Bobby Ross 3-7-05
- Updated: July 5, 2005
Name: Bobby Ross
Occupation: Mechanic for Hetrick Racing
Residence: Seneca, PA
Birth date: 8-15-85
Hobbies: Working out, hanging out with friends and riding
Height: 5′-6″
Weight: 150 lbs
Proudest Moment: Winning the 2004 GNC MX production A class
Favorite practice track: Macon, GA
Restaurant: McDonalds
Pets: Two dogs; Poo Bear and Pugsly
First national win: 200 Macon GNC 200cc Air Cooled class
Nickname: Booey. That’s what my mom has called me since I was little.
Favorite activity when not racing or working: Attending High School wrestling matches.
Pet Peeves: Cigarette smoke
Coolest ride spot on earth? Echeconnee in Macon, GA
Chevy or Ford? Chevy
Tech gadget of choice? Compaq Pentium 4 Laptop
Cell carrier: Cell One
Choice country: USA
Twist or thumb? Thumb
Magazine? ATV Sport
Favorite place? Home
Staying in shape: Work out in the Winter and ride all Summer
What’s in your CD player? Green Day
Movie? I Robot
TV Show? No time for TV
Other sports? Wrestling
Sponsors: Mom and dad, Hetrick Racing, JB Racing, Maxxis, PEP, Baldwin Motorsports, Lucky Dog Racing, Lemon Drop Racing
Website: hetrickracing.com
Want to know about a fast rider quickly climbing the ranks in ATV racing. Look no further than 2004 GNC MX Production A class champion, Bobby Ross. After logging the fastest lap times of the day at our season opener, – The 6 Hours of Texas at Caddo Point, we felt it necessary to have a talk with Seneca PA’s Bobby Ross, Here’s what he had to say…
ATV Scene: How long have you been riding and racing ATVs?
Ross: I’ve been riding since I was five and racing since I was seven.
ATV Scene: How many championships do you have?
Ross: Two a 200cc Air Cooled and a Production A championship.
ATV Scene: Where was your first pro am race? Describe your thought on that.
Ross: It was the 2003 Echeconnee GNC. I wasn’t ready for the class at the time. I barely qualified.
ATV Scene: Can you share how you handle the added pressure of doing well in the ultra competitive pro am ranks?
Ross: I kind of sit in the trailer and calm myself down by not thinking about the race so much. I try to keep focused but at the same time, I’ve found if I keep occupied with other things it helps me a lot.
ATV Scene: Who will be your biggest competition this year?
Ross: I think John Ragon will be my biggest threat.
ATV Scene: What do you like best about ATV racing?
Ross: The people. It’s like a big family and that makes it a lot of fun.
ATV Scene: What’s you favorite Cody Miller story?
Ross: Cody, Matt White, Mike Simkins and I decided to race the entire 6 Hours of Texas track on a gulf cart, Polaris Ranger and a go cart. And we did it at night too. We were bounging off of trees and blasting through mud. It was a riot. Although, any time spent at Caddo Point is usually a riot, — not just that time.
ATV Scene: What are your long term goals in the sport and in life?
Ross: This year is to win both pro am championships. Long term is to be picked up by a factory and win five pro championships by the time my career is over.
ATV Scene: Which pro racer would you like to model your career after the most?
Ross: John Natalie. He’s my idol in this sport. He’s not only incredible fast, but he’s a great guy. He goes out of his way to help amateur racers with set up tips and general advise. He’s just a really cool guy.
ATV Scene: Did you miss a lot of school over the years?
Ross: Yes I did miss a lot of school. They ended up putting me on a home school program the begining of my junior year so I could attend all the nationals.
ATV Scene: Do you think you missed out in life by not having a normal high school experience?
Ross: Not at all. I earned my diploma and a lot more than an typical average high school student does by attending the nationals. I learned and continue to learn real world lessons. Learning is all about finding your career in life. I found it in ATV racing.
ATV Scene: What’s a typical day in your life these days?
Ross: I get up, go to work at Hetrick. Maybe tear a motor apart, get the parts needed to fix it. If it’s Winter time I go to the YMCA and work out. If it’s Summer I usually go to County Line MX park and ride.
ATV Scene: Not too many racers can tear apart their own motor and put it all back together. Do you tink this might give you any advantage out on the track?
Ross: Yes. When something is starting to let go most people dont know enough to save the motor and finish. Plus it’s a lot easier on Dick Hetrick. I can tell him what’s wrong instead of him guessing at what the problem might be. This is especially important when their isn’t much time between motos.
ATV Scene: Who do you usually travel to the nationals with?
Ross: Either Bill and Mike Simkins or Rich and Mechelle Hetrick.
ATV Scene: Any memerable road trips come to mind?
Ross: The one we just went on to the Glen Helen GNC. Mainly it was memerable because we were all doing what we love – and traveling so far to do it.
ATV Scene: Any plans on racing a GNCC event?
Ross: Maybe a 6 Hour and the 12 Hour, but not a GNCC.
ATV Scene: What advise would you give to a youngster just starting out in ATV racing?
Ross: Practice and have fun.
ATV Scene: You represent a whole new generation. We’re curious, do you even know who Marty Hart is?
Ross: No I don’t.
ATV Scene: Do you have a girlfriend?
Ross: No. That would just interfeer with racing.
ATV Scene: From the amatuer ranks, who do you see as a future star in this sport?
Ross: Joel Hetrick.
ATV Scene: Any parting words?
Ross: Ride hard, be smart and have fun.