Got to see the "Green Mamba" at Lions in 1969 There was nothing quite like the "Mamba" before or since... Thanks "Broadway"! ...RIP Bob.
My memory of Bob at his nuttiest is on Labor day weekend ( or one of the big shows ) in the early 90's when it rained for 15 mins and they decided to run 4 jets down the track to dry them. Bob grabbed a can of Beer and sat on it for most of the 1/4 mile..... One true showman ...
I should have mentioned that the car "Green Mamba" was Doug Roses creation, 1st built in 1967. Its been crashed, stolen, found, rebuilt and still exists and wows crowds. Broadway Bob (Bob Metzler) is one of the finest dragracing promoters of all time. He was known for riding on the nose of "Mamba" (sometimes with a beer in hand).
Got to see him in person only once at Indy. He was like a rock star! I heard he would often put the fans and racers needs before his own and give em' a good show. Sometimes at his own personal financial loss. R.I.P. There may never be another like him.
thanks for the great times and for building "Da Grove" into something special I will be thinking of Broadway tomorrow as I make my first pass down the track
God Speed because I know you'll enjoy the ride... Don't forget to pull the chute by the Pearly Gates!
I met Broadway back when I was dragging my '61 Chevy and '64 GTO back in the 60's... we were all in awe of him even back then. I renewed my acquaintance with Bob after I started working at Capital Super Speedway in '83. I'd see him at the World of Wheels shows and other events... always had a good time with him. Then, in 1984, I got him a little mad at me when I hired Gene Johnson and Bob Betts away from him... they were the SUNDAY... SUNDAY... SUNDAY!!!! announcers he used for years on his radio and TV ads. Bob and the guys couldn't agree on a fee to do his ads so I hired them to do my ads. But Bob rehired them the next year after I left Capital and all was good again. Bob was known world-wide... what a guy. Rest in Peace and may you share a beer with St. Peter every now and then... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2345013345311188491 http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2006/05/01/hmn_feature8.html
RIP BROADWAY BOB You will be missed. Gotta say thanks for everything you did for racing over the years you made everyone part of the action.
I met him back in 1979 at a carshow at Arlington Park racetrack in Il. My buddy had a lifted 4x4 Chevy right when they became popular ( he made his own lift kit!) Well, Bob was amazed at it! He told us, "follow me, I'm buying you guys a beer"! He put a$100.00 bill on the counter,a crowd gathered, he said to the bartender, "let me know when that bill runs out! I'll put up another!" we went to the Olympics of Dragracing for years till the big names got wooed to Indy drag strip over Memorial day! A true showman!!
Great Lakes Dragaway is my home track. I started racing there in1986 with a 1969 Camaro. Bob made us feel welcome and he always put on a hell of a show. I will always remember him well.
Aw man! I use to go out to Da Grove with a friend, who was a former Super Stock division champ and engine builder. Although he quit racing his car years ago and now a spectator in the stands, Bob immediately recognized him and they talked for awhile. What a cool guy. RIP Broadway Bob.
Another legion has crossed the finish line. Ask anyone who ever met Broadway Bob and they will have a story about it. R.I.P. Bob
really sorry to here this, saw bob for years when we raced at the grove, saw him a about 3 years ago at bowlingreen. he was always ready for some fun! rip bob, you will be missed!
RIP Broadway Bob. Saw him at Joliet for the NHRA show about 15 years ago - the only time the crowd really got into it the entire day was when Bob came out, it was cool! I'm not from Milwaukee so I unfortunately never got to see him at Union Grove.
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