Great story trichop! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us here on the HAMB. I think you did the right thing, and I sure it was a though decision!
Trichop Best story I've read in awhile! Its all about the Karma. I wonder how long its been since Robert eat, slept and dreamt about a project (like the rest of us)
He's doing Great! I'm helping him find parts for the "Restoration" Body is off the frame at the "Media" blasters I'm still working on the guy that MIGHT (still) have the Tracknose tucked away in his garage attic you know...............Joe
Found this in a July 52 HRM. I don't think it was on the orig thread. Will post it in case it wasn't. Ohio area reliability run. Really enjoyed this whole epic.
I loved this story! Trichop, you are the man, I hope you find the car of your dreams. I would like to follow this through the complete restoration process. With all the engine development over the last 50+ years, Robert Hamke should better his fathers Bonneville times without breaking a sweat. Really not much of a challenge there, but running the car down the track again would be the icing on the cake.
In case folks didn't see the original thread... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=372165 You sir have an entire truck load of good karma coming your way. Please keep us posted... and thank you for reuniting this car with it's family. The HAMB... it's utterly amazing some days
TriChop...This is by far the best second-life-for-a-lost-roadster story I have ever read. For some, this may have been a 'character challenge'. I'm proud to be on the same board as guys like you.
Not knowing how many on this site/post are familiar with Robert Jr., click this link and look at some of the oval track cars Bob Jr. did. Toward the latter part of his career the modus operandi were late models (and really distinctive) but early on he didn't think outside the box but instead thought decades beyond. http://floridaracingmemories.com/Drivers/RobertHamke/roberthamke1.htm
I haven't talked to Robert in a few monthe He got busy with his work (www.hamkeracecars.com) and had to take a break from working on the car He is still gathering parts for the restoration..Quick change,hoodside vents, etc I'll call him and see how the progress is going
I grew up watching Bob Hamke Jr and Rod Perry drive Bob Hamke's Super Mods at Hollywood Speedway. Perry drove the 119 Blue Jewel and Jr drove a rear engined car. The 119 couldn't be touched. Awesome memories of these cars. rjaustin421 linked to a great site at fla racing memories, plan on spending a lot of time when you check it out.
in the early 70s Bob raced out of Hueytown Alabama with his late model sportsman car. I asked him how slow those cars were compared to the supers he raced in Fla. He said you already know the answer to that. I see cjilimac mentioned Rod Perry he had quite a good time in the Bean Pickers late model car.
Just read both threads... Wow what an amazing story. Would love to see some updates or progress with the car
Just found this thread. Robert Hamke is one of the coolest people in all of racing. Even though I didn't drive one of his cars, he still helped me when he could. Thanks Robert.
K9racer, I was just a kid when they ran Supers at the old Hollywood Speedway. I remember Donnie Allison back home to race there, he was the only one that could give Perry in Hamke Srs, 119 a run for his money.
Updates are here;https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-bob-hamke-t-roadster.860702/#post-13180080
Thank You. I had lunch with him back in the mid 90's but was not sure if that was him after all these years. I was at his shop getting a front clip put on a Late Model that a friend owns and we all decided it was time for lunch. Thanks Jimbo
the car was his fathers. He did build some very fast race cars. Donnie Allison drove #88 and he drove 89 when he ran the Alabama circuit
Robert is known as a short track chassis expert and he has also been the crew chief for a number of different drivers and he has a real skill for working with new young drivers who are just starting out. A few of my friends have worked for him welding and installing new front clips or cars and doing just about anything else he asks them to do. One guy I know moved to N.C. from down here in Florida just to work and learn from Robert for a few years before moving on and today is a car chief for a cup driver with Joe Gibbs and he also was a former crew chief for another cup driver for a few years. None of that would have happen if not for Robert Hamke sharing his expert knowledge with the people who work for. Jimbo
I don't know what's going on here. No mention Robert passed on about 2 months ago. R I P. I considered him a very good friend. He made me great deals on parts I purchased from him. IE; 32 Rat's Glass body, a 241 Hemi and a 59L engine among other parts. I miss him. I sold Robert several S R E mag wheels for the supermodified restoration. His son [ Robbie ] was building a new nose for the " T " about 3 years ago. Have not been able to get in touch with Robbie.
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