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.
This episode follows part five,
published yesterday. The first part, which detailed the selection criteria as well as the honorable mentions, is
found right here.
No. 2: Kenny roberts (1951-)
Let the debate begin. Indeed, deciding between first and second place was not easy. Having a tie was possible, but it's also about getting wet, so
let's not hide behind the tie.
Let's start perhaps with the annoying question: Why isn't Roberts first? Because in front, it's stronger.
Eddie lawson – all suspense was already dead –
was a better driver than Kenny Roberts.
Let us return quickly to the case of “ King Kenny ". An absolute Yamaha legend, he was greatly influenced by Jarno Saarinen, a man who pioneered the piloting revolution of the early 1970s. Roberts took this approach to riding and perfected it: It is to him that modern piloting is often credited, although this claim is overused .
Kenny Roberts in 1980. Photo: Fernando Pereira ANEFO
Roberts arrived in the world in 1978 and immediately won the 500cc title, then the next one, and the one after that. He is the only one in history to have won his first three titles following his arrival at the highest level. Furthermore, he is the first American world champion.
That makes you the man. But Kenny Roberts' biggest victory lies elsewhere. Indeed, it is possible to attribute modernity and the great changes in our sport to it. To simplify, although this deserves a separate article, he is the pilot who transformed the " Continental Circus » seriously and “ professional " World Championship. His influence was almost as great as his talent on the track.
Subsequently, he created, in collaboration with the Yamaha factory, the now legendary Team Roberts, nurturing talents like
John Kocinski, Wayne Rainey or his son Junior, world champion in 2000. If you look closely, Kenny was mentioned at least once in the description of each driver in the top 10. That shows his scope.
The “King” is an innumerable number of hats. Roberts won three titles in a row, Roberts founded his team and won titles with it, Roberts created his own motorcycle brand in partnership with Honda, Roberts made his son race...for 25 years, his name resonated in the paddocks.
No. 1: Eddie lawson (1958-)
Yes but here it is: Au above, there is Lawson. Of the two, he was the greater pilot. Certainly, he doesn't have that many years in the circuit, that much progress to his name. But on the track, it's another debate. The only American quadruple world champion, he established himself as one of the best drivers of all time in the most contested era.
The comparison is simple. Take all the drivers in this ranking. All, except Pat Hennen (10e) Kenny Roberts Jr.. (8th) and Nicky Hayden (7th), ran from 1978 to 1994. During this very prosperous period for the USA, Lawson dominated everyone.
Everything is opposed to Gardner, Schwantz
ou Let's face it. " Steady Eddie » (for “Eddie the stable”) is a calm, quiet, shy man who is far from the cameras. On the track, same thing. The equivalent of Alain Prost in Formula 1, evolving at the same time on four wheels.
Some statistics are crazy. Twelve withdrawals in nine years of competition. No finishes outside the points in 127 500cc races.
Eddie Lawson in action, during the 1989 German Grand Prix, on Honda. Photo: Gary Watson
Lawson is part of the very exclusive club of drivers who have won races with three different manufacturers, with
Yamaha , Honda et
Cagiva. It was the latter who put the Italian firm back on track, where so many had failed.
In an era with monstrous machines, being so regular is a feat. His fine driving allowed him to win two consecutive titles on two different brands in 1988/1989, a feat which would be reproduced by Valentino Rossi in 2003/2004.
For all these reasons, it is number 1, although the debate exists.
The USA provided its share of talent, but also and above all unforgettable moments. In barely fifteen years, a country invades the world for its greater good. A golden, mythical era, which will never cease to make the most nostalgic among us dream.
Cover photo: Rikita
