Bob Sharp passed away Feb. 28, 11 days shy of his 86th birthday.
Sharp was the east coast driving force for the Japanese entry into motorsports; Peter Brock was Sharp’s west coast equivalent. Between 1965 and ‘76, Sharp drove a variety of Datsuns and Nissans to six SCCA national championships: 1967 (FProd, 1600); ’71 (BSedan, 510); ’72 (CProd, 240Z and BSecan, 510); ’73 (CProd, 240Z) and ’75 (CProd 280Z). During that period, he posted 13 podium finishes at the SCCA Runoffs and won an IMSA GTU title as well. His Connecticut Datsun/Nissan dealership increased sales 10-fold based on Sharp’s racing success.
When Paul Newman stuck his toe into the amateur racing pond, Bob Sharp became his friend and mentor. Their association resulted in four SCCA national titles and dozens of race wins. Jim Fitzgerald also notched a GT1 championship driving for Bob Sharp Racing and was runner-up twice to Newman.
Newman and Sharp.
Son Scott Sharp followed his father’s road racing success, winning three Runoffs Gold medals and the SCCA TransAm Championship in ’91 and ’93. Graduating to open wheel in ’96, he was co-champion of the inaugural IRL season, sat on pole for the 2001 Indianapolis 500 and notched nine wins in a 13-year career. In IMSA, he was 2008 ALMS P1 Champion and scored 13 victories over 11 years.
Scott and his dad.
Bob Sharp was inducted into the Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame in 2018.
