Harry Orbik at Roby Raceway

Hammond Indiana

Harry Orbik (1900-1938) circa 1930.

This photo was in the family for many years but not much was known about it. We knew Harry was the owner/operator of Calumet Auto Repair on 8501 Commercial Avenue in South Chicago and that he worked on racecars on the side.

The same 999 car at the starting line.

This looks like the same crew as the portrait photo including Harry Orbik (in the suit and fedora) pushing 999.

999 in action!

999 in action!

999 after a spinout. The mechanic in white is Al Karp (Karczewski). He is also in the portrait photo.

Peering over the crowd on the left is Harry Orbik.

The article on the race the day after. Notice the crash of 999 is mentioned.

Roby Speedway Program dated 1923

Contemporary map showing Roby Speedway. Now that area is under the Chicago Skyway.

Ad for G&S Auto. Sponsor of 999.

G&S Auto, 8802 Commercial Avenue.

Commercial Auto Repair. This is NOT Calumet Auto but I thought it was a good example of a contemporary garage.

The Karp's Garage on Colfax and South Chicago Avenue, near Bessemer Park.

Information and additional photos provided by Jerry Murawski, a noted historian of Roby Raceway. Additional help by Linda Herrick Swisher, who helped get us in touch and found the race article in the Chicago Tribune.