For some years, Bob made appearances at historic events, occasionally driving, before his death in 2016. Thankfully Harkey survived a private plane crash in 2004. Bob also worked with Champion Spark Plugs during his racing career. Bob initially learnt fast driving on the wrong side of the law, being involved in the moonshining operations that frequented North Carolina in the late 1940's and early 1950's. He then used that skill to good purpose, being a stunt driver in films, including in Thunder Road, starring Robert Mitchum. Bob then became a boxer in the middleweight division, and one of his opponents was future legend Floyd Patterson. But it was a stunt pilot that he became the most accomplished alongside his racing duties, and again featured in a number of movies in that role.

Biography last updated 17 Jan 2016