DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 1, 2014) – Some of the most prominent riders in the history of the Grand National Championship have sported the National No. 2 plate. Legends such as Dick Klamfoth, Dick Mann, Bubba Shobert, Jim Rice, Johnny Spiegelhoff and then, of course, Kenny Roberts and Scotty Parker, have all displayed the iconic National No. 2 on their motorcycles during their tenure competing in the series. These are some of the main reasons why Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. chose to wear No. 2 following his impressive championship run from 2007-2009.
“It was a tough decision to take No. 2, really,” said a humbled Coolbeth. “The number had been worn by so many amazing competitors and it really caught my eye when the number was available. I think I bring a different style of racing than the riders who previously wore No. 2. It’s just cool to know that I am wearing the same number as they did.”
It’s safe to say that Coolbeth has carried the torch appropriately, as he’s been a vicious competitor on the circuit ever since obtaining the National No. 2 plate in 2010. In fact, last season was arguably his best yet since obtaining the No. 2, finishing fourth in the overall Grand National Championship point standings and recording four wins, the most he’s ever earned in a single season. In total, Coolbeth has racked up a whopping nine GNC1 main event victories since mounting the National No. 2 plate onto his motorcycle.
After completing his impressive season in 2014, it's been confirmed that the 37-year-old Coolbeth will return next year and ride for Zanotti Racing again in 2015, as the two made an impressive duo in their first year together.
