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 four,
published yesterday. The first part, which detailed the selection criteria as well as the honorable mentions, is
found right here.
No. 4: Freddie Spencer (1961-)
When your nickname means "fast", your opponents have something to worry about. “Fast Freddie”, like all the others, began his apprenticeship on earth, very young. Seeing the man's progress and success, Honda USA contacted him to take part in the AMA championship, where the company was falling behind.
At the beginning of the 1980s, he became one of the main leaders of the American championship and was able to defeat the Kenny Roberts and other Barry Sheene during exhibitions. This led to a world contract for 1982.
Unsurprisingly, the Louisianan is fast. He won his first victory at Spa Francorchamps, and finished 3rd in the 500cc championship. The following year, it was an explosion. Spencer crushes the competition and wins his first world title, becoming the second American to achieve the feat.
A few injuries cut the 1984 season short, but it was better to come back in 1985. “ Fast Freddie » achieves one of the greatest feats in history by winning the 250cc and 500cc title. By the 1980s, this trend had disappeared, which further strengthens the Spencer legend.
Far from the Honda colors, Spencer was only a shadow of himself at Yamaha. Photo: Rikita
The problem is that a year like that leaves its mark. Physically exhausted, the man heralded as a future “great” gets injured again and again. At the end of a crazy season, we will never see Spencer on the podium again (!), which makes it a unique case in history. This leaves us a sample of five years to judge, 27 victories, 39 podiums and 33 poles as well as a fourth place in this top 10.
No. 3: Wayne Rainey (1960-)
Who else but Rainey. Very clearly, there is a gap between Rainey and the first two. However, the Californian is not left out in terms of talent. He too was propelled by “ King Kenny » on the big stage. The Roberts School is not easy, but it takes you to the top.
In just a few years, Rainey's genius was revealed to the world. Someone who, once they reached the top, never came back down. His CV is simple: A year in 250cc to learn (1984), a thunderous arrival in 500cc with a first victory (1988), a second year entered the annals finished in second place, then three consecutive world champion titles, from 1990 to 1992.
Roberts, his mentor, couldn't be prouder.
Then 1993, the Misano accident and paralysis. Rainey was exceptional on the handlebars, an artist, a rare blend of finesse and aggression, which matched the Yamaha YZR500 so well.
65 podiums in 95 starts is simply mind-blowing.
For all these reasons, Rainey deserves the podium in this ranking. Above, it's just too strong. This is to tell you the level of the first two! We'll see about it tomorrow, same time. Be there for the final outcome!
A star. Photo: Rikita
Photo Rikita
