Australia is a great nation. By size, certainly, but also by stature. Initially influenced by the other major Commonwealth countries, the culture evolved over the years to adopt new standards. Thus, certain sports are endemic to the country-continent. This is not the case with the motorcycle.
Car racing, then motorcycling, has always punctuated the lives of young Australians. MotoGP, like Formula 1, does not escape its share of “aussies”, who have always been present. Let's look back together at the ten greatest Australian riders in motorcycle Grand Prix.
The link to the first part, which explains the rules as well as the selection criteria, is found right here.
This episode follows the
second part, published yesterday.
No. 8: Kevin Magee
Let us return closer to us in time to dwell on this
OVNI. Magee, it was either top 5 or fall. There have rarely been, in the history of Grands Prix, on/off drivers of his caliber. Arriving in the world in 1987 under the leadership of “King” Kenny Roberts, he achieved three wildcards in his image. A fall, a tenth place in difficult conditions and a podium, acquired in Portugal.
Roberts – Yamaha hired him full-time for 1988, a time when competition was very tough. He fell during the second race of the season, but managed to win the following Grand Prix, in Spain, with pole and the fastest lap in the race! The Magee enigma remains unsolved today.
Magee's machine, at Donington in 1989. Photo: Stu Newby
The rest of the season is satisfactory, although without a podium. Problems arrived in 1989. Following a resounding start to the season, he made a blunder at Laguna Seca burning on the track after the checkered flag was lowered. Misplaced, Bubba Schubert cannot avoid it. This crash immediately ended his career.
The beginning of problems in short. After a return in 1989, Magee was injured again, much more seriously this time, the following year. The accident with Schubert was devastating, and never again was the Magee “vintage 1988” presented at the start. After yet another wildcard in 1993, the Australian ended his motorcycling career. A UFO among mortals, ranked 8th in this top 10.
No. 7: Gary McCoy
Some would undoubtedly have ranked him higher, but in this current top 10, the 1990s daredevil par excellence finishes 7th. Unlike Magee, his career was rather long, when this is related to his driving at the limit, while skidding. Having learned the art of sliding on speedway, on dirt track, McCoy stands out for his legendary attack. The problem is the same as for his predecessor in the ranking: uneven results, directly related to his driving style.
From 1992 to 1997, he competed in the 125cc category, without significant success. Like a Jack Miller, he went directly to 500cc the following year. The first injuries happen quickly, too quickly. Without handlebars for 1999, he was forced to wait for a sudden opportunity.
The legendary Red Bull livery on the YZR 500. Photo: Yamaha Community
Destiny is called Yamaha RedBull WCM. As a replacement for Simon Crafar, he does the show during the second part of the season. Certainly one of the most popular and spectacular drivers of his generation.
Against all odds, he won the opening round of the 2000 World Cup. This magnificent season was punctuated by two other consecutive successes, in Portugal and Valencia. A fifth place overall marks his career best performance.
Unfortunately, he will not be able to repeat it. A nasty injury, then the arrival of the 4-stroke in 2002 got the better of the friendly “aussie”. A checkered career, but an inveterate showman. McCoy is in 7th place in this ranking.
Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to discover the places No. 6 and No. 5 of the top 10.
Cover photo: Stu Newby
