Bob Smeltzer

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Bob Smeltzer


Bob “Eagle Eye” Smeltzer was born March 5, 1936 in Buffalo, New York. He began his racing career as a “coolie” on school friend, Willie Carter’s #Little O and Wally Master’s #2x4.

Bob flagged his first race at the Old Jacksonville Speedway in April 1963. He was a Flagman, Chief Stewart, or Race Director at many race tracks throughout the southeast during four decades. The last track he worked was at St. Augustine where he resigned in July 1993, after opening the track in March as Director of Racing, and started training his son Mike as a second generation flagman. Bob was known to be “hard but fair” and was never known to change a decision once it was made.

His most enjoyable years were spent in the 60,s and 70,s as a NASCAR Chief Stewart and Flagman, many times filling both positions at the same time.
During one two year period in the late 60’s, Bob was Chief Stewart and Flagman at Savannah Speedway, Savannah, Georgia on Friday nights and Old Jacksonville Speedway on Saturday nights. Also during that same period, he officiated at Swainsboro Speedway in Swainsboro, Georgia on Sundays for one season.

Bob passed away in 2009 leaving his wife Jo and five sons and several grandchildren. He was an electrician and owner of Pilot Electric until he sold the business.
Bob was inducted into the Jacksonville Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1993.