The story of Bob Youngdahl

I’m glad I’m not a reporter, I’d get fired for sure.  I try to get things out close to the time of the event happened, but it never seems to work out that way.

Anyway, about two weeks ago my friend Dan and I went to up to Sebring International Racewayin Sebring, Florida for the HSR Historic Fall Classic.   This is a three day gathering of guys and gals and their vintage/historic cars from around the country.

Dan and I get up there around lunch time on Saturday and we run into a friend of his, Bob Youngdahl.  I’ve never really met Bob, but I have seen him and his rig over the years.  He’s easy to pick out because he drives a rather unusual vehicle around the track, a Mini Moke.

As we talk to Bob, we find out that his crew help was unable to make it for the weekend.  So, we park the motorhome next to his rig and spend the weekend with him talking and offering a hand when we can.

Bob Has a very interesting car.  It’s a mid 60’s Elva Porsche.  My understanding is that there were only 19 of the cars produced.  Eighteen of the cars were sent off to Porsche to be fitted with the 4-cylinder engine.  There was one car that was kept to be fitted with a larger engine.  (Note:  Or should I say lack of notes.  I didn’t write anything down and I was not able to write up this entry while the info was fresh in my head.  So, I may be a little off on my facts).  Bob believes this is the 19th car and is working on getting this verified.

There were a lot of great cars out there on the track.  I really haven’t had a chance to look at the pictures and post the good ones beyond the 6 out on the Flickr site.  (You can also click these pic’s to get there).

Overall it was a great weekend.  I love watching these old cars run around the track.  Apparently so do a lot of other people.  I was surprised at how many people came out and camped out at the track to watch the races.  This event has had a good draw in the past, but it looked like they may have set a record this year.  A good time was had by all. 

If you’re a fan of old cars and racing, I highly recommend coming out to a local event.  Everyone’s friendly and is more than happy to talk to you about the cars.

Oh, one last thing I should mention.  Do you see the picture of Bob up top?  Would you believe that he is 71-years old??  But, you put him in that car and it’s like he’s a kid again.

I hope we see you at the Sebring 12 Hour in March Bob.

R