Robbie loved Winchester; He was so good there. I always think of his many wins and how quickly he mastered the high banks. Every time I go to Salem I think of Rich. Not of the end, but of the many great days that will never leave my mind. I'm afraid that some day we won't have Winchester and Salem. Then we will only have the stories of our heroes like Stanley and Vogler.
Whitewater Valley/Union County used to run several Friday night sprint car races back in the late 80s early 90s and Robbie would bring the 44R family car down. Start running in the fluff in hot laps, his heat races even though he was going backward. he'd start 14th or 16th, however many cars they had and win the darn thing going away as about a quarter into the feature HIS GROOVE would come in and he'd pass two a lap.
Robbie Stanley should be a shoe in for the USAC hall of fame and should go on the next ballot. It is amazing what he did in the series in an underfunded family car before he got the coveted Hoffman ride... 3 championships in his first 3 years running the series....come on man, it's a no brainer.
I can't imagine how many records he would have if he had been able to enjoy a full career...assuming he had stayed in open wheel cars and not been lured to NASCAR land. What a driver.
Not many drivers have won championships with and without wings! Not many drivers were that good on both dirt and asphalt! What a great person and talent! The whole Stanley family, just super people! What a privlage to spend time with them at the track in their pits back when they ran allstars! That orange 44R oz car, Robbie and his family have given me many great memories! I'm very lucky and fortunate to have spent time with such people! 44R never forgotten!
