The Most Important Go-Kart Revival Ever Filmed - Will It Run??

Today we meet Bob Combs and bring his personal BKS carts back to life!

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Junkyard Digs
PO box 1623
Ames, IA, 50010

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[chriswareham]

Suddenly realised I have a big grin on my face as I listen to Bob talk. This is the kind of thing the Internet should be for, allowing great stories like this to find an audience.

[YouTube]

i want to ride on that racetrack SO BAD

[jakelong]

Don’t apologize for not wrenching. There is nothing like an old timer telling stories. That’s content I’m always down to watch.

[BbSoz]

Bob is my grandpa! I’m so happy to see he’s able to share some of his incredible story and even more honored to be part of this history. Thank you for working with him!

[jondahl]

Guy had a hobby, saw a need for a kart shop, and built a legacy. I would love to see a full docu-style episode on Bob's story.

[mathieulachance]

Not only your restoring the go karts, but now you’re restoring the entire company !!! That’s amazing, best of luck to you and your team with getting the business going once again !

[Goomer]

You could tell how much joy go-karts were in Bob's life.

[bobl]

I absolutely loved this video. It brought back great memories. I'm 67 now, bought my first Kart when I was 12. I crashed it, got lacerated up with about 50 stiches to close me up and my Dad made me sell it. I bought one for my kids as soon as they could reach the pedals. Great times, lots of fun. I still have a brand new 5 hp Briggs that was to be the spare motor for the kids first Kart. I tried to buy back their chassis but the guy wouldn't sell it, even though his kids crashed it and it was no good to him. I will build another and with the inspiration from this video, sooner rather than later! Thanks Kevin

[abdullahipad]

Bob is a legend, that story was awesome!

[gregwhite]

Bob needs to put a book together about his life. From Airforce to a cart King and lot’s in between I’m sure. Glad that you youngins are going to keep his story and product going if that’s ur intentions, I’m sure that you will do well. Take care and stay safe

[mikes]

This is incredible!!!! Please make this an exclusive series Kevin!!!!

[KiwiStag]

Bloody oath I enjoyed it, mate! Not only were you talking to one of the forgotten legends of the karting world, but you got several of Bob's Babies up and barrelling around like they hadn't done in 30+ years! I'd love to hear more about Bob's time as he built the company up and the development of the karts themselves....and why it just seemingly got shelved rather than the batten passed to the next gen. Glad you got to spend a fair bit of time with the old boy, because old-timers stories are gold....and when you get the business up and running again, I'm sure he'll be a regular visitor. Just make sure there's a spare chair in the workshop where he can watch or tinker as he feels like and I'm sure he'll be a happy chap. Had a huge grin watching the karts compete on the track, mate. It brought back many happy memories of 35+ years ago when I used to have a blast myself! I might struggle to fit behind the wheel nowadays as my chest has slipped a bit and now sits around my waist, but a slightly more articulated steering column and I'd be keen as mustard to wind one out to its max along the back straight and drift through the corners like I used to. All the best to you and the team....and NEVER write off a good keen girl when it comes to driving quickly and tidily. One of my daughters was showing great promise for some international competition until she decided to take up a totally different career. Epic video - thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Looking forward to more of the same.

[dolomite_]

That dual engine kart rips! Bob's a legend, enjoyed listening to his bit on BKS's history

[debbiehergenrader]

Kevin, I have a blast watching your videos. I am a 66 year old woman, who knows NOTHING about cars, but, I get such a kick out of you and your friends. I laugh my fool head off when ever you all get together. Thanx and keep up the wonderful way you love life.

[kjuju]

I freaking love this. I love the resto but man that history is priceless.

[jborcz]

@Junkyarddigs thank you so much for giving us all the opportunity to hear from this absolute legend. It’s so great to hear his stories and I think including them instead of jumping straight to the wrenching was absolutely the right thing to do for you and your audience.

[feuerkind]

the race was hysterical, It kinda reminded me of the Grand Prix Grand Prix and all the shenanigans on that episode, that being said I really liked getting to know of Bob Combs and his stories, that's absolute Gold in my opinion, legends like that won't be around for much longer, thanks for saving what you can, look forward to seeing more of this venture.

[zymmer]

Kevin..listening to Bob...I raced a twin engine kart..Mine had two WestBend 820L engines..My class was Super C..early..mid 1960's..I feel like I may have raced with Bob at Watkins Glen..back in the day..Awesome video here!!!!

[garycook]

This episode was just great! It brings back so many memories. I am about 50 yrs older than you guys, about Bobs age I had my first kart in 1960. It was an Ala-Kart with 2 Mac 6's. I ran it out here on the west coast on road race type tracks. It didn't last long as I was already a junior in high school then went on to college and then into the navy (1964-1968) by then I had gone into drag racing. But in 1979 I went to SCCA drivers school where I found that my go-cart experience helped me a lot. My second race at riverside international raceway I won for the first time, then finished second at Pheonix raceway. I finished 3rd in national points in my division. Later on I drove oval track stock cars and then winged modifieds and I like to think that my time in go-carts helped me in all that. 😎🏁

[elwhastrummer]

That was super entertaining, Kevin. Thank you for sharing the fun you're having with your friends. The fact these karts aren't perfect makes for even more fun watching stuff break, get fixed..or not, everyone should try something like this at least once in their lives. I have stories, but they're all pre-youtube.