supporter of stock-car racing in the New England region, collected one
of NASCAR's most prestigious and longest-running awards today in New
York City.
Bahre received the Buddy Shuman Award during the 2008 NASCAR NMPA
Myers Brothers Media Luncheon. Presented since 1957, the award
annually recognizes individuals who have made significant
contributions to NASCAR racing.
It honors the late Buddy Shuman, a pioneering NASCAR driver who died
in a hotel fire in Nov. 1955.
"Bob was a pioneer in NASCAR's growth in the northeast," said NASCAR
President Mike Helton. "He's one of the most respected men in the
sport – ever."
Bahre, 80, is the former owner of New Hampshire Motor Speedway and
Oxford Plains Speedway. A resident of Paris Hill, Maine, he purchased
what is now New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1989 and re-opened it –
following reconstruction and renovations – in 1990.
NASCAR events have been held at the track since July 1990.
Bahre also owned and operated Oxford Plains Speedway from 1986-'94.
He's also renowned for his collection of vintage cars, which he shares
with the public each summer during a Founder's Day festival in Paris
Hill.
As New England's largest sports facility, New Hampshire Motor Speedway
includes a 1.056-mile oval track and a 1.6-mile road course and room
for 105,491 spectators. A new chapter in the track's history began in
Nov. 2007, when Bahre and his son Gary sold the facility to Speedway
Motorsports Inc.
More recognition is forthcoming: Bahre will be inducted into the New
England Auto Racing Hall of Fame on Jan. 25, 2009.
No comments:
Post a Comment