Vintage racing has lost one of its American pioneers and greatest supporters. Bob Sutherland died in Denver on November 13, 1999, after suffering an aneurysm ten days earlier. Best known as the creator of the Colorado Grand, a yearly vintage car tour through some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery, Bob modeled his event after the Mille Miglia retrospectives in which he had taken part. The Grand spawned many imitators, but remained the benchmark stateside tour because Bob’s worldwide coterie of friends provided an unequalled entry of significant historic sports racing and touring cars. 1999 saw the eleventh running of the Grand, which has contributed well over a million dollars to various area charities, primarily the Widows and Orphans Fund of the Colorado State Patrol and Pieta House, a Denver hospice.
When vintage racing began in the U.S., Bob entered exceptional cars for himself and his friends, inspiring others to restore cars and join the sport.
Like his family, we will never forget Bob or what he gave to the sport he loved, and how he brightened the lives of those of us who were lucky enough to pass his way. Like many gentlemen drivers before him, he left both the sport and the world a little better than he found them.
Contributions may be made to Colorado Grand Charities, P.O. Box 39, Edwards, CO 81632, or Children’s Mercy Hospital, or the DeLano School Foundation, both of Kansas City.
Submitted by Michael Lynch
