Bleedin’ Speed
Dirt Track Racing in Owensboro: Yesterday and Today      
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February is a racing month and Owensboro is a racing city: from Waltrips to Haydens and everyone in between, the ‘boro bleeds speed. I caught up with Owensboro native and motorcycling guru, legend, enthusiast and pro, John Clark. He talks about the earlier days of racing and the racers that came through before those Hayden boys took over the world.

How long did you race?

I raced for 36 years and I won regional and expert races. Four years ago, I ran in the top 13 Harley Davidson top performance series. It took one whole summer on a Harley 883.

How many riders that were competitive came out of this area?

Back in the late 70s, Terry Ebelhare, Eddie Thompson, Tim Bosecker, Mark Hall and myself could and did win locally on any given night.

What advice would you give to a young racer?

You really need a racing family. Support from your family is essential. Keep your grades up and don’t sacrifice on equipment. You have got to protect yourself when you are going around that track.

How much does it cost to get into flat track motorcycle racing?

Approximately $10,000 dollars for an amateur level. You want to start off with a used mini bike because it’s more cost effective and you can always move up. On a professional level, you are looking at $60,000, but at this level you can gain sponsors and can also win back some of your money – if you are good.

Who did you admire when you were younger?

Billy Boone, #36L. He was a pro rider from the Owensboro area. One day, I was riding my bike and my father told me, “John, quit shaking your head like Billy or you’ll end up in the lake.” I was shaking my head to drag the handlebars; we still get a kick out of that.

Are there any weekly programs someone can go to race at in the area?

No, there isn’t. Western Kentucky and Northern Indiana are the closest places. We’d love to bring it back though.

Any traveling stories over the years?

Lots that I can’t tell! One is, I had just started to race and I asked H.L. Weekley how many laps we would be running. He told me to not worry about a thing, to just look for the white flag. There was another time we had been touring California and out west, and we were so broke coming home, we had to eat beef jerky. My favorite…I was touring with a van that had a bad radiator; I had to stop every single 12 miles to pour water into it. Floyd Tapp passed me on the road, pointed and laughed. I ended up winning the main event and then had to drive all the way back home stopping every single 12 miles.

In the years of flat track motorcycle racing who has been the best you’ve ever seen on a racetrack?

I knew when he was 14-years-old that Nicky Hayden was the best. I actually gave him his very first interview. When he was three, Nicky, his dad and myself were all sitting in the back of the barn and I held a pencil up to Nicky’s mouth. It was then and there that he told me he was going to be the world champion someday.

Who is the upcoming talent in the area?

The Gilliam kids and a Louis boy from Princeton, Kentucky.

Who helped you along the way?

Earl and Rose Hayden, Floyd Tapp my brother Billy and Don Risley worked on my motorcycle when I was a kid.

Anyone else in your family race?

My dad was from Indy. A real gearhead but never got on the track.

Do you plan on racing in the future?

Right now, I’m in the process of riding basic expert dirt track national series if I can get a package together in time. Also, I want to come back and be the oldest guy to get a top national number.

Will we be seeing you at the racetrack?