th, he will be honored with a retirement party in the pits at Dells Raceway Park prior to the Jim Sauter Classic 200 presented by Don’s Auto Truck Center & Hableman Bros. Company.
The party is scheduled from 12:30-3:00 p.m. at pit stalls 121 & 122 at Dells Raceway Park upper pit area. All are invited to join and visit with Bob and his family.
Bob’s retirement marked 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 School teacher, 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.
You must purchase a pit pass to enter the pit area. This will also serve as your admission to the Jim Sauter Classic 200 later that day.
