Famous American Motorcycle Racers

Nicky Hayden, known as "The Kentucky Kid," was an American professional motorcycle racer who achieved success in various championships. He started in the CMRA and progressed to the AMA Supersport and Superbike Championships. Hayden joined the Repsol Honda team in MotoGP in 2003, where he had mixed results initially. In 2006, he won the MotoGP World Championship, breaking Valentino Rossi's streak. Hayden later raced for Ducati and Honda Aspar before moving to the Superbike World Championship with Ten Kate Racing Honda in 2016. Tragically, he passed away in 2017 after a cycling accident in Italy.

Richard Joseph Carmichael, known as Ricky Carmichael, is an American retired professional motocross and stock car racing driver. He achieved unparalleled success in motocross, earning the nickname "The GOAT" for being the Greatest of All Time. Throughout his career, he won a total of 15 AMA championships, with 10 in Motocross, five in Supercross, and a record-breaking 150 wins. Carmichael also had a successful NASCAR career, competing in various series and earning accolades such as the AMA Rider of the Year award five times.

James Stewart Jr., known as Bubba Stewart, is a retired American professional motocross racer renowned for his exceptional talent on the track. With numerous championship wins and groundbreaking innovations in the sport, he solidified his legacy as one of the greatest riders of all time. Stewart's mastery of the "Bubba Scrub" technique revolutionized motocross racing, while his television show and lucrative endorsement deals further elevated his status in the industry. His impressive track record includes multiple AMA championships, Motocross of Nations victories, and Red Bull Straight Rhythm titles.

William Kissam Vanderbilt II was a notable American figure known for his passion for motor racing and yachting. He established himself as a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family, gaining recognition for his contributions to the fields of sports and leisure. Vanderbilt's enthusiasm for motor racing and yachting led him to become a respected figure in these circles, where he made significant strides and left a lasting impact on the industries. His legacy as a sportsman and enthusiast continues to influence these fields today.

Freddie Spencer, also known as Fast Freddie, is an American former world champion motorcycle racer who achieved great success in the early 1980s. He is considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers of his time. Spencer's professional career was marked by numerous accomplishments, including winning world championships. His skill, determination, and speed on the racetrack earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor and a legend in the world of motorcycle racing.

Wayne Rainey is an American former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer known for his exceptional professional achievements. He secured the 500cc World Championship three times and triumphed in the Daytona 200. Renowned for his smooth and strategic riding approach, Rainey engaged in a fierce rivalry with fellow American racer Kevin Schwantz from 1987 to 1993. His calculated and skillful riding style, combined with his competitive spirit, solidified Rainey's reputation as one of the most successful and respected racers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Carey Hart is a prominent figure in the motorsports world, known for his achievements as an off-road truck racer, freestyle motocross competitor, and motorcycle racer. He made history by becoming the first to attempt a backflip on a 250cc motorcycle in competition. Additionally, he is recognized for his entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly as the founder of Hart & Huntington Tattoo & Clothing Company. Throughout his career, Hart has left a lasting impact on the industry with his daring stunts and successful business ventures.

Ashley Fiolek is an American former professional motocross racer and current stunt actor. She competed in the AMA Motocross Championships from 2008 to 2012, achieving significant success as a four-time AMA women's motocross national champion. Fiolek, who is culturally deaf, communicates via American Sign Language, making her a notable figure in the motocross world. Her achievements in the sport have solidified her legacy as a talented and groundbreaking athlete, paving the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in motorsports.

Kevin Schwantz is an accomplished American former professional motorcycle road racer who achieved the prestigious title of world champion in the 1993 FIM Road Racing World Championship. Throughout his career, Schwantz demonstrated exceptional skill and talent on the racetrack, earning him a reputation as one of the top motorcycle racers of his time. His impressive achievements and racing prowess solidified his legacy in the world of motorcycle road racing, making him a respected figure among fans and fellow racers alike.

