Car Show Legend - Bob Larivee, Sr. | 31

What Moves You | Speedway Motors Podcast

Bob Larivee, Sr. was born in 1930 and grew up in the Motor City. His father was a painter and Bob’s interest in the automotive industry started with the Soap Box Derby. He was studying to be a dentist, but his career path took a drastic turn.
In the early 1950s, he got into cars and racing during the golden age of racing that many only dream about. In November of 1959, he started Promotions Incorporated with his brother and charged $1.25 for entry. Imagine that! The indoor car show was a new idea. There was no car activity in the winter. No professional sports. People were craving activity and Bob delivered. By 1982, they were doing 100 shows a year.
Bob Larivee, Sr. shares story after story about how he became life-long friends with many industry leaders throughout the years. Listen to hear how it’s been said that he was responsible for naming the “Ridler Award”. Or hear about how he ended up at Disneyland with Ed Roth and his family. Bob chuckles, “...being with Ed you never knew what it was going to be.” He also shares the story of how he got Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward) to attend one of his car shows and how he almost didn’t open the doors for John Lennon.
Bob Larivee, Sr. is also a published author, Founder of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, a contributor to the Museum of American Speed, and the magic behind the Museum of American Speed’s new art gallery. You won’t want to miss this one!

Chapters

1. Bob's Early Interest in Cars (00:00:54)

2. Revolutionizing Car Shows (00:12:28)

3. Hanging Out with Ed Roth (00:26:28)

4. Crossing Paths with Famous Celebrities (00:33:06)

5. Bob's Racing Career (00:39:08)

6. Appreciating Fine Art (00:43:18)

7. Books and More Books (00:49:10)

8. Bob and Speedway Motors (00:53:47)