64 replies to this topic

[Gator Bob]

Did Bob's brother William (Bill) Emott play with slot cars?

[tonyp]

Bill raced from time to time. Was actually pretty good and those Emott RTRs did not hurt.

[Gator Bob]

Tony,

 

Looks like Bill Emott is local. Melbourne/Vero.
 
How about a memorial and have brother Bill come out for old times sake.
 
IRRA^® event or Proxy Drag memorial event coming up in May at theraceway.biz.
 
No reason we can't pay respect to all those we've lost.

[tonyp]

Sounds good.

[brucefl]

Tony, let us know here if and when. I'm in Palm Beach. I'd try to make it. Thanks.

[tonyp]

OK.

[Mbloes]

One year later...

[Noose]

This is why Retro East announced last year that our closing race will now always be known as the Bob Emott Memorial Race honoring one of the founders of Retro racing here on the East Coast and a hero to scratchbuilders everywhere.

[Toomanyhobbies]

First time posing here on slotblog.  Longtime toy car racer here. Sorry to hear of this.
 
My first time meeting Bob was at BIR hobbies in Union, NJ back in the mid-'80s. At that time he had the 1/12 scale R/C track in the shop. I bought my first real R/C race car from him, an Associated RC12L. I did not know of his accomplishments in the slot car world at that time.

I first realized he had special talent when reading a late '80s copy of Scale Auto Racing magazine and seeing his name tied to a vintage chassis picture. It seems like just yesterday that I met and chatted with him at Zeppelin Hobbies. And that was actually in the late '90s. Watching him get his car around the track was like poetry in motion. He was that good and I could not believe the lap times! He was so easy to strike up a conversation with. Took the time to talk to people, even mere mortal racers like myself! 

The world lost a truly great human being.
 
So sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his surviving family and friends.
 
Dominic

[Rob Lees]

Bob Emott is still revered in Retro racing circles over here in the UK, and copies of his chassis still exist over here.

 

He also wrote a three-part guide to tuning motors which came as a supplement to our Model Cars magazine over three months. It's still great advice.

[Don Weaver]

Rob,

 

Would be an intereesting read if you would care to post it.

 

Don

[NY Nick]

I meet him when he owned the RC store with the track, he was so nice.

That was the day I watched Tony P race RC.

[JerseyJohn]

Bob was a good friend. Loved by many.. So sad we lost him. He was and always will be The Patriarch of Slot Cars. I am honored to have his personal slot box built by Sawdust Man.
 
Tom, 

 

Thought you would enjoy seeing this picture. It is a very early version of our Pro Boxe. Notice the upper and lower lips that extended over the doors. I'm guessing this was one of the first 100 we built!... And to even add a higher level of coolness, this box was originally purchased by one the most famous chassis builders to ever grace this earth, Bob Emott! I know you are not a racer so t...See More
 — with Thomas Engel and John Chas Molnar.

 

 

[TSR]

Possibly the kindest, gentlest top professional slot racer ever, a true master of his craft, passionate, creative... and loved by all.

[brucefl]

and drove a lincoln,i wrote him in his later years and he told me he drove either limo or car service,probably a town car limo driver,unfortunately he didnt get to use his genious like other slotcar pros have like joel of camen slotcar products,he deserved that legacy too eventhough his legacy preceded him.

 

But he left us all something that the creator treasures the most of all of us,he remained humble throughout his life,through the highs and lows of life,he lived with the dignity of a gentle soul,not corrupted wealth or,success,and not destroyed by lean times.Truly an example to strive towards.

 

This I witnessed both in his youth in glen oaks,and his later life by his kindness while struggling to make a living and willing to try and recreate my childhood gift from him to build me a car when he was inundated with orders from pros and amateurs alike,normally he wouldnt have the time but he gentlemanly reached out to help me and made my dreams come true.

 

Thanks Bob your truly missed,but you left your impression,and may it inspire all of us who were touched by you to immulate your model and pass it on.