6/2/2017
Steel Shoe Nationals
3 time GNC Champion named Grand Marshall for Hagerstown Speedway event!
Akron, Ohio - When you make a statement with your first professional flat track race by holding the event at the historic Hagerstown Speedway you make it super special. You need the right Grand Marshall. Steel Shoe Nationals have put in a lot of hard work to make their series unique. Embracing the heritage of the sport is part of that mission.
Occasionally, someone comes onto the national motorcycle racing scene who makes a lasting impression. A raw talent so unforgettable that more than 30 years later they are still considered one of the best to ever throw a leg over a motorcycle. Taking on the established factory teams, this rider went on to become the AMA Grand National Rookie of the Year, 3 time AMA Grand Nationals Champion (in consecutive years 1985-87) and as if that isn't enough, add AMA Superbike Road Racing Champion to that list, while pulling full-time double duty in GNC Flat Track and Superbike Road Racing (1988) and 2 time AMA Pro Athlete of the Year (1986 & 87). We can only be talking about one person… the tenacious Texan himself, Bubba Shobert!
Steel Shoe Nationals, Ltd. C.E.O Christy Cottrell explains more on this amazing and legendary rider. “Bubba Shobert took flat track by storm. He and Ricky Graham and their unforgettable Hondas, came and slapped the establishment teams, shocked racers and wowed fans! The Honda team was a force so powerful the rules were changed to level the playing field for everyone else. It was refreshing to see the diversity of another brand in the paddock. The stands were packed at every race during those years. Competition makes this sport thrive. This was a kid with so much natural talent that he made every race, every track and every win look effortless, and he could do that in any discipline. Flat track, Superbikers, road race-Superbike, made no difference to Bubba. Here we are more than 30 years since those Honda days and we are still talking about Bubba Shobert. The best thing about Bubba, is Bubba. He’s a genuinely nice guy, so much fun to talk with. Fans love Bubba, the sport loves Bubba and Hagerstown Loves Bubba. Aside from his impressive race history Bubba Shobert is an incredible ambassador for flat track and it very appreciative of the sport that he still loves today. “
During a Q & A session recently with the former 3 time AMA GNC Champion, he had this to share with us. “I played many sports in school, football, baseball and so on. But it was racing where I really found my competitiveness and drive to win. I knew when I went to my first AMA Grand Nationals race with my dad, Grand National racing was what I wanted to do with my life. I had started racing when I was eight years old, but no matter what other sport I played, racing was where I really wanted to be. I did what I needed to, to earn that #1 plate. I’m very thankful and blessed to have had the career I did. I appreciated everything about the sport. The people, the fans, the sponsors, the tracks, the promoters, all of them, to this day… I am grateful to still be connected to the sport many years later. “
A humble man who hasn’t lost his attraction for our amazing sport. Over the past years, Bubba has managed several flat track teams and has helped to coach many riders. Offering his keen knowledge, winning ways and years of twisting a grip to the next generation.
Since last visiting Hagerstown Speedway in 2006 with the Greg Rogers team and rider Gary Rogers. Bubba hasn’t let any grass grow under his feet. Currently, Bubba spends his time managing his landscape company, playing golf and spending time with family and friends. He says the landscape business eliminates the needs for a gym membership and keeps him enjoying the outdoors. Considering he says, he was never suited for a 9-5 desk job.
An official, new replica of Bubba’s championship winning Team Honda, custom Bell helmet will be auctioned off. Bubba will autograph and dedicate the helmet to one lucky fan on the Hagerstown Speedway front straight.
For those of us old enough to rememeber the amazing Camel Pro era and Honda's domination, please join us in sharing some of Bubba's stories while you are at Hagerstown Speedway, From being boo'd at Springfield to winning the main and having a line of fans to greet him. To an altercation with Terry Poovey which resulted in a nine race suspension that would strip Bubba of his win at Hagerstown. Bubba will have plenty of time to visit with fans and sign autographs. Look for our race day agenda to be posted to our website soon.
Steel Shoe Nationals first race is July 1, 2017, with a much-awaited series opener at Hagerstown Speedway. Tickets are on sale at speedwayshopping.com. Details about the Steel Shoe Nationals 5 race all-pro series - steelshoenationals.com
About the Steel Shoe Nationals –Steel Shoe Nationals- created by necessity, fueled by passion and driven by our desire to see everyone succeed. Our goal is to bring the most exciting, handlebar banging motorcycle racing to the mainstream. Professional Flat Track Racing is one of the oldest and most pure forms of racing in the United States. There are no high-tech gadgets, no million-dollar deal, no product endorsements, no glitz, no glamour. Just tough, raw, gritty, hard-core racing so action packed you will wear out the edge of your seat! #steelshoenation
Octanesportsmanagement.com
Steelshoenationals.com
About Hagerstown Speedway – Hagerstown Speedway is a true 1/2 mile track with straight-aways over 900 ft. long & 70 ft. wide. The track is 90 ft. wide in the turns. The racing surface is made of the finest red clay in the nation. The smooth, wide surface makes Hagerstown Speedway one of the fastest and safest dirt tracks in the U.S. on which to race.
Hagerstownspeedway.com
Article Credit: Octane Sports Management
Submitted By: Christy Cottrell
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