Bobby Hersh signing autographs at Lincoln Speedway's 50th Anniversary Race

I want to start off by thanking Bobby and his wife, Carol, for allowing me to visit their home in Hanover, PA, and for sharing a wonderful evening. Bobby Hersh was one of my early racing heroes and to get to sit down and talk with him one-on-one with him was both a joy and an honor. I was welcomed as if I were family and made to feel right at home. It quickly became very apparent just how much joy and pride Bobby feels about his racing career, even though it was tragically cut short in a racing accident that nearly took his life on September 22, 1963 at Williams Grove. First the doctors said that Bobby wouldn't make it. He proved them flat wrong. Then they said he'd never walk again.  Again he proved them wrong. No one would have blamed him for an instant if he had turned bitter about the sport of auto racing and what it cost him. But, that’s simply not Bobby's style. Bobby's a survivor.

Despite the price he paid, he still enjoys a life-long love of racing, a love in its purest form. He truly treasures every memory, every accomplishment and every friend he’s made along the way. There were times during our conversation when he would grin like a kid while remembering the happier times, as proud as if it had happened just yesterday. There were also moments, when remembering old friends and old times long since past, where emotion would get the best of him and he would have to pause to regain his composure.

While Bobby is a man of few words, what he does say is from the heart and to the point. He repeated several times during the evening that given the choice to go back and do it all over again, even if it ended the same way, he would not change a single thing. He leaves you with no doubt whatsoever that he sincerely has no regrets. 

In my book, Bobby Hersh is a true hero... in every sense of the word. 

One last personal note. Bobby is a kind and trusting man. Maybe a little too trusting. A couple of years ago, someone from his hometown of Hanover came to Bobby and asked to borrow his scrapbooks to make copies of his photos. These scrapbooks contained all of Bobby's photos and other memorabilia from his career and cannot be replaced. Bobby took the man at his word when he promised to return them. They were never returned. If anyone reading this knows the whereabouts of Bobby's precious memories and keepsakes, please do the right thing and see that they are returned. No questions will be asked. 

Dave Zortman - TVR Editor

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