Remember When by Don Gamble

Bob “Clutch” Kennedy

Bob Kennedy and his wife Carol are long time residents of Mars, Pennsylvania along with their three daughters, Susan, Diane, and Robyn.  Bob is self-employed at Bob Kennedy Auto Service and Truck Parts.  His involvement in racing includes being a driver, crewmember, car owner, and sponsor for over fifty years.  The best part of racing to him is driving and the worst part is securing sponsorship.  It was natural for Bob to race since he really enjoys working on cars.

His nickname “Clutch” was given to him by one of his crewmembers on a Friday night at Lernerville when he lost the clutch out of his car while racing. His most memorable moment in racing: winning both track championships at Butler Speedway and North Hills Raceway in 1972. His hobbies include antique cars and trucks, collecting gas station memorabilia, pedal cars, and old riding toys. Bob had two favorite competitors that he raced against, Herb Scott and Bob Wearing. Scott and Wearing were regular competitors at the North Hills Raceway the year that Kennedy won the championship. Bob does not compare himself to other drivers; he just likes being himself.

The names of his car owners over the years include Harry Bratchie, Bob Schaefnocher, Don Crownover, Bill Swaney, Bill Foltz, and Larry Gaiser. Pit crew members past and present are Charlie Weissert, Bob Merriman, John Nagy, Jack Boice, Bill Smith, Dan Grove, Bob Mooney, Denny Boice, Chuck Kennedy, Bill Groom, John Harris, and Mo Bochelle.

Tracks the teams competed includes: Blanket Hill, Butler, Canfield, Challenger, Clearfield, Clinton, Greater Pittsburgh, Heidelberg, Lernerville, Marion Center, Mercer, Morgantown, Motordrome, North Hills, Pittsburgh, Schmuckers, South Park, Sportsman Speedway, St. Clairsville, and Tri-City

Clutch is very involved in the racing efforts of his son-in-law, Butch Lambert. The team has two Lernerville track championships in the Pure Stock Division on their resume. His daughter Robyn, Butch’s wife, is the glue that holds the entire team together. Robyn is currently expecting their first child due in March.  Career highlights for Lambert include 2005 Lernerville Speedway Pure Stock Champion, 2005 Stover's Net Connection Co-Hard Charger of the Year, 2002 Lernerville Speedway Pure Stock Champion, 2001 Stewart Bus Lines Super Point Champion, and 1999 Lernerville Speedway ARCH Sportsman of the Year.

Clutch also assists his nephew Chuck Kennedy a driver with the Austin’s A1 E-Mod. On July 23, 2005 at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway Chuck Kennedy of Mars reached a 100^th career milestone by scored the victory in the E-Modifieds. This gave Chuck a total of 100 wins in his 27 years of racing.  Clutch has been in victory lane many times over the years and this has continued during his support of the Lambert and Kennedy racing activities.   On any given race night you will find Clutch the center of an interesting racing discussion.  He is always willing to help any competitor that seeks his advice or expertise.  Bob is one of the drivers that help us to remember when.