And he was the greatest Grandfather anyone could have. A truly incredible human being. So blessed I got to know him and live on this planet with him! Thank for sharing this info. I'd heard a lot of it in stories from people over the years...never Grandpa...he never bragged, he was very humble. Thank you for featuring him! :D

@leechjim8023

Жыл бұрын

Are you related to Wilbur Shaw by chance?

He is my hero! I was his trophy girl at Tucson Speedway when I was just a few months shy of my 4th birthday! My daddy worked in his shop and we traveled the racing circuit on weekends to watch him race. I still own the trophy he gifted me. I loved this man with all my heart!

I worked for Bill at his garage in Tucson, and had no idea he'd lost a son, how tragic. His daughter Holley was one fine looking gal, as was his other daughter to married Don Losito. Bill was running super late models on dirt when I was there, and I worked on the car to keep it ready. Another fellow was Tiny, which of course meant he was huge. Bill was a racer's racer, nobody messed with him, they either respected him or were scared of him. Bill was one hell of a man.

Robin, I just heard of your health issues and that you're moving to Phoenix to be with family (sisters) for as long as the good Lord will allow. Jack Arute working at Serius XM radio channel 90 read your beautiful farewell letter. You have been my hero for years and your Love of the Indy 500 is second to none. My condolences to your family and Marshall Pruett @ Racer.com. I recently watched a replay of your USAC midget race in the "Hut 100." You are a man who walked the walk as well as talked the talk. Robin, you will be in the hearts and minds of 10's if not 100's of thousands of your loyal fans. God Speed to You, Robin Miller. You have brought much entertainment and joy to your fans and certainly to me. Farewell my friend!!! Tim Ford

Bravo!

Just saw this. Nice piece, Miller. Brawner once told me, for a magazine article I wrote on Bill, that in the '60s, when Cheez worked in PR for Champion Spark Plugs, he would take the power steering belt off the heavy old boat company car he drove to the talks he gave (where he showed Indy 500 race films,) and drive it across the country to build up his arms. He was a tough racer but a kind-hearted guy who taught me a lot about racing, both as a boss and a competitor. I felt his front bumper a few times but also his hug when I won my first main event.

Note* In 1961, Cherbourg was in 2nd place when he was involved in the Don Davis/Jack Turner wreck on the main straight.

Great to hear about these racing heroes from the past ! Thanks Robin !

I'm old enough ! And Cheesbourg was bone tough hard, and a badass racer !

Cheesbourg had another great start in the 1964 Indy 500, driving the outdated red Epperly laydown Offy. Started last, you can see him laying back behind the other cars at the start in order to get a run. By the lap two accident he had passed almost half the field. You can see him in several pictures of the Macdonald/Sachs crash while it is still unfolding. Bill can be seen at the beginning of turn four. Which means that he had to drive through/around all of the initial smoke that blocked the track. After the race restarted, he was running well, and was I believe in the top 5 when the gearbox calved. The moment he went out is captured in one or more films of the race that were produced. He pulled it down to the infield grass and that was that. A review of his efforts at the Indy 500 shows what ability, drive and determination the guy had. Being able to finish the race in a Novi, that is saying something. Along with Paul Russo, one of my favourite "journeyman" drivers at Indy.

Thanks Robin. Great video

Cheesbourger in paradise at indy

Great stuff,Robin.I didn't know about him passing 17 cars on Lap 1 in 1959.

He drove hard and drove to win; watched him many times at 11 Mile Corner track (later Central Az Raceway), Corona in Tucson and Manzy in south Phoenix. Good times with my dad.

Saw Bill Cheesburg at Manzanita Speedway in the 50s in a Jalopy. (I'm 70 years old) Also Roger McCluskey and many others at Manzy that became famous Racers.

@1959mstone

6 жыл бұрын

that's where I used to watch him and Jerry Mcclung

@rd47blog

6 жыл бұрын

Manzanita and South Mountain Speedways, races one on Friday nights, the other on Saturday nights. When ASU was a Teachers College.

@JimSkelding

6 жыл бұрын

Back around 73-74 I used to watch him at Raven Speedway? when it was a dirt track. One night they rigged his car so he could carry a passenger in the feature race. The passenger was a female reporter who, when the race was over (Cheesbourg won), literally had a hard time saying anything over the intercom system because she was so shook up. Funny as hell and was something I've never forgotten (I'm 70 too).

Thanks Mr. Miller..✌🏼

met doug ketchem bills mechanic in tucson in late 1959/60 approx. little garage with race tires and room for i car.

He was my uncle and though at the time I was young. Tucson

Back when Drivers worked on the cars!

Robin I really like your show, i was wondering if you every thought of doing a piece on the Wiz Kids - ask your buddy AJ ---

So sorry he lost his little son.

There must have been bad medical allergies in his family.