Bobby Grim

Robert "Bobby" Grim (September 4, 1924 - June 14, 1995) was an American racing driver whose career epitomized the golden age of American oval track racing. Born in Coal City, Indiana, Grim grew up immersed in automotive culture—his father owned a Chevrolet dealership, which meant young Bobby learned to drive a car at the remarkably young age of six, foreshadowing his future behind the wheel.

After completing high school, Grim joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II. Upon returning home from the war, he wasted no time pursuing his passion for racing, beginning his competitive career in 1946 at Jungle Park, near Rockville, Indiana. This marked the start of what would become one of the most successful sprint car careers in American motorsports history.

In 1948, a pivotal moment occurred when Grim joined forces with master mechanic Hector Honore from Illinois, who had just acquired one of the legendary Offenhauser motors. This partnership between driver and mechanic proved to be extraordinarily potent, lasting eleven seasons in the Central States Racing Association and IMCA "big car" competition. Together, Grim and Honore became a dominant force in sprint car racing.

Grim's greatest achievements came driving the famed "Black Deuce" Offy of Hector Honore. He was the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) Big Car Champion for an unprecedented four consecutive years from 1955 to 1958, a feat that established him as one of the era's preeminent sprint car drivers. Over his eleven-year partnership with Honore, Grim won an astounding 183 races, a testament to both his skill and the team's exceptional preparation.

In 1958, Grim graduated to the USAC Championship Car series, beginning a new chapter in his racing career. He competed in the series from 1958 to 1969, accumulating 66 starts including memorable appearances at the Indianapolis 500. Grim raced at the Indianapolis 500 from 1959 to 1968, with the exception of 1965, making him a fixture at the Brickyard throughout the 1960s.

His 1959 Indianapolis debut was particularly notable—despite finishing in 26th position, Grim won the prestigious Indy Rookie of the Year award, recognizing his potential at the highest level. Throughout his USAC career, he finished in the top ten 30 times, with his sole USAC Championship victory coming in 1960 at Syracuse, New York.

In 1966, Bobby Grim achieved a unique distinction at Indianapolis when he qualified the #39 Racing Associates Special—the last front-engine roadster ever to race in the Indianapolis 500. This historic moment marked the end of an era as rear-engine cars were beginning to dominate. Unfortunately, Grim finished 31st after being caught in an 11-car crash on the opening lap, a dramatic reminder of the dangers drivers faced.

Grim's career came to an unfortunate end in 1969 when he suffered serious injuries in a midget car accident, forcing his retirement from racing. Born in Coal City, Indiana, where his journey began, Grim later died of cancer in Indianapolis on June 14, 1995, at age 70, leaving behind a legacy as one of sprint car racing's all-time greats.