Swanson was the most victorious
driver during the colorful history of Gilmore Stadium in Los
Angeles where he won the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” in 1934 and
1938 and the 1939 “Gold Cup” race.
He was chosen to drive the second Offy ever built and
was unbeatable in the new car, winning the UMA title in 1935.
Swanson was the 1939 Pacific Coast AAA Champion and was known
as the “Blue Panther” during his years in the famed Danny
Hogan Offy.
Bob did not confine his racing activities to the West
Coast. He won the Madison Square Garden Bowl in Long Island,
New York, as well as other top races in the country.
He drove in three Indianapolis 500 events. In 1937,
during his rookie year at Indy he drove relief for Ralph
Hepburn and took the car from 4th to 1st place. Hepburn ended
up 2nd to Wilbur Shaw in the closest 500 finish up to that
time.
Swanson was killed while qualifying for a midget race
at Toledo, Ohio on June 12, 1940. Mel Hansen purchased the
wrecked car and pounded out the dents, but refused to remove
the great Bob Swanson’s name from the cowling for the
remainder of the season in tribute to the fallen champion.
