Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
Bobby Scruggs passed away in January 2005. His wife, Jackie, and many NASCAR supporters are committed to keeping his legacy alive. Scruggs was the founder and owner of Racing Image in Roanoke. A NASCAR official for forty years, Bobby held many positions at the track. He also raced in many divisions, including truck and tractor-trailer races.
Scruggs fought lymphoma and esophageal cancer for 13 years. To this day, Jackie Scruggs-Taylor and his friends at NASCAR commend the determination he had until the end. Taylor was married to Scruggs during his battle and said that he was never a quitter.
“He lived by two scriptures,” she said. “The first was Hebrews 12: 1-3 which talks of not allowing anything to hinder us, regardless of what it may be, but to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. For the joy set before Him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart as well.’”
“His second favorite scripture was 2 Timothy 4: 7 which says, “I have fought the good fight and finished the race; I have kept the faith’,” Taylor added.
The Foundation was formed to continue his legacy through fundraising to offer scholarships to students seeking a career in the Motorsports Industry as well as interns with Motor Racing Outreach and the Wake Forest University Cancer Research Center.
The Bobby Scruggs Memorial Foundation was established as a component fund of the region’s community foundation, The Foundation for Roanoke Valley, to:
- To memorialize James R. (Bobby) Scruggs’ longtime dedication to the sport of motor racing;
- To honor and commemorate his integrity, forthrightness, dependability and respect for others;
- To raise scholarship funds for young men and women who are pursuing a career in Motorsports
- To pay tribute to his long and determined struggle against cancer.
Four scholarships of $1,000 each were given this year to students from Craig County High School. Three students at other schools also received scholarships. One scholarship of $1,500 for an internship was donated to Motor Racing Outreach for assistance with the children’s program that they sponsor at races each week. Below are all of the recipients: - MacKenzie B. Fisher, Craig County HS, Radford University – Nursing
- Meaghan A. Looney, Craig County HS, Virginia Tech – Education
- Tierrney R. Zysk, Craig County HS, Emory and Henry College – Sports Scholarship
- Jake M. Bostic, Craig County HS, Southeast Lineman Training – Southeastern Technical School
- Matthew T. Carter, Cave Spring HS, Ohio Technical College – Diesel Training
- Landon C. Craig, Bassett HS, Patrick Henry Community College – Motorsports Degree
- Abby R. Eggleston, Lord Botetourt HS, Ohio University – Commercial Photography
- Aaron G. Wimmer, Franklin County HS, Nascar Technical College
“There have been 103 scholarships presented at 26 Southwest Virginia High Schools in total as well as 14 Internships with Motor Racing Outreach. Bobby would be very proud of the lives that have been touched by the Foundation.” Taylor said. “We send a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported the Foundation and The NASCAR Family!”
Many say they heard Bobby Scruggs not only repeat his motto but live it daily, which was; ‘Never give up! Go over, Go under, Go around, but NEVER GIVE UP!’
“The success of the Foundation is due to the support of family, friends, corporations and The NASCAR Foundation,” Taylor added. “God has been so good with his guidance and support.”
