In a tribute befitting of his numerous contributions to motorsports, the City of Jacksonville and the automotive retail industry, nearly 1,800 family members, friends and competitors gathered at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the life of Brumos Racing President and CEO and Grand-Am Vice Chairman Bob Snodgrass, who died last week at the age of 64.
After an invocation by Richard Anderson of Motorsports Ministries, the program was conducted by Brumos Motor Cars Chairman Dan Davis. Over a dozen speakers paid tribute to Snodgrass, and the program also featured a compilation of videos provided by Chet Burks Productions and narrated by SPEED Grand-Am host Leigh Diffey.
Susan de Padua Snodgrass, Bob Snodgrass’ wife, and his two sons Harris Snodgrass and Robert F. “Trey” Snodgrass, III, were among many family members present, and both Harris and Trey spoke on behalf of the family.
“There were so many great things you could say about Bob Snodgrass, ” said Harris. “He was my father, mentor and best friend. Everything I know about life, I learned from him. I want to thank all of you for the support you have shown to me and my family, and his other family at Brumos. Thank you for coming. “
Long-time Brumos Racing driver Hurley Haywood, as well as crew chief and Snodgrass’ childhood friend Mike Colucci were joined by Brumos drivers JC France, Darren Law and David Donohue and the entire Brumos crew to pay their respects. Haywood quieted the crowd with his tribute.
“Bob and I knew each other for 34 years, ” Haywood said. “He was like my brother, and it is difficult to look at all of this and not have him there to turn to and ask his advice. Most of us remember Bob as a larger than life figure. There were always stories in the paper of how Brumos as an organization would do so much to help so many worthwhile and charitable causes. But one of the things that impressed me the most about Bob was what he would do to help out the individual guy. If he liked you and liked what you were trying to do, he would move a mountain to help you.
“Many of us in Grand-Am have been privileged to benefit from that over the years. I hope I am big enough to fill his shoes even a little bit to keep that passion and dedication moving, even in a small way. Bob, we miss you and we love you. Thank you for everything you have done for us. “
Many in the racing community also turned out to pay their respects, including International Speedway Corporation CEO Jim France, Grand-Am President Roger Edmondson and Commissioner John Bishop among many others from Grand-Am, NASCAR President Mike Helton, and Daytona International Speedway Vice President of Operations Dick Hahne leading a large contingent from the Speedway.
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