Joi Harris was an American motorcycle road racer and stuntwoman who made history as the first African American woman licensed as a motorcycle road racer. She began her motorcycling journey in 2009 and transitioned to professional racing in 2014. Tragically, she passed away while filming a motorcycle stunt for the movie Deadpool 2, where she was doubling as the character "Domino." Her legacy in the motorcycle racing and stunt community continues to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Kenny Roberts Jr. is an American former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who achieved significant success in the world of motorcycle racing. He won the 2000 FIM Road Racing World Championship and was a runner-up in 1999. Roberts Jr. is an 8-time Premier Class race winner and is known for his notable achievements in the sport. He is part of the exclusive father-son duo, along with his father, Kenny Roberts, who have both won 500cc World Championships. Roberts Jr. was honored with induction into the F.I.M. MotoGP Hall of Fame in 2017.

Kenneth Leroy Roberts is an American former professional motorcycle racer and racing team owner. He made history in 1978 as the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship. Roberts was a two-time winner of the A.M.A. Grand National Championship and one of only four riders in AMA racing history to win the AMA Grand Slam. His influence extended beyond his racing career, as he advocated for safety improvements and contributed to the development of motorcycle engines and chassis. Roberts' impact on Grand Prix motorcycle racing led to increased professionalism and safety standards in the sport.

Valerie Thompson is an accomplished American motorcycle drag and land speed racer with a remarkable career. She is a 7-time motorcycle land-speed record holder and a charter member of the Mojave Magnum "200 MPH Club." Thompson also had the opportunity to drive the North American Eagle Project jet car in an attempt to break the land speed record for women. She has raced vehicles like the BUB Seven Streamliner at prestigious events such as the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, showcasing her exceptional skills and passion for speed racing.

Malcolm Smith is a renowned Canadian-American off-road racer known for his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. With a career spanning several decades, Smith has established himself as a dominant force in off-road racing, earning numerous accolades and championships along the way. His passion for the sport and dedication to excellence have made him a respected figure in the racing community, inspiring many aspiring racers to pursue their dreams. Smith's legacy continues to influence and shape the off-road racing industry to this day.

Eddie Lawson is an American former professional motorcycle racer known for his achievements in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championships from 1983 to 1992. He is a four-time FIM 500cc road racing world champion and the first MotoGP competitor to win consecutive 500cc world championships on bikes from different manufacturers. Lawson's exceptional skill at avoiding crashes and consistently finishing in the points earned him the nickname "Steady Eddie." He was inducted into the MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame in 2005 and later pursued a career in open-wheel racing in the United States.

John Kocinski is a retired American Grand Prix motorcycle road racer renowned for his impressive achievements in the world of motorcycle racing. He notably secured the 1990 250cc World Championship and the 1997 Superbike World Championship title during his successful career. Kocinski's skills and determination on the track earned him a reputation as a talented and competitive racer, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in the sport of motorcycle racing.

Elena Myers Court is an accomplished American professional motorcycle racer known for making history as the first woman to win an AMA Pro Racing sprint road race in 2010. She further solidified her place in motorsport history by becoming the first woman to win a professional race at Daytona International Speedway in 2012. With a remarkable career trajectory that saw her entering the AMA racing circuit at a young age, Myers has showcased her talent and determination by competing in high-profile championships like the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.

Joe Leonard was a renowned American professional motorcycle racer and racecar driver. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional skills and achieved numerous successes in both motorcycle racing and racecar driving. Leonard's talent and dedication led him to become a respected figure in the racing world. He left a lasting impact on the sport with his impressive performances and contributions. Leonard's professional journey was marked by achievements that solidified his legacy as one of the top racers of his time.

Louise Forsley is a renowned international women's motorcycle trials rider, having competed in prestigious events such as the US NATC National Championships and the FIM World Trials Championships. She is a two-time Women's National Champion, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination in the sport. