I think Joe's comments are based on THIS:

https://www.hoosiertire.com/NASADIST.HTM

Let's see...Smarty shows up at every Regional and National on the NE schedule (except for those where he would have had to be in two places at once...quite a trick, even for Bob), but no sign of him on the "trackside" list, or the current "roadracing" part of the Hoosier website (generic, non-sanctioning body-related).

That's unfortunate, whatever the circumstances. Bob, as a long-time and current active racer, always adds some "color" to what is sometimes a very bland paddock atmosphere.