Kime, Robert (Bob)

[deimh]

I have been compiling data on Robert Kime as he drove the Titan Mk.6 that I now currently own when it was owned / raced by Fred Opert Racing in 1970/1.

The below information is based on written confirmations from Fred Opert of Fred Opert Racing in the USA, newspaper articles, previous posts on 10-Tenths (e.g. the Brabham BT40 Chassis thread, post #14 on 2 April 2005) and written confirmations from James Richard Koestler who bought my Titan Mk.6 from Fred Opert when it became surplus to Fred Opert Racing Team's requirements in September 1972 (when Robert Kime left the team) and through this became associated with Richard Kime.

Findings to date:

• Robert Kime was a successful driver in Formula Ford in the USA, where he raced in 1971 and 1972 for Fred Opert Racing as one of three works drivers (each with their own works Titan Mk.6) in SCCA Regional and National races.

• Fred Opert has confirmed that Robert Kime won a number of races in the Fred Opert Racing Titan Mk.6, but generally he was a mid-pack runner. Towards the end of 1972, Richard Kime decided he wanted to graduate up to F3 , but Fred Opert Racing was unwilling to run a team car for him. Hence Robert Kime bought a Brabham F3, which according to Fred Opert's recollections was white with a blue stripe.

• Robert Kime's best result in F3 seems to have been 1974 SCCA National Finals where he placed second to Anspach (no first name given) and ahead of 3rd placed Harry Reynolds.

• According to James Richard Koestler, he met Robert Kime at the Tri-Regional at Pocono (according to the SCCA Log Books this would have been October 1972) where Robert Kime talked about his wins in the ex-Fred Opert Racing Titan Mk.6 that James Richard Koestler had purchased and was running that day

• It seemed that Robert Kime remained firm friends with Fred Opert, and Fred recalls Robert Kime lending his BT40 to Bertil Roos for one or more races around 1973/4 (at this time Bertil Roos was running Fred Opert's driving school and racing under the Fred Opert Racing banner).

• I believe that I have managed to determine that Robert Kime retired to Florida, but the trail has gone cold after what would seem to be a couple of divorces...

It would be great if anyone could throw anymore light on the career of Robert Kime and/or help me in tracking him down.

[deimh]

Originally Posted by deimh

I have been compiling data on Robert Kime as he drove the Titan Mk.6 that I now currently own when it was owned / raced by Fred Opert Racing in 1970/1.

Sorry for the typo - the date should have read 1971/2

[John Turner]

Might have better luck in the Motorsport History Forum where I'm moving it to.