THE BOB NORWOOD STORY

The Early Years Born in 1943, Bob Norwood's mechanical journey began at age nine, teaching himself engine repair on his family's 1950 Ford sedan in rural Kansas. By twelve, he was already running time trials at the first NHRA drags in Great Bend, Kansas with his modified 1946 Ford coupe. This early ingenuity set the stage for a lifetime of automotive innovation.

Racing Innovation Through the 1960s and early '70s, Bob established himself as a formidable force in drag racing. His innovative builds included the legendary Sunbeam Alpine with an injected 426 Hemi, running 9.50s at 150 mph and the record-setting factory-sponsored Hemi Cuda SS-DA. But his most significant contribution came through pioneering nitrous oxide systems, becoming one of the first drag racers to harness this technology. This groundbreaking work led to a specialized research position in Los Angeles, where, partnering with Dale Armstrong, their developments would influence racing for decades to come.

The Ferrari Years In 1976, Bob's purchase of a Ferrari 330 series 2 marked the beginning of a new era. What started as a modification project evolved into deep appreciation for the marque, leading him to establish one of America's premier Ferrari specialist shops in Dallas. His expertise grew to include everything from restoration to revolutionary modifications, including the first 1000 HP Ferrari Testarossa.

Breaking Records The early 1990s marked one of Bob's most ambitious projects - the development of specialized endurance vehicles for a major manufacturer. Leading a his team of skilled engineers and drivers, this program achieved 47 world records, unseating Mercedes from the record books. The project showcased not just engineering excellence, but Bob's ability to manage complex, high-stakes automotive developments.

Legacy and Innovation Throughout his career, Bob has maintained his foundational passion: pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automotive performance. His work spans from custom engine development to historic vehicle preservation, with achievements recognized by manufacturers and enthusiasts alike. Recent years have seen him consulting on restoration projects and developing advanced powertrain systems, while sharing his knowledge with the next generation of automotive innovators.

Today, Bob continues to innovate and preserve automotive history, bringing decades of expertise to select special projects. His unbroken world records and engineering achievements stand as testament to a lifetime dedicated to automotive excellence.