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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
