North-South Shootout Alum: Where Are They Now – Bob Polverari
- October 25, 2025
- 6:59 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sophia, NC – [October 23, 2025] – As the 23rd Annual North-South Shootout fast approaches, it’s difficult not to reflect on the past. Back in 2005, promoter the late Charles Kepley planned a fitting tribute to Bob Polverari, who had chosen the 2005 North-South Shootout as the stage for what he planned to be his final start.
While he ran one more race in 2006, the Shootout stands as the respected driver’s “swan song.”
“It was my retirement race, and it couldn’t have been more special thanks to Charles Kepley,” recalled Polverari, who finished 12th that day. It was his lone North-South Shootout start.
So, where is Bob Polverari today?
After racing, he rode off into the sunset — to Sunset Acres in Southwick, MA, a 100-acre farm that Bob built himself and shared with his wife of 66 years, Barbara, until her passing last November. He keeps busy — very busy — tending to his fields of corn, hay, and Christmas trees, and caring for alpacas, donkeys, goats, chickens, cats, and his border collie.
But racing is still in his blood.
“I miss racing every day,” said Polverari. “I don’t think I’ll ever get it out of my system.”
Polverari’s career spanned more than 40 years, beginning with soapbox derbies in 1948 and taking off in 1954 at Riverside Park Speedway. He became a stalwart of the Northeast Modified scene, earning five Riverside track championships — including three straight from 1975–1977 — and winning multiple prestigious events like the Spring Sizzler at Stafford Speedway in 1981. He also competed in 67 NASCAR Modified Tour events, finishing third in national points in 1982.
Bob Polverari To Serve As Grand Marshal Of 48th NAPA Spring Sizzler At Stafford
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Though he stepped away from racing in 1990, Polverari returned for a partial schedule from 1998–2005, proving he hadn’t lost his touch.
When he’s not on the farm, he enjoys a wide variety of pursuits like golf and playing cards. He’s an avid hunter and fisherman, with big game trips taking him to Alaska, the Arctic, Canada, and Europe over the years. This winter, he has trips planned to Colorado and Mexico.
“I keep pretty busy,” said Polverari.
You can sometimes find Polverari at Stafford Motor Speedway during Wild Thing Karts events, cheering on Sophia Czarnecki, the next generation of the famous Czarnecki Bros. Racing.
Polverari continues to share his racing passion in his home game room and man cave, where half of one of his Modifieds sits as a reminder of his legendary career.
Bob Polverari — one of Stafford Motor Speedway’s 50 Greatest Modified Drivers and a NEAR Hall of Fame inductee — may have hung up his helmet, but his legacy and love of the sport remain stronger than ever.
See More Images Of Bob Polverari
The next chapter of the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout in Memory of Charles Kepley is set for Friday and Saturday, November 7–8, 2026, at Caraway Speedway. The full lineup includes 125 laps for the Tour-Type Modifieds, 60 laps for the ISMA/MSS Supermodifieds, as well as 602 Modifieds, Crown Vic, Challengers, and Legends. The Vintage Fall Classic will also be part of the festivities. Visit CarawaySpeedway.com or NorthSouthShootout.com for more information.
Dale Wolbrink is a seasoned freelance marketing consultant with nearly three decades of experience in public relations and integrated marketing. Dale has been a tireless advocate for short track racing. As such, her marketing and promotional skills were integral during the early success of the North South Shootout. We are thankful to have her on board moving forward.
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