Merrittville Speedway Pit Steward and former champ Bob St. Amand Sr. passes away

Tuesday August 11, 2009 From Jim Irvine

Merrittville Speedway and the entire DIRTcar Racing family is saddened to learn of the passing of Bob St. Amand Senior – long time Merrittville Pit Steward, 1972 Modified Points Champion and 2002 Inductee into the Thorold Track’s L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame after a sudden illness.

Bob St. Amand – known to many as Bob Sr.  -  had been involved in the sport of stock car racing since he was 14 years old after becoming interested after seeing race cars in his neighbourhood.

In 1958, Bob got his start in the former Jalopy Division racing the J-21 at 21 years of age.

Moving up the ranks, Bob won the Hobby Stock Points title at Ransomville Speedway in 1964 followed by 6 Cylinder Sportsman Titles at Humberstone Speedway in 1965 and then back to back in 1967 and 1968.

After changing to the familiar #30 - Bob was awarded Rookie of the Year at Merrittville, Humberstone and Ransomville Speedways before winning Merrittville’s Modified Point Championship in 1972 – by 5 points over runner-up Jeno Begolo.

While still racing at Ransomville – Bob would become Pit Steward at Merrittville until retiring from driving altogether in 1976.

Bob’s involvement in the sport both as a driver and official covered the Kavanagh and Russell families’ ownership of Merrittville to the Friesen and Uhl years, the Ley, Bates and Pickles group to the Irvines and the Bicknell and Williamsons of today.

Bob’s children Bob Jr. and Colleen followed their dad’s involvement becoming Officials while Barbara, Sue and Cheryl are long time fans.

Bob Jr. has served as Merrittville’s Race Director since 1987 while Colleen is involved in Timing and Scoring in both Stock Cars and Karts. 

In 2002, Bob was inducted into the L. St. Amand Enterprises Wall of Fame at Merrittville Speedway.

Bob St. Amand co-owned and operated the family business L. St. Amand Enterprises of St. Catharines with his brother Pat and son Bob Jr.

Bob leaves behind his wife Kim, brothers Pat and Bill, children Colleen, Barbara, Bob Jr., Cheryl and Susan, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Bob was predeceased by first wife Sue and second Colleen. Arrangements will be announced in when determined by the family.

Everyone at Inside Track offers their condolences to the family and friends of Mr. St. Amand.