SOUTH BOSTON, Va. As a former road racer, Bob Davis conquered the competition, winning races and earning numerous podium-finishes while competing on some of the countrys top road courses. He then turned to a new challenge short track racing and found success.

Now, Davis is facing and fighting the biggest battle against the biggest opponent of his life cancer. Its a battle he has been waging since March 2023.

Davis story is one of multiple components. Its a story of his deep faith in God. Its a story of having a never-give-up attitude. Its a story of thinking outside the box, journeying alone to Mexico to receive treatments that so far have yielded success. Its a story of a desire to race and to use racing to inspire those that face difficult struggles and dire circumstances.

Many people may not think of his seventh-place finish in last weekends Kenny Meadows Limited Sportsman Memorial, a 75-lap race that took the better part of an hour to complete, as a major accomplishment. In Davis book, and in the book of those that know the Thaxton, Va., resident, it was a win.

I was kind of surprised at my performance, Davis remarked. I really didnt know how I would do. Like most cancer patients, I am slightly anemic. Its tough to get your energy level up. I think most drivers will tell you when they get in the car, start the engine and start making the pace laps we come to life. Thats the case for me. I was very energetic in the that car. I really had no trouble driving. I really had a good time. I must be on the rebound, on the way to being healed.

The overwhelming majority of racers race to win. Davis goal in the seasons opening race for South Boston Speedways Budweiser Limited Sportsman Division was far more modest.

Our goal was to see how the car did, keep the car together, and finish the race, Davis explained. I was happy at the end of it all because thats what we accomplished. We found out the car raced well, and it was fast. It felt good knowing the car was really working well and that I could race with those guys. That really helped me a lot.

What Id like to do, Davis continued, is finish races this year and drive the car onto the hauler. Thats my number one goal. If weve got a car thats good enough to run toward the front, then that will be an even bigger plus.
Cancer battles are something Davis has seen far too often in his family. His father, his brother and a sister died from cancer and two sisters have been affected by it.

I never figured it was going hit me, Davis pointed out. It hasnt got me, and I dont know that it will.

Davis battle against cancer has been a tough one. Last September his situation became dire.

I was really beat down, he explained. I had a lot of problems with my health. My kidneys were at the point of shutting down. After I got so bad and the doctor told me about hospice, I went to Mexico. I found out about a place in Mexico called the Oasis of Hope Cancer Center through some health people. My wife and I talked to them, and they felt they could help me, so, in January, I flew out to San Diego, California. They (hospital personnel) picked me up at the airport and drove me to the hospital. I spent the next three weeks there under treatment. I got my blood tested when I got back home, and it was looking really good compared to what it was in late September and October.

It isnt just medical treatments that have helped Davis in his battle.

Theres a couple of things that have helped me, he noted. Ive got a thousand or more people praying for me. I do believe that God has a plan for me. I know God can heal me if he wants to. I know He has a plan.

The three weeks spent in the hospital in Mexico not only gave Davis an opportunity to receive intense medical treatment, it also offered a time for inward reflection.

Having this cancer is the best thing that has happened to me, Davis said. I mean that from my heart. It (the three weeks in Mexico) gave me a lot of time to look back on my life and reflect, pray, and read my Bible. Looking back on my life I really didnt like what I saw and being faced with the end maybe being closer than most people having any idea of, it gave me a lot of reason for wanting to do better.

Feeling better and being on a better path health-wise after his return from Mexico in late January, Davis began thinking about racing again. Conversations with close friends Bruce Anderson and H.C. and Peyton Sellers led to Davis buying a car and setting out on plans to race in 2025.

I told Bruce Id like to race if my health was going to improve, Davis explained. He and H.C. got together. They got Mike Chambers attention and Mike stepped up and I got a car. I bought the car from Peyton and H.C. Mike picked it up and took it to his shop in Durham, North Carolina. He looks after it and brings it to the track. Hes got his own crew, and Joey Conner still spots for me.

Things just came together, Davis added. I started feeling better and, as a result of that, there I was racing Saturday.

Davis admitted weighing his decision to return to racing this season was difficult.

I was really, really struggling with why am I racing, he said. Was this an ego trip for me? Is this just about having fun? H.C. and I were talking one day, and I said you know H.C., I really want a better reason to race. I feel like if were doing this maybe somehow we can help people, maybe do something that will please God. He said thats what we need to do.

Thats how we need to look at this, Davis continued. He felt like with the cancer it was a great opportunity to help people who may be struggling and suffering, people not really believing they can get better or who need some help, some advice or whatever. If we can inspire people by being there thats our goal. Thats what I want to do.

Im so lucky to be a part of racing, added Davis. I really thought it was done for after last season. Through Gods grace and those people in Mexico, they have brought me back to life.
Davis pointed out his plan for now is to compete in five events.

I thought lets just do it for five races and see how we go, he remarked. I felt five consecutive races was a good number to shoot for. After that, we will take a look and see where we stand.

His belief is that approach is doable.

I believe that I am going to feel good, Davis said. I really want to have a positive impact on the people at the racetrack, the crew, and everyone around there. I feel like God has given me a second chance.