One of racing’s ‘Greats’ to be honored
The North State Modifieds, presented by Protect the Harvest, will return to Roseville’s All American Speedway Saturday for the second running of the “Bob Lehman Classic.” The 60-lap Economy Heating & Air Challenge will be a bullring battle between the North State Modifieds and the NASCAR Jaws Gear & Axle Modifieds.
The first-ever meeting between touring North State Modifieds and the Jaws Gear & Axle Modifieds was initially set for July 10 but delayed by extreme high temperatures. Each division will run in accordance with their respective rulebooks and tires, but both will be eligible for the posted awards. The awards include $1,000 to the race winner, $150 to take the green flag, and Authority Heating & Air lap leader bonuses of $250 on both lap five and lap 55.
The a 60 lap feature will commemorate the life and legacy of long-time race enthusiast and NSMS supporter Bob Lehman of Rio Linda. Lehman passed away in November of 2019, one day shy of his 78th birthday. Bob was a life-long welder, fabricator, and race car builder.bob had two loves of his life, his family and racing. He built his first race car at his childhood home with his buddies and his dad at the age of 15. He was always the car builder, never the driver. He made a promise to his mother when he was young, that he would not drive, and he kept it. But race car building was his passion.
In Bob’s mind, every car he built was the “Flintstone Special” or could be. He had his favorite cars over the years, and that one was definitely one of them. Bob built a catalog of race cars; a Super Modified, NASCAR Grand National, Late Model, Super Late Model, NASCAR Pro Truck, Modified and Lucas Modified. Bob was an iconic figure at the race track. He was quick to help other race teams with advice, ideas, and emergency parts — just so they could all race.
Event sponsor Terry Deal of Economy Heating & Air said, “Bob Lehman was a huge inspiration to the start of my career in racing,” Many other competitors in the Roseville area have been touched by Lehman and will be attending this commemorative event.the North State Modified Series would not be possible without the support of Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Economy Heating & Air, Sullivan Construction and Masonry, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Mark & Sharon Baldwin, Scribner Plastics, Mort Houston, Mcmurray & Sons Roofing, Frank’s Radios, Supercuts, Vogel’s RVS, and Authority Heating & Air.