| Robert Wayne "Bob" Burcham, Sr. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bob Burcham | |||||||
| Born | (1935-08-22)August 22, 1935 Rossville, Georgia, United States | ||||||
| Died | April 10, 2009(2009-04-10) (aged 73) | ||||||
| NASCARCup Series career | |||||||
| 36 races run over 8 years | |||||||
| Best finish | 24th (1974) | ||||||
| First race | 1968Volunteer 500 (Bristol) | ||||||
| Last race | 1979Talladega 500 (Talladega) | ||||||
| |||||||
Robert Wayne "Bob" Burcham, Sr. (August 22, 1935 – April 10, 2009) was aNASCARWinston Cup Series driver whose career spanned from 1968 to 1979.[1] His primary ride was the No. 19 Belden Asphalt-sponsoredChevrolet ofHenley Gray.[2]Jack White was Burcham's other employer in NASCAR.[3]
His parents were Robert "Bobby" and Opal Burcham; they lived near the interstateborder that divided Georgia andTennessee.[4] Burcham's father was anautomobile repair shop operator and Bob learned the secrets of the trade from him.[5] He managed to lead two laps out of 7,548 that he raced – for a grand total of 10,955.3 miles (17,630.8 km).[1] Amazingly enough, Burcham's first Winston Cup Series ride was with a 1973Chevrolet Chevelle; which saw some action atDaytona International Speedway and a few other race tracks.[6] Most of his "top ten" finishes were in the 1974 Winston Cup Series season.[1] A fourth-place finish in Nashville during the 1974 season was his best finish.[1] After NASCAR, Burcham was self-employed inreal estate.[7] A total amount of $65,578 in total earnings ($284,111.2 when adjusted for inflation) was earned by Burcham after starting an average of 25th place and finishing an average of 20th place in his NASCAR Cup Series career.[1]
He has a widow named Jean Knight Burcham in addition to his married daughter Vickie Jean and his son Bobby Burcham, Jr.[7] In 2009, Burcham was elected into theGeorgia Racing Hall of Fame.[3]