17 replies to this topic

[mfd]

Today a friend reminded me that is was exactly ten years ago, the man known to many as 'Brilliant Bob' died in a tragic accident. It would be good to hear recollections of him & his racing, or if anyone has some photos of him, then please post them.

Edited by mfd, 16 March 2011 - 20:12.

[Giraffe]

Link to his record:

http://forums.autosp...w...st&p=324882

[taylov]

Here's one of my favourite signed photos of Bob in the 936C at the 1982 Ring 1000krace (I think)

Tony



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Kitkent]

Excellent photo! All you could ever want about Bob on this French forum,it's up to 309 pages....
http://www.forum-aut...s/sujet1901.htm

[URY914]

I was at Sebring the day of the race and they announcecd what had happened the day before. It was a very sad day for all. I still think that riding a bike from the track on those 2 line roads considering the traffic in the area at the time was not the smartest thing to do.

[Jesper O. Hansen]

I think I read the sad news on the net - an 84 year old truck driver overlooked Wollek, on his bike heading for the nearby Sebring track. This was about a month after the untimely death of Dale Earnhardt (Sr.)

He was impossible to miss from 1980s sports car results and race reports since he seemed to race just about every week in either the World championship, IMSA or the German Supercup. A factory Porsche driver from time to time, but had the courage to go for customer teams and Lancia on the way. Although he was missing out on the top drives by the time of his death, he still brought some class to the show. I wonder if he would have soldiered on for another decade, had he lived? If, for nothing else, simply because he was such an integral part of sportscar racing.

Only more recently I have learned of his Formula 2 days with Ron Dennis and the group 5 prototype and silhouette drives of the 1970s, and although missing out on Formula 1 - don't know why - it has never taken anything away from my acknowledgement of "Brilliant Bob"!

Jesper

[Formula Once]

Everyone I meet who knew Bob has nothing but wonderful things to say about him. A fantastic racer and an even greater person. I met him a few times when I got involved in sports car racing; very friendly, always quick. I liked the fact that he rated a German Group 5 win as one of his best because that win came after a proper sprint race (in which he passed many cars after spinning at the start) rather than a typical endurance run and Bob was of course more than one of the best long distance drivers. Also, he was one of the few drivers who really liked racing 935's which was quite a handful I understand. Such a nice person.

[stevewf1]

I was at Sebring the day of the race and they announcecd what had happened the day before. It was a very sad day for all. I still think that riding a bike from the track on those 2 line roads considering the traffic in the area at the time was not the smartest thing to do.

If I recall, it was the passenger side rear-view mirror that got Wollek. Hit him on the back of the head. And I agree that riding a bicycle on public roads is very dangerous - something that from my experience, some of these riders don't seem to appreciate...

[JacnGille]

Everyone I meet who knew Bob has nothing but wonderful things to say about him...

Except maybe AJ Foyt.

[24hourman]

Bob wollek was an avid cyclist and regulary when racing at Le mans travelled on his bike from Northern France to the circuit. I always thought it poignant that he tried so hard to win Le Mans competing 30 times 6 times on the podium but never winning outright, then along would come someone who would win at the first attempt. RIP brilliant Bob Wollek.

[taylov]

...... Also, he was one of the few drivers who really liked racing 935's which was quite a handful I understand. Such a nice person.

Great memories

Tony



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[SamoanAttorney]

Today a friend reminded me that is was exactly ten years ago, the man known to many as 'Brilliant Bob' died in a tragic accident. It would be good to hear recollections of him & his racing, or if anyone has some photos of him, then please post them.

There are three pieces on my blog paying respects to Bob Wollek.

http://www.doubledec...?tag=bob-wollek

Bill Oursler takes a look back at his friend.

I recall Bob through images from my archive.

I hope that posting these links is allowed under forum rules.

jb

[cjpani]

This is Bob and I (left) at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, just shy 3 months (or so) before his untimely death.



The event was the entrance of Porsche to the Mexican market (or at least "officially").
My cousin (the other bloke in the picture) and I, amongst other few lucky ones, were lucky to co-pilot Bob in a 3 lap hot ride around the full circuit.
Bob at the wheel, and this at his commands:



suffice to say it was pure joy. Even though we were going -FAST- the calmness, and smoothness("coolness"?) of Bob at the wheel was something I still remember to this day.

regards,
cj

p.s.
gratuitious pic of another hot lap -same day- in one of Porsche's Museum pieces:

Edited by cjpani, 22 March 2011 - 23:58.

[raceannouncer2003]

p.s.
gratuitious pic of another hot lap -same day- in one of Porsche's Museum pieces:




Looks like the 1960 Sebring winner. Is that Hans Herrmann driving?

Vince H.

[cjpani]

Is that Hans Herrmann driving?

Vince H.

I have no idea Vince!

cj

[mfd]

I have no idea Vince!

You're joking surely?

[cjpani]

You're joking surely?

nope?? that doesn't look like Mr Herrmann at all
IIRC that is Klaus Bischoff (sp?) from the Porsche Museum, but I'm not sure...
regards
cj

[mfd]

nope?? that doesn't look like Mr Herrmann at all
IIRC that is Klaus Bischoff (sp?) from the Porsche Museum, but I'm not sure...
regards
cj

No it doesn't, but I thought if that's you in the passenger side of the car, you'd remember who you sat next to!