"It Ain't Easy Being Green"
"A Real Shoestring Operation"

The two items in the quotation marks, above, were the "sayings" that Bob Green had on his Modified Stock Car, a car he called "Minerva". I just had to put them in this story!

When I had heard that there was going to be a "Bobby Green Memorial" race at the Accord, N.Y. Speedway, on July 26th, I thought that I would try to do something about him, for publication, on the Open Wheel Racing website. The first person that I was able to get something from, was, Chip Gross. Chip has been lettering race cars forever, it seems, and he was a close family friend of the Green family. I had mentioned something about this to him, and asked if he had any photos. "How about an album full?", he asked me. That, plus, Chip had a program from Orange County Fair Speedway, that was "dated" July 17th, 1976 - one week after Bob Green won his first, and only, Modified feature at that track. Bob was the 1973 Sportsman (Small Block) champion at OCFS, and he managed to get 8 wins in that class, during his career at Orange County. Bob was featured on the cover, and inside the program, that Chip had.

Gee, how do you start something about someone who was a "friend", and has been gone for a little over seven years? With memories, I guess? So, what will follow, will be some of my memories, and hopefully, I will be able to get some memories of Bob, while at the Accord Speedway on the night that he was being remembered, and with some interviews later on.
I'd like to think that Bob Green and I were friends. Although I never did help him on his racecars, I guess you could say I was there for "Moral Support".

Bob had a couple of my fellow workers, from the Grand Union Company, on his race team. Tom Wilson and Fred "Butch" Whittaker. Also, other "friends" of mine, Gary Roorda and Chip Gross either helped on the car, or were always at the Green house/garage. So, I just naturally became a fan of the man. 

On occasion, and in my thinking now, never enough times, my boys, Tom & Eric, and I, would take a trip over to "Greenies". I would often wonder how he could do so much, with so little. Talk about a "low budget" race team. The one thing that stood out, with me, about Bob, was his always willing to help others. As an example, the night before Bob had his accident at the Accord Speedway, the one that curtailed his career, Eric and I were at his house, and he stopped working on his race car, and took the time to put some extra "grooves" on our Go Kart tires. This before one of the biggest races, well, for him, of the year - a "Syracuse Qualifier". Another time, this time in the pit area at Orange County, a competitor had the mis-fortune to have his car erupt in fire, while he was still in it. Guess who pulled him out? "Helpful" Bob Green. After pulling the driver out of his burning car, Bob ran to the ambulance, at the other end of the track, to tell them what had happened. That other driver is still racing, today! Bill Wilson.

Speaking of Syracuse qualifiers - I very well remember the time that there was one at OCFS, for the "Big Blocks", one year, during the annual fair. I was fortunate to be "off" that day, a Wednesday, and I happened to stop in to see Tom Wilson at the Grand Union store in Washingtonville, NY. Inquiring as to whether Bob was going to go race in the 100 lapper, Tom said that no they were not going to go. So I went to the track with, from what I can remember, four of my kids. Judy, Sandy, Tom and Eric. After all, it was the fair, and they all wanted to go on rides and such. So, we parked in the "Drive In" section on the backstretch, and walked over to the fair. On our way back, one of the kids happened to notice the green # 69 being towed towards the track, over in the drive in section. We were able to talk to Bob before he "signed in". "Thought we would come up and have a little fun", is what he told me. Some fun! I think that Bob led that race for something like 42 laps, then he had the misfortune of swallowing a valve in his engine. Second place, at the time, was Bobby Bottcher. Bottcher went on to win. Bob was so close, yet so far from getting a guaranteed spot for "The Big One".

The times that Bob had a ride in the Harris Brothers # 44, and still brought his "Green Machine", Minerva, to the track - as a back-up. He would qualify both cars. Bob would run the Harris car in the feature. And since he had qualified Minerva too, he would put someone in it - just for them to run some laps and get a few extra bucks. The "someone" would not necessarily be a regular driver - but someone from his crew - like Mike McDermott. After a few weeks of this, track management became a little "Irate", and told him that he had to put a "Regular" driver in the car. Bob had an answer for that - "Heck, then I'll put the Tucker "kid" in the car then", he told the "powers that be". Bob, being one that operated on a "shoestring budget" was going to put another low buck driver, the Tucker "kid" in the car.

Not to get off of the subject, but the program that Chip had loaned me, the one from July 17, 1976, had the drivers rosters in it. In the "Modified" roster, believe it or not, there were 97 names. In the "Sportsman" (Small Block) roster, there were 161 names! And, back then, on any given Saturday night, there would always be at least 70 cars there for the "Sportsman" class. Ah, yes, the "Good Old Days"! Believe it or not, there are still some drivers that are listed in that program that are still racing today. Some of them are: Wayne Reutimann, Bill Wilson, Richie Eurich, Jimmy Horton Jr., Tom Hager, Bob Dini. Joe Dunay, Butch Tittle, Henry Sharp, Brett Hearn and Butch Riddle. It was mentioned in that program that the "Sportsman" (Small block) feature was won by another "friend" of mine, Bobby Houck, from Port Jervis, NY. Also, Brett Hearn was running the Van Iderstine # 77 for the first time, in a feature event, at Orange County Fair Speedway, on that night. Yes, some date to remember - July 10, 1976. 

