We are all well aware of how emotionally difficult the 2014 racing season has been. Unfortunately, we have another name to add to the list of drivers who have passed on; Bob Savoie. Savoie, who has always been one of the most modest gentleman in the sport, never rolled through the gate with any awe inspiring flash or dazzle. In fact, if one didnt know who he was, he rolled through the gate with little recognition at all. Though that may be true in every sense, Savoie has not only left a large void in our sport that will never be filled; he has also left an indelible mark on northeast Dirt Modified racing. One only needs to perform a quick search of his name to understand his dominance of the CVRA circuit, his joy of racing at Fonda and his final career victory which came last August at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park in Fultonville, New York. All in all, he was a racers racer. The final years of his storied career were difficult as the Silver Bullet ran a two-car operation on his own dime, yet that didnt stop or curb his passion for the sport that he had enjoyed for decades. Again, he was a racers racer and the manner in which he conducted himself both on the track and off reflected that. Needless to say, we could have used more drivers like him and we probably always will. Though Bruce Springsteen may have hit the nail on the head when he announced that Glory Days will pass you by, he didnt mention that they should be forgotten and for Bob Savoie, that case should remain the same. Many of us who witnessed his exploits in person will never forget what he accomplished while he was here. In that sense, and that sense alone, we have a duty; a quest to keep his career and his person alive in the stories we will inevitably tell from days gone by. Mr. Savoie deserves that much. Though losing a loved one is never easy and there is, more often than not, no solace to be found, we can take comfort in knowing that he left it all on the speedway and went out as a racer regardless of whether he was still driving or not. The body may be gone but the spirit will remain. To all of his family members, friends, loved ones and fans we pass along our condolences during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you as well as our thoughts. Bob Savoie, thank you for the years of entertainment. Well never be able to repay you in full. Rest well and God Bless. Matt Noles Senior Editor and Lead Columnist Race Pro Weekly
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:59:47 +0000