BobSaid

Introduction

Boris Robert Said Jr., widely recognized as Bob Said, carved out a distinctive path in the annals of American motorsport. Born in New York City in 1932 to a Syrian father and a Russian mother, and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, Said's early life saw him attend Deerfield Academy and Princeton University. It was during his freshman year at Princeton that his passion for sports car racing ignited, setting the stage for a diverse and unconventional career that would span continents and disciplines, culminating in a unique appearance in Formula 1 and a notable foray into Olympic bobsledding.

Early Racing Endeavors

Said's commitment to racing became evident early on. After demonstrating considerable talent in local races and hill climbs, he made the pivotal decision in 1951 to leave Princeton and dedicate himself fully to a professional racing career. His initial machinery included an MG TD and a Jaguar XK120, vehicles through which he honed his skills. His competitive debut on a significant stage came in March 1953 at the demanding Sebring 12 Hours, where he piloted a Frazer Nash Mille Miglia to a respectable 14th-place finish, signaling his arrival in endurance racing. The 1953 season proved particularly significant for Said, as he etched his name into motorsport history by becoming the first American driver to secure a road race victory in Europe following the conclusion of World War II. This landmark achievement occurred at Rouen-Les-Essarts, where he piloted an OSCA MT4 to triumph, showcasing his ability to compete and win on international circuits. His success in Europe continued later that same season, as he secured another victory at the Anerley Trophy event held at the Crystal Palace circuit, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable sports car racer. In 1954, Said elevated his competitive platform by switching to a Ferrari 500 Mondial Scaglietti. This move saw him continue to achieve strong results, including a third-place finish at the Circuito di Senigallia, a second-place at Trullo d’Oro, and a ninth-place at the challenging Syracuse Circuit. These performances underscored his consistent speed and adaptability across various European venues, establishing him as a prominent figure in the sports car racing scene of the mid-1950s.

A Brush with Grand Prix History

While primarily known for his sports car exploits, Bob Said also made a notable, albeit brief, impact on the world of Grand Prix machinery. On February 21, 1955, he achieved a remarkable feat on the iconic Daytona Beach and Road Course, setting a new post-World War II speed record. Driving a 1954 Ferrari Formula One Grand Prix car, Said recorded an impressive two-way average speed of 170.538 mph, demonstrating the raw pace he could extract from a top-tier single-seater. This achievement highlighted his courage and skill in handling powerful, high-performance vehicles on a challenging, unconventional circuit. Said's engagement with American motorsport extended to NASCAR, where he made a single start in the prestigious 1959 Daytona 500. Competing in a Chevrolet, his race was cut short on lap 42 due to a transmission failure, resulting in a 50th-place classification. His most direct involvement with Formula 1, however, came later that year. On December 12, 1959, Bob Said participated in the inaugural Formula One United States Grand Prix, held at Sebring. This event marked a significant moment for American motorsport, bringing the pinnacle of international racing to home soil. Unfortunately, Said's participation in this historic race was short-lived. He experienced a spin-off on the very first lap, an incident that prematurely ended his race and meant he scored no World Championship points in his sole Formula 1 outing. Despite the brevity of his F1 career, his presence at the sport's first official Grand Prix on American soil remains a footnote in its history.

Beyond Formula 1: A Multi-Sport Athlete

Bob Said's athletic ambitions were not confined solely to motorsport. Demonstrating a remarkable versatility and competitive spirit, he transitioned into bobsled racing, a sport that demands precision, courage, and teamwork. His dedication to this new discipline led him to represent the United States on the world's biggest stage: the Olympic Games. Said competed in two Winter Olympics, first in 1968 in Grenoble, France, and then again in 1972 at Sapporo, Japan. His best result in Olympic competition was a tenth-place finish, a testament to his ability to adapt his high-speed racing instincts to the icy tracks of bobsledding. The 1968 Grenoble Games held a particular point of interest for motorsport enthusiasts, as Said found himself competing against another notable racing driver who had also embraced bobsledding: Robin Widdows. This unique convergence of motorsport and winter sports highlighted the diverse talents and adventurous spirit of athletes like Said. His commitment to excelling in multiple high-performance disciplines underscored a career defined by a relentless pursuit of speed and competition, regardless of the vehicle or surface.

A Lasting Legacy

In his later years, Bob Said continued to engage with creative and intellectual pursuits, serving as the executive producer for a documentary titled “The Mystery of the Sphinx.” This endeavor showcased another facet of his diverse interests beyond the competitive arena. His legacy in motorsport also continued through his family. His son, Boris Said III, followed in his father's footsteps, establishing his own successful career as a NASCAR driver, particularly known as a “road course ringer” due to his proficiency on non-oval tracks. This continuation of the Said name in professional racing underscores the enduring impact of Bob Said's pioneering spirit and passion for speed. Bob Said passed away on March 24, 2002, leaving behind a record of remarkable versatility and a distinctive contribution to both motorsport and Olympic sports.