In 1942, he won 6 of 7 feature races before entering the marines in World War 2 as a Hydraulic mechanic for planes. Never racing as an amateur, he returned to racing in the expert class. He won his first National Championship, in 1948 on the 10 mile track in Jacksonville, FL. In 1950, Bobby became part of the Infamous Indian “Wrecking Crew”, made up of himself, Bill Tuman and Ernie Beckman.
In 1951 and 1952 he won National Championships at Springfield, Illinois and the honor of using the #1 plate for two years. He was the Most Popular Rider in the US in 1952. In 1954, he won the Daytona 200 race on the beach-road course on a BSA.
Over the years, he was honored as the first inductee to the Charity Newsies Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio, the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Sturgis SD, the Springfield Indian Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass, and the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio.
He was most honored by an engraved photo on the Monument commemorating the winners of the Daytona 200 erected on the old beach-road course. Bobby and Nancy lived in Grove City since 1954 and loved their friends like family.
He is survived by children: Barbara Ohly, James R Hill (Judy), Tami Steele (Steve Capocciama), grandchildren: Dane Ohly (Ainsley) son Dash, Josh Hill (Whitney) son Townes, Jordan Hill, Joe Hill daughter Haylynn, Erin Steele son Jax, Jamie Steele (Krista), Shana (Cory) Aycock daughter Marlee, cousins: Charlotte (Tim) Reichert, Mary Ruth Brennan, Niece Mona (Jon) Journey and son Austin (Brittany) Journey.
Friends and family may visit Tues 2-4 pm July 26 at Newcomer Southwest, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Oh 43123.