Interview with LeoVince Racer Clint Shobert & Father Bubba
Tell us about your riding and racing history, what brought you to this point? What were your big achievements for the year?
“Well I started riding when I was 3 years old and rode off-road trails up till I was about 15 and then got into dirt-track I raced a few dirt-tracks and was more so interested in road racing though so I got my first CBR 600rr around April 2008 and my first race was in May and after the first race I was hooked. My big achievements for the year were winning my first road race in Hallet, OK, scoring the hat trick at MSR Cresson, winning 3 national championships, and winning the 2008 top rookie.”
What’s the first thought that came to your mind once you knew you’d won the AMA rookie award?
“Well actually there wasn’t much I was completely speechless I didn’t know what to think or say but it really just made me feel really good about myself and then I saw the horizon award given out and thought “next year that’s mine”.
You battled some talented racers to win this year, what’s been the strength this season that you’ve drawn upon to win?
“Focus, momentum, and patience I really rely on those the most and also my dad is the best coach possible.”
When you’re watching the current pro ranks, who’s got the particular skills you’d like to learn?
“Ben Spies is pretty much my current hero and role model because being 6 ft and 160 pd’s and beating the 5”5 120pd guys is amazing, I would like to learn all of his skills.”
How much of your success do you attribute to physical training and practice versus mental attitude and learning?
“Well I really feel they all go together cause during my time off I train and work-out everyday and while I’m training and practicing I am also getting mentally stronger knowing how far I can push myself and I’m learning different things through my training and riding even if its not in an actual race, and I fell besides having someone to tell you what else to do it’s about 90% of my success.”
Racing takes support, what sponsors were willing to work with you this season and how did their support contribute to your success?
“Honda first off providing the great bikes to race and practice on cause if I didn’t have them I would have no bikes. Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals for providing the best oils and lubricants, Leo Vince exhaust for the great exhaust systems to tune the bike to peak performance and run better at the same time, aria, alpinestars, and fox for gear and apparel. Along with shark skins, vesrah, PJ1, Ohlins, zero gravity, Dunlop, scott usa.
Everyone knows that at the amateur level the sponsorship deals don’t come with big checks. This means you had more freedom in choosing what products to use. What led you to run a LeoVince exhaust?
“Well we first heard all good things about Leo Vince, and thought we would try them out but now after using the exhaust systems I don’t think I ever want to leave because of now knowing they are reliable, and is the best exhaust I have personally ever ran.”
What’s the plan for 2009?
“I have now moved up to the expert/pro ranks and for 2009 I plan on racing all the CMRA events along with many WERA events and all AMA amateur national events, my plan is to be the best amateur expert by the end of the 2009 season and ready to move on to the higher rankings”
Bubba
Your son is showing real ability. The Nature vs Nurture argument begs to be asked. Is Clint a product of a racing environment or racer DNA?
“I think both! He has had the chance to play all the other sports, but he has the blood and drive and had chose racing.”
Many people remember your tremendous ability. Are you concerned people will place too much pressure on Clint to repeat your success?
“I am not so worried about others, I just don’t want Clint to put too much pressure on himself or trying to do what I did before he is really ready or capable.”
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