# Story of a Successful Person Who Has Followed His Passion – Kenny

> Kenny Roberts, the first American Grand Prix motorcycle world champion, shows how passion that starts with a dare at age 12 can last a lifetime.

- Source: https://bodhih.com/story-successful-person-followed-passion-kenny-roberts/
- Publisher: Bodhih Training (Bengaluru, India; since 2008)
- Last updated: 2026-10-15
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Kenny Roberts, the first American Grand Prix motorcycle world champion, shows how passion that starts with a dare at age 12 can last a lifetime.

Kenny Roberts is an American former motorcycle racer who in 1978 became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship. He first rode at 12 on a dare and built a motorcycle from his father's lawn mower engine. In 2009 he returned to ride demonstration laps, showing that passion does not fade with age.

Last updated 15 Oct 2026 · Bodhih Insights team · reviewed by [Siddharthan VGJ](https://bodhih.com/siddharthan-vgj/), Founder

Kenneth Leroy Roberts is an American former professional motorcycle racer and racing team owner. He rode his first motorcycle at the age of 12 when a friend dared him to ride a mini bike. Roberts accepted the challenge and the experience thrilled him. He built his own motorcycle by attaching his father’s lawn mower engine to a bicycle frame. In 1978, he became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship. Roberts is one of only four riders in American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) racing history to win the AMA Grand Slam. He was named a Grand Prix Legend by the FIM in the year 2000.

The last weekend of Laguna Seca Moto GP 2009 round saw the return of King Kenny Roberts, who did a couple of demonstration laps on his 1980 YZR500 with the same enthusiasm and dedication. The former World Champion also took the Yamaha TZ750 out on track at the 2009 AMA Lucas Oil Indy Mile Grand National race in Indianapolis and treated fans with a special appearance without prior practice. He was moved by the ride and felt like riding in 1975.Kenny delighted those present by riding the machine at the Indy Mile and was congratulated afterwards by current Moto GP star Valentino Rossi.

Passion does not die along with age. It is something which can cause unusual, new and impossible things to happen. Age will just remain as a number and does not become a barrier to success.

## Quick answers

### What did Kenny Roberts achieve in motorcycle racing?

Kenny Roberts became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship in 1978. He is one of only four riders in AMA history to win the AMA Grand Slam, and the FIM named him a Grand Prix Legend in 2000.