I remember, quite well, the last time that Bob Green raced. We were in the pit area at Accord that night. Bob had some tire problems, and had been in the pits a couple of times. As said above, it was, I believe a "Syracuse Qualifier" for small blocks. I remember talking to him, while he was in his car. Had to be about his tire problem. Even though he knew he was out of the running, he was intent on getting back onto the speedway. Now, I wish he hadn't. After his "tumble" between 3 & 4, the race was red flagged. It took some time to get him from the car to the ambulance. It didn't look that serious. Little did we know, at the time. His son, Robbie Green, was leading at the time. Robbie's car was stopped, close to the first turn, while under the red flag condition. His left front tire was flat. If my memory serves me right, I believe that they asked Robbie if he wanted the race stopped, at that time. Pretty sure that he said that his father would have wanted it to go on. And, it did go on. Robbie Green won that night - flat tire not withstanding.

The next day, a Saturday, I called Bob's home to see how he was doing. One of his crewmen, Sam Acquaro, answered the phone. The news that I heard was totally unexpected. Sam said that they gave Bob a 3% chance of surviving. Believe, me, this was something that hit me like a ton of bricks. Hey, I saw the end of his flip. It did not look that serious. Problems that I could not see are what really caused the damage. A few days later, we went up to visit him in the hospital. I remember Rich Ricci Sr. being there - he being a competitor, but also a friend of Bob's. The racing "fraternity" and friends of Bob Green came to his aid. Various benefits were staged. One, in particular, I remember quite well. It was, more or less, a "Movie Benefit" for Bob. Johnny "O", Johnny Owen, was the "MC". There were films to be viewed that had been taken by various photographers. There was a very good turn-out of fans and friends.

For reasons unknown to us, but maybe only to God, Bob never fully recovered from his "injuries". He was "aware" of what was going on, but as far as he being able to communicate, well it was very, very hard. Eventually, Bobby ended up in a "Care Facility", where there was constant care for him. From what I had heard, Bob's passing from life on this earth was attributed to an extremely long hot spell. His body, once that of a strong, active, virile man, had gotten weak from the years of just laying in a bed. He was just not strong enough to overcome the heat. When talking to Robbie and Davey, Bob's other son, they said that their father could never take the heat too much.

Memorial races have a tendency to come and go. Some last longer than others. Sadly, some last for just a short time. To quickly we forget those that we try to remember. The speedway in Accord, N.Y. where Bob ran his last race, is now under new ownership. Robbie Green, after a long absence from the track, returned there last year to compete once again. This year, Gary Palmer, the track owner, had scheduled a "Bobby Green Memorial" race. When I first saw it on the schedule, I just knew that it was one race that I definitely would be attending. While attending a Go Kart race the Wednesday previous to Bob's Memorial race, I had inquired as to what the cost was going to be to enter the pit area on Friday night. When I had told Mr. Palmer's daughter that I was in the process of doing this story about Bob, she told me that I would be admitted free, if I had a "Press Card", which I do, from the OWR web site. Hey I am also a member of EMPA, the Eastern Motorsports Press Association. So, the cost would be zero. My plan was to go to the pit area on Friday, with my recorder, and see what I might get from various people there, regarding Bobby Green. For some reason, I opted to go into the grandstand the night of the race. No, I did not use my credentials. Hey, this was a race for Bob Green, and I thought it only right that I should pay my way in.

A day or two before the race for Bob, I received a phone call from Tom Wilson. I had mentioned, in a previous conversation with him, that there was going to be the memorial race for Bob on the 26th. I think I can honestly say that Tom had not been back to Accord since Bobby had his accident - some 20 years ago. Up until about five years ago, Tom would sit with me at the track in Middletown, NY. But for him, it just was not like it used to be. Gradually, Tom got away from the racing scene, to the point that about the only race he would attend was the seasons final race, "Eastern States". When Tom called me, he said "Magoo, "Tiny" Malcom and I are going up to Accord for Bob's race". Oh yes, for reasons known only to very few people, Tom and I called each other "Magoo". And there is no need to get into that story. Well, since Tom & Tiny were going up to Accord, and they were going to the grandstand rather than the pit area, that also helped make my mind up, as to what I would do when I got there. I told "Magoo" where I normally sat, and for him & Tiny to look me up, when they got there, as I would have some seats saved for them.

Friday, July 26th, was a day when you did not know for sure what the weather was going to be like. Occasional showers were being called for. Usually when that type of weather is called for, the Accord area is the area that gets the showers. For this night, I can only say that Bob must have put in the word to someone "Higher" than us, for a break in the weather. So, here I am, sitting in an area close to where I told "Magoo" I would be. I noticed a couple of familiar faces. I gave a wave, and they saw me. Bill and Marion Iacobellis. Marion, over twenty years ago, was the President of the "Bobby Green Fan Club", a club that I was proud to be a member of. In fact, I still have the green, felt, circular, "Bobby Green 69" fan club "patch" in my wallet. Marion told me that this was their first race in twenty years. They found some seats on the other side of the stairway, and up about three rows. About five minutes later, "Magoo" and "Tiny" came. Before they could get in next to me, Bill came down to greet Tom. "Magoo" sat next to me. Tiny sat right behind me, at the end of the aisle, since with his bad leg, he had to keep it out straight. A short time later, two gentlemen and a lady sitting behind Tiny asked Tom if he knew Bob Green. They got into a discussion about the good old days when Bobby Green was racing. It seems that the two gentlemen were the White brothers. They, at one time, helped sponsor Bobby when he was racing. Now, I was glad I had decided to go into the grandstands.

With all the heat and consi racing done, and a couple of other classes features being run, it was finally time for the "Bobby Green Memorial" race. On occasion, at Accord Speedway, before certain feature races, they line up all the cars on the main straight, with the nose of the cars facing the stands. Each driver is given two tennis balls, with their car number on them. As the drivers are introduced, they throw the balls into the stands. If you are fortunate to get the ball from the feature winner, you collect - I had heard - $50.00. When they got to Robbie Green, the announcer asked Robbie to say a few words. My recorder? It was in my car. So, I will try by memory, repeating what Robbie had to say. I believe he started out by thanking the large crowd for coming out on this, his father's night. He said that we were here for a joyous occasion, not an occasion for sadness. We were here to celebrate his father's life. He happened to say that yes, this was the first "Bobby Green Memorial" race. He said he hoped that when he was old and gray, he could still come up to the Speedway in Accord and still pay homage to his father in many more "Bobby Green Memorials" Even though his father's life was way to short, his father did do what he really enjoyed. Did I have a tear or two in my eyes? Of course. And, I do not think that I was alone.

What do you think would be a fitting end to the "Bobby Green Memorial" evening? Naturally, for his son to go home the victor! I'll not keep you in suspense. Yes, Robbie did win the race. The initial "Bobby Green Memorial" event was won by his son. Oh yes, before I forget, when the green flag was waved to start the 50 lap race, they had a guest starter up on the starters stand - Randy Green, the grandson of Bob Green. Randy has been a "flagger" on numerous occasions, copying the flaggers at Accord and on occasion, OCFS, in Middletown, NY. I have to say that the young lad has a way with waving the flags. As I said, Robbie did win the event. It was not a "gimmie" win. Andy Bachetti tried everything to get the win. At one time he actually did get ahead of Robbie. In a heads up move, Robbie was able to get Andy behind a lapped car, and re-took the lead. Could Andy have taken Robbie out? Sure, on many occasions. Credit must go to both drivers for running a clean race.

By the time the last feature of the night was run, a lot of the teams were loaded up and ready to leave the pit area. I had gone back to my car to get my recorder, but anyone that I would have spoken to, other than the Green crew members, family and friends, about Bob, had just about left. I had a short conversation with Robbie. Asked him, since the small block race up in Syracuse, in October was now going to be only 75 miles, what with the USAC Silver Crown cars there also, if he was entertaining any thoughts about going up there. With his victory tonight, he had a "Guaranteed" starting spot. Robbie is giving it some thought. Now, remember one of the sayings that I had way up in the beginning of this story - "A Real Shoestring Operation"? That almost fits Robbie Green to a "T", also. 

Will he go to Syracuse? It would be nice if he did. I remember many years ago when Bob wanted to go, but was a little short of funds. Friends of Bob Green raised enough for him to make the trek up north. Will history repeat itself, for Robbie? With some later talks to Robbie and Dave, I was informed that they would not be going to Syracuse. The additional high expenses for competing in that event will keep them from going. 

I thought that it might be a good idea to get some thoughts, and some memories, of Bob Green, from some of those that knew him from back in his racing days. While up at the Acord Speedway, on August 16, to start on another article for the OWR web site, I had to opportunity to have a short interview with Rich Ricci Sr. Rich, had in the past, competed against Bob, and his two sons, Mike and Rich Jr. compete against Robbie. What made me want to talk to Rich was the fact that when I went up to Kingston, to the hospital, to see Bob, right after he had gotten injured, Rich was there, with members of his family, to check on Bob also. So, I figured that there must have been a pretty close "tie" between Rich and Bob.

Rich had this to say about Bob: " I raced against him .. he was a tough competitor. He wasn't, if I can remember.. he wasn't a very steady competitor ... like he would race three or four weeks in a row, then he would take a couple of weeks off, and then he would come back. But when he came back, you would have to go look at his car because.. he was an innovator. He always had something different than anybody else. Uh, whether it was suspension points or a little piece of tin here or a little piece of tin there, you know he was always looking for the aerodynamics. He was a good driver . . . an awful good driver. I raced a lot of races with him. I beat him in a lot of races, and he's probably beat me in races. Like I said, I raced steady every week, and from what I can remember, he would take a couple of weeks off, then come back racing, and, but when he come back, he always came back STRONG. Other than that, he had the same car . . . he was always cuttin' it up, ya know?"

Now Rich said something that very few knew about. "You know, it's a funny thing, that I always remarked - Bob Green was the first guy to have an enclosed trailer. At every race track I ever went to . . . he was the first guy . . . we raced Nazareth . . . all over . . . no matter where we went, he was the only guy with an enclosed trailer. And I look at Robbie now, and everybody has enclosed trailers, and Robbie's got an open trailer. That has always struck me as kind of funny, ya know." But that goes back to . . . a . . . being an innovator like he was . . . you know . . . he had . . . a . . . the suspension . . . on his car . . was always different. He'd come back one week . . I don't know . . . even if he WON a race . . he would come back the next week with something a little different, ya know. And . . . maybe that's the point why he didn't win a WHOLE lot of races . . because he HAD a LOT of good ideas . . . . ya know . . that he didn't stick with. I used to talk to him after the races, ya know . . and before the races . . . and Robbie and Michael started racing at exactly the same time . . and a . . . . they both raced Accord Speedway here . . they . . . a . . they both had a banner year the first year that they raced and . . . um . . and Robbie and Mike were . . . . Dick Barlow . . made them "Rookie of the year". Had two rookies . . because it was . . . it was a tie, ya know, there was no other way you could do it. And, we would watch them, we would watch Michael and Robbie race . . . . and his father, when his father wasn't racin' . . . I was . . ya know, was standing with Bob and um, you know, he was, he was a good competitor. As far as competition goes . . . . and being a competitor . . . when he got hurt . . it was . . a . . it was a blow to anybody that came around here . . . because . . they . . they lost a good competitor . . . a guy that could . . . a guy that could shine on a race track. He was good. He was definitely good."

A couple of days after getting to talk to Rich Ricci Sr., I made a trip over to where Bob Green's house is. Robbie's car now stays where Bob's used to be, in the garage, under the house. Thought I might be able to get some "inside" info about Bob. I had called Tom Wilson, to see if he would drop over too. Tom was there when I pulled up the driveway. Dave, Robbie's brother, was already in the process of working on the # 69. A short time later, Robbie pulled in. A lot of the old times were discussed. Things like the time that Bob towed down to Nazareth, to race on the 1/2 mile track there, and had a "few" tire problems on the trailer. By a "few", I mean that he went through EIGHT tires, between going and coming. Del Buss, another race driver, was able to help Bob out with trailer tires. The "escapades" they had on the way to Syracuse. "Mooning" episodes! The year that Bob attempted to qualify for the "Big One" up there, while it was almost dark, and as he went into turn three, another car, the previous qualifier, slowed him down, which kept him out of the race, eventually. Robbie said something that night, something that has probably happened with quite a few drivers from that era, when Bob raced. Robbie said that he would never go without hot water, in order to race. This reminded me of the NASCAR commercials, "How bad do you have it". Yes, there were times that the Green household went without hot water, so Bob could race. I asked Robbie if "Mom" went along with that. He told me that yes, she did. "Mom would heat up hot water on the kitchen stove", Robbie told me. They might not have had hot water, but Bob did make sure that there was food on the table. There were also times that Bob would take out a second mortgage on the house, just to have money to race. To pay back the money, Bob would plow snow all winter long, this on top of his regular job with H.O. Penn. Hey, at least back then, we had more snow than we have today, on an average. As for the first "enclosed" trailer, Tom Wilson told me that they had used metal from his swimming pool for parts of it. Yes, that NASCAR commercial. I wonder how many other drivers did the same things that Bob did, just to get their cars on the race tracks. How bad did THEY have it? I'll bet you know of a couple of them yourself, right? To all the drivers, and their families, and crews, that made the personal sacrifices, just to please us, the race fans, we have to give them a great big THANK YOU!

So, there you have it. A few words about a man that had made many personal sacrifices. A family man. A father. A race driver. A man, that to all who new him, is sorely missed.

A man, who in Rich Ricci's own words, " A guy that could shine on a race track!"

Somehow, I think that he is shining up above, too. 

Rest in peace, my friend!

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