Bob Carey, the 1932 National Racing Champion, was born in Anderson on September 28, 1904. While working at Robert Roof's race shop in town, he developed a passion for speed and competition and begged for a chance to drive. When Roof's driver failed to appear for a race, Carey persuaded Roof to let him take the wheel and won. Many more victories followed, and he quickly became known for his racing accomplishments. In 1932, his success took him to the Indianapolis 500, where he finished fourth despite spending 12 minutes in the pits. He then became the first driver to win the AAA National Championship as a rookie. Although many expected him to win the 500 in the future, that promise was never fulfilled. On April 16, 1933, he died in a crash at Los Angeles' Legion Ascot Speedway. Bob Carey is buried in Maplewood Cemetery.