Builder Spotlight: Bobby Reese

If you’ve spent any time around flat track racing, chances are you’ve heard the name Bobby Reese. Known through Reese Racing and his Instagram handle @Reeseracing43, Bobby has built a life around motorcycles—one that started at just six years old and has carried him through both victories and near life-ending crashes.

Early Beginnings

Bobby’s first taste of motorcycles came at his uncle’s house, where he hopped on a little Z50 at six years old. That single ride lit a fire that never went out. By the time he was nine, he was already wrenching, learning how to clean carburetors if he wanted to keep riding. His uncle, Dave Buss, became an important influence, someone Bobby could spend hours with admiring bikes and ideas.

The Bikes

These days, Bobby’s collection reflects his versatility and loyalty. His daily rider is a stock 1981 Seca 550, while his garage also holds a Yamaha FZ07 hooligan and a SCR950R hooligan. Though he enjoys all motorcycles, Bobby admits Yamaha holds a special place in his heart for their engineering and serviceability.

Racing and Memorable Tracks

For Bobby, flat track racing isn’t just a sport—it’s the foundation of his life. It’s how he met his wife, and how he built the racing family he treasures today. His favorite track? Aztalan Short Track, known for being smooth, consistent, and rubbering in quickly, making for great racing. Some of his biggest highlights came at the 2017 and 2018 X Games, where the competition and atmosphere were unforgettable.

Not every ride has been smooth, though. Bobby recalls a brutal motocross indoor crash that nearly cost him his life, requiring a Flight for Life rescue. Despite the close call, he came back to racing—stronger and even more passionate.

Inspirations and Style

Bobby’s influences stretch beyond motorcycles. He finds inspiration in movies like Grease, American Graffiti, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and in rockabilly culture and music. His top bands? Stray Cats, Blink-182, and Social Distortion. His creativity was also sparked early by the book Brian’s Winter, which taught him about survival and painted vivid imagery in his mind.

Life on Two Wheels

Road trips come with stories too—like the drive to Davenport Race, which turned into the “biggest fight” with his wife. They laugh about it now, but it remains a reminder that the best rides are about good company. As for food on the road? Bobby’s loyal to Wind Hill Pancake House, especially their Belgium waffle with cinnamon ice cream, though he’ll happily settle for Eggos with PB&J when needed.

Looking Ahead

When asked what he’d do with unlimited time or money, Bobby dreams big: building a race team to jump into the pro world of flat track or motocross, or even constructing a race track to teach the art of flat track racing to others. If he had an unlimited budget, he’d love to build something from the early 1900s, paying homage to the roots of motorcycle culture.

Travel is also on his list, with Egypt topping the destinations—he wants to admire the pyramids in person.

Gratitude and Motivation

Through it all, Bobby stays motivated by those who push him forward. He gives props to Mark Martinich, telling him to “keep going” and reminding him, “I’m doing this for you. Keep kicking ass 81!!!”

From his earliest days on a minibike to near-death experiences and national competitions, Bobby Reese has built a life that revolves around two wheels, family, and the culture that ties them together. If his journey proves anything, it’s that passion and perseverance can turn a childhood spark into a lifelong legacy.