Gentlemen ... start your engines THE BOBBY COMPANY IS ON A FAST TRACK IN PRINCETON Story by Derek Johnson Photos by Dan Acker
D
espite the wintry weather on this particular Sunday morning, The Bobby Company parking lot was full at 10:30 a.m. Though the signs inform passersby on Route 6 in Princeton that this is a scrap metal shop and Champion compressor dealer, it is obvious on the inside that this is, at least in part, a hobby shop. And on most Sunday mornings, the enthusiasts working diligently on their high-speed, remote control cars let you know what these folks like to do to pass the time ... They like to build and race remote control cars — better known as RCs to the folks at The Bobby Company. Although The Bobby Company opened as a scrap yard in 1946, it now doubles as a gathering place for RC lov-
ers to meet, buy parts and race. It’s also one of the only indoor tracks of its kind in the region, drawing folks from as far away as Iowa and Wisconsin, co-owner David Klein said. The track is open for practicing a couple days a week, but Sundays are for competing. Walking past the counter, the first room you enter is the repair area, where people meticulously worked on their cars, as race time was fast approaching. One person was lubing hubs, another trying to replace a missing part. “When you go on the other side, you’ll see the track and the pit,” Klein said. There were people of all ages scattered throughout the building like you’d expect at a family-oriented event. As the clock inched toward 11 a.m., participants chased pizza slices with soda, grabbed their cars and moved into
Hegeler Carus Mansion A National Historic Landmark
Experience the grandeur of a bygone era!
Remote control cars and buggies race the track at The Bobby Co. the track area. At the front of the track there is a viewing area and opening for people to walk on and off. To the left, a set of stairs leads to a deck that gives racers a bird’s eye view of the track. At the end of the deck is a booth where an announcer calls the races.
See Racing Page 67
Now takiNg orders!
Coffee & Pie available! Lunch Menu Coming soon!
Call 815-224-5892 or visit www.hegelercarus.org
The Little Shop in the Big House featuring unique gifts and accessories Located on the ground floor
815-224-6543 Open Daily 10 am - 4 pm
1307 Seventh Street • LaSalle, Illinois Illinois Valley Living
1007 North Main St. • Princeton, IL
309-361-3555
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11-5; Friday 11-9 Closed on Saturday and Sunday 65