We learned recently of the passing of Robert William Watkins, who we all knew as Bob, a winning ATQMRA driver in the 1970s and for two years, 1972 and 1973, a very effective President of the organization. A tough but compassionate leader, the ATQMRA thrived during his tenure.
Shown here in his signature #91 in Atlantic City Convention Hall (now Boardwalk Hall), it was in A.C. that Bob scored the biggest victory of his racing career. On March 1, 1975, Bob won the final of four indoor races that winter, claiming what was at that time the largest first-place payout in TQ history, $1000.
A Marine, Bob was a Korean War veteran, and after his service he opened a service station in Levittown, Pennsylvania. He operated the service station for more than 50 years before retiring to Florida. Bob was also an avid pilot, owning several airplanes.
In 2007, his son Robert, Jr., claimed the ATQMRA championship, also driving a car bearing the number 91. Whether ironic or serendipitous, at the time of his passing Bob Watkins was 91 years of age.