Bob Gillis has been involved in some aspect of motorsports since his arrival in Colorado Springs in the late 1960s. In 1979, as a sponsor for stock car driver, Larry Carnes, a future Pikes Peak ambassador was born. With a passion for expanding auto racing across Colorado, Gillis was instrumental in broadening the CHCA racing series, including resurrecting the Land’s End Hill Climb near Grand Junction, Colorado which had not been contested for nearly 40 years. Communities such as Buena Vista and Salida saw great economic benefit from these weekend races, and competitors gained valuable experience as they honed their racing skills in preparation for the annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
Gillis has served as a board member for more than 20 years. This year marks his 45th year in service to the Race to the Clouds. He embraced every challenge that came his way from securing major race sponsorship to guiding the event through years of financial instability. Always willing to work with drivers to get his BF Goodrich Tires on their racecars, he has become well-known as one of the most knowledgeable automotive professionals in the Colorado Springs community.
In 2015, Gillis was inducted to the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his leadership and support of this iconic motorsports event.
#PikesPeakHillClimb #HallOfFame #BobGillis
8 сен 2024
