True Stories of Amazing People and Places in Texas

Born Don Wayne Shobert in Lubbock, Texas, on January 29, 1962, Bubba attended Coronado High School. He began riding at the age of 6 on a Briggs and Stratton minibike.

Shobert began his professional racing career in 1980 when he was 18. In his first pro season, he earned four top-10 finishes and was named AMA Grand National Rookie of the Year. In 1982, Shobert took his first Grand National win at the Indianapolis Mile. A few months later he won at the mile in Syracuse, New York, and ended the 1982 season ranked eighth, his first time finishing in the top 10. In 1983, Shobert was involved in what became an exciting five-rider battle for the championship. He finished on the podium 11 times, including three wins, and was ranked fourth in the end.

He would become a three-time AMA Grand National dirt-track champion (1985-1987) and and AMA Superbike champion in 1988. He suffered severe head injuries in a terrible accident while riding for Honda in the Grand Prix world championship. in 1989. Although he was able to make a full recovery after months of rehabilitation. He never raced again. He went on to manage several successful AMA 250 Grand Prix teams, and now helps run his family's food business in Texas.

He is still one of the most popular figures in motorcycling in this country and makes frequent appearances at special events and races. Most recently he was Grand Marshal of 2019 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Shobert was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998 and into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2007.

Books about Lubbock County People and Places

Lubbock County Treasures (eBay)