Bob started his driving career in 1963 at the Old O’Hare Stadium in Schiller Park IL.  He raced with the handicap of being one handed. In 1962 he was involved in an industrial accident which cost him his hand.  With a steel hook replacing his hand he raced very successfully on the local and National Stock Car racing scenes.

 

Bob started as a car owner at O”Hare in the Cadet Division then becoming a driver he moved up to Late Model in 1964 finishing 8th in the point standings.  He was voted “Most Popular” Late Model Driver in 1965 at O’Hare.  He captured his first career Late Model feature at O’Hare on May 13, 1967 driving his 1964 Hardtop to the win.  Despite his handicap, he competed in several of O’Hares Annual 500 Lappers with his best finish of 3rd in 1965.  After O’Hare closed in 1968 Bob put his career on hold for several years while maintaining Ed Hoffman’s cars.

 

In the 1980’s Bob returned to driving and once again started on a winning streak. He was a 3 time ARCA National Stock Car Champion winning in 1980, 83 & 84 while driving for three different car owners, Bill Hahnleins – Buick, Jeff Fortiers – Pontiac and Bill Goudies – Pontiac. Bob captured 6 ARCA victories during his career.  He also competed in the USAC Stock Car Series. Bob was ranked top 10 in ARCA Point standings for 13 straight seasons from 1980-1992.

 

Bob was an inspiration to many handicapped people for all his accomplishments and his determination to never give up.

 

It is my honor on this 10th day of September 2022 to induct Bob Dotter Sr into the Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame.