HCR 170

R-205  Page 1 of 1
2026
No. R-205. House concurrent resolution congratulating Robert Kilburn of Fair
Haven on winning the 2024 Ken Schrader Real Racer of the Year Award.
                                         (H.C.R.170)
  Offered by Representatives Canfield of Fair Haven, Casey of Hubbardton, McCoy of
Poultney, Priestley of Bradford, and Pritchard of Pawlet
   Offered by Senators Benson, Collamore, Weeks, and Williams
   Whereas, in the northern New England motor racing community, the white- haired and
bearded, and red and white cap-wearing, Bob Kilburn is affectionately known as Santa
Bob Kilburn, and he has developed an adoring fan base populated in good measure with
children, and
   Whereas, Santa Bob Kilburn was an enthusiastic young motor racing fan, but other
than occasional go-kart driving, his motor racing career only started at fifty-seven and a
half years of age, and
   Whereas, despite this dubious and potentially reckless decision, Santa Bob Kilburn
had the encouragement and support of his wife, Kris, and his audacious debut occurred at
the Canaan (New Hampshire) Fair Speedway driving the racer Josh Constantine’s former
coupe, reminiscent of vintage 1960s and 1970s cars, and
   Whereas, although he started in last place, Santa Bob Kilburn completed the race with
his car in one piece, a major personal achievement, and
   Whereas, Bear Ridge Speedway, a dirt track in Bradford, was his next venue, and the
following year, he honed his driving skills at the then-paved Devil’s Bowl Speedway,
located just minutes from his Fair Haven home, and
  Whereas, the next year, his perseverance at Devil’s Bowl resulted in Rookie of the
Year honors, and his fellow drivers saluted him with their peer-selected sportsmanship
award, and
   Whereas, on August 25, 2018, on a return visit to Bear Ridge Speedway, the then 62-
year-old Santa Bob Kilburn realized his dream of clinching a race victory, and
  Whereas, he and the far-younger drivers enjoy their mutual competition, and Santa
Bob Kilburn, who has no biological children, boasts about his hundreds of children,
meaning his numerous cheering young fans whom he befriends, and
   Whereas, since 2012, the publication Speedway Illustrated has presented the Ken
Schrader Real Racer of the Year Award, which recognizes “a special individual who
demonstrates the ideal representation of being a ‘Real Racer’,” and in 2024, Santa Bob
Kilburn was the deserved honoree, now therefore be it
   Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
   That the General Assembly congratulates Robert Kilburn of Fair Haven on winning
the 2024 Ken Schrader Real Racer of the Year Award, and be it further
  Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
Santa Bob Kilburn.
                                                                             VT LEG #387185 v.1