Senate Resolution No. 2543
BY: Senator WALCZYK
MOURNING the death of "Barefoot" Bob McCreadie,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Bob McCreadie of Watertown, New York, died on May 15, 2024,
at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, A prominent figure in northern New York auto racing, Bob
McCreadie was the most successful driver in modified racing, culminating
507 track victories from 1975 to 2005; and
WHEREAS, Beginning his racing career in 1971, Bob McCreadie adopted
his iconic No. 9 the following year; he won his first feature race in
1975; and
WHEREAS, Famous for driving a Plymouth Barracuda, thus earning the
nickname "Barefoot," Bob McCreadie excelled in small block races,
notably winning 32 races in 1979 and 34 in 1980; switching to big blocks
in 1981, he faced a dispute and boycotted Can-Am Speedway, but still
dominated the circuit and won 59 big-block features between 1985 and
1987; and
WHEREAS, Overcoming injuries, Bob McCreadie experienced five back
fractures and one significant crash in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Bob McCreadie's remarkable career consists of 56 speedway
wins, 29 points championships, eight series championships, 47 feature
wins in 1994, champion of the prestigious Super DIRT Week race in 1986
at Syracuse fairgrounds, then back-to-back Super DIRT series titles in
1994 and 1995; and
WHEREAS, Known nationwide, Bob McCreadie was inducted into the Walk
of Fame at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina in April
of 2003; he was also inducted into the DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fame in
Weedsport, New York; and
WHEREAS, Bob McCreadie distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Bob McCreadie's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Bob McCreadie leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of "Barefoot" Bob McCreadie, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Bob McCreadie.
