Broc Hepler’s pro career has been one of major success stories, and unfortunate injuries. The promising amateur rider from Pennsylvania was plucked straight into the pro ranks by the factory Suzuki team, and raced the last three outdoor nationals of the 2003 season. He would finish with respectable top fifteen finishes that were an encouraging sign for his future.

His rookie year was no disappointment for Hepler, as he dived headfirst into the East Coast Supercross series. His two second-place finishes were enough to give him second overall in his first Supercross season ever. The outdoors were also successful, as he took six podiums on his way to another second overall in the final point standings. He also took the prestigious AMA Rookie of the Year award, another sign of his growing skills.

The 2005 season was filled with ups and downs for Hepler. Although he was forced to race a limited schedule in the West Coast Supercross series, he did take his Makita Suzuki to a win in Phoenix. He ended the season in ninth overall. The motocross season was much more successful, as he claimed two overall wins, along with three podiums. He earned sixth overall for the end of the season.

The following year was a tough one for Hepler. He missed the entire Supercross season due to an untimely injury, but bounced back for the outdoors. Hepler would earn three wins and two podiums on his way to another sixth overall standing in the final points despite missing basically the whole first half of the championship.

For 2007, Hepler would leave his longtime home under the Suzuki awning and head to the Factory Yamaha semi. Before his season could even start, though, he suffered a serious head injury that would force him to miss the Supercross series again, and race a limited outdoor schedule. Upon his return, he earned a podium finish, and raced to one moto win for the season.

The 2008 Supercross series was again a tough one for Hepler, as he would miss three rounds due to another injury. However, he was able to earn two podiums, and salvage a respectable eighth place in the final standings. Hepler also bounced back to win the inaugural Navy Moto X World Championships in San Diego, California.

Amateur Career

Broc Hepler’s amateur career was a very successful one to say the least. The Suzuki rider would earn four titles at the giant amateur race at Loretta Lynn’s ranch. At the age 11, he would claim the 65cc Stock (10-11) title, and in 1998 he would win the 85cc Stock (7-11) class. In 2001, he claimed a title in the 85cc Modified (14-15) class, and would follow that with a title in 2003’s 250 Open A class.

Hepler’s achievements in his amateur career were enough to get him noticed by the Makita Suzuki team and their manager, Roger DeCoster. Hepler was brought up into the pro ranks by the team, and showed that a successful and well-thought-out amateur career is the pathway to the big factory teams.

Personal

Broc Hepler was born to race motorycles. His family was involved in motocross, and his father named him after the motocross legend Broc Glover. In today’s world of flashy and cocky young riders, Hepler stands apart from the crowd. His humble and kind personality allows him to do his talking on the track, where he is one of the fastest riders today.
Born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, Hepler still resides there today, and has shown his loyalty to his home state.

Throughout his entire career, which has been fairly successful, Hepler has kept his respectful and positive attitude, and has shown maturity beyond his years. The quiet redhead is one of the nicest riders in the pits, and if he can stay healthy, will remain one of the fastest as well. John Leonard

Contributors: Alissa Gilligan , Bad Billy