Now in decline, the United States was once a breeding ground for talent. Currently, it is the country that has produced the most world champions in the premier category, with seven crowned. An incredible feat, considering that the vast majority of these titles were won in a short period of time. Today, let's rank and pay tribute to these sports legends.
Like all the other top 10 written on the site, it is above all a question of highlighting and honoring, much more than of classifying. The selection of ten drivers is only a reflection of one person's thoughts, and you are invited to give your own top 10 in the comments. All opinions will be read and discussed if they are relevant.. In other words, don’t hesitate!
Let’s return for a moment to the selection criteria. Firstly, it concerns the Grands Prix only: The WSBK will therefore be left aside, to the great dismay of Doug Polen, double world champion. A 500cc title will have “more value” than a 250cc or 125cc title, even if the latter are not numerous in the specific case.
The classification is not based on intrinsic speed but on “ height », the impact that the pilot in question leaves on his era. So, having the most victories does not necessarily guarantee first place, although performances and track record are also very important criteria.
Now that the rules are clear, let's move on to the rankings! As always, we will first look at the honorable mentions, those drivers too short to enter the top 10 but who deserve to be mentioned.
De John Hopkins to Doug Chandler by way of Ben Spies, the choice is not easy. Two drivers gravitate towards the final selection without ever making it there. Firstly Colin Edwards.
John Hopkins is a little short to enter the top 10 – christianB
A native of Houston, the Texan was a major player in the championship in the mid-2000s and early 2010s. After triumphing in Superbike (two world titles in 2000 and 2002), “ texas tornado » decided to join the world championship. During his twelve seasons at the highest level, he achieved twelve podiums and three pole positions without ever winning. The clock could have opened at Assen in 2006, but Valentino's teammate Rossi crashed in the last corner, leaving the way clear for Nicky Hayden.
An extraordinary personality, American style », which left no one indifferent. Joined Tech3 alongside James Toseland,
Ben Spies and Cal Crutchlow
(watch out for the crazy duo), he continued to gravitate around the top 10 without further success. His end of career in the open category is a bit ugly, but whatever. Edwards is a great man.
Finally, let's quote an American who probably doesn't mean anything to you, but is oh so important. Ron Grant (1940-1994) was one of the pioneers in Uncle Sam's country, and considerably helped the careers of Pat Hennen et Randy Mamola, two thieves that we will have the opportunity to meet again in the following days. His contribution to Suzuki USA as well as his talent is too often forgotten. Tragically lost in a boating accident in 1994, he nonetheless remained the first American to stand on a podium at the 1964 United States Grand Prix.
That's all for the moment ! Tomorrow, at the same time, we will discover places 10 and 9 in the ranking. Be on time !
Ben Spies' career is very respectable, but too short to make the top 10. Photo: Raniel Diaz 800
Cover photo: Jerko Scholten
