Bob Bahre

Car Owner, Track Owner, Promoter
CLASS OF 2009

Bob Bahre started in racing as the owner of a midget team, in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

By 1964, Bob had purchased the Oxford Plains Speedway, a track he owned and promoted until he sold it after the 1986 season. During his tenure, he created the inaugural Oxford 250, a race that has become one of the most prestigious short track races in the country. The race regularly draws top notch drivers from around the country, including the Labonte brothers, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Jeff Gordon. Retired drivers who have competed include Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, Geoff Bodine, and Bobby Allison.

In 1989, Bob fulfilled a longtime goal in building New Hampshire International Speedway. After a few years of running Busch races, he convinced NASCAR to have a Cup series race in 1993. New Hampshire has since hosted races for NASCAR Modified Tour, Busch North Series, American-Canadian Tour, PASS North Series and Modified Racing Series.

Later, he bought ½ of the North Wilksboro track, along with Bruton Smith. They split the track’s two cup dates, with Bob moving 1 to NHIS, and Smith giving the 2nd date to his other track, Texas Motor Speedway.

Bob is a longtime supporter of modified racing, and most would agree that the NASCAR Modified Tour puts on some of the most exciting races held at the Loudon facility.

Outside of racing, Bob Bahre was a successful banker & property developer and an avid car collector. He passed away on July 24, 2020 at the age of 93.