Bobby Hill earned the title of AMA National Champion in 1951 and 1952 by virtue of his victories on the Springfield Mile. Hill won a total of 12 AMA nationals during his professional racing career spanning the years 1947 to 1959. Hill was always known as one of the most friendly riders of his era and was voted the AMA's Most Popular Rider in 1951.

Hill was born in West Virginia in 1922.  Bike exposure came early through his older brother who worked in a Harley dealership.  He started riding at 14 and owned his first bike  - a Harley WLD 45 cu. in - at 16.

By 18 Hill was racing as a novice and making great progress. But this was put on hold by the war when Hill joined the Marines.

After the war, Hill nearly won his first Pro race, the 1947 Daytona 200. Riding an Indian, he gradually worked his way through the field, and with about 50 miles to go was in second place.  Although in the lead, Hill misunderstood pit instructions and thought he was second. Trying even harder to catch-up he collided with some slower riders, lost his rear brake and crashed-out on the North turn.

His first National win came in 1948 at Atlanta where Hill and Billy Huber crossed the line in a dead heat and both were declared winner, the only time that has happened in AMA racing history. He won the national title again in 1951 and 1952.

It took until 1954 for a victory in the Daytona 200 on his eighth attempt.  Riding a BSA Shooting Star he once again had a misunderstanding with the pit crew when he pulled-in a lap early. It’s a measure of his skill that by lap 30 he was in the lead and stayed there until the end. This victory earned Hill the honour of winning the first ever AMA Grand National Series race.

Bobby Hill hung-up his racing leathers in 1959 - he was 37 and didn't feel as fast as he used to be.  During his career he rode on Indian, Norton, BSA and Harley-Davidsons. He remained active in the sport into the 1960s as an engine builder, building Harleys for other racers.

Bobby Hill lives in Ohio. Though retired he has kept his love of bikes and still attends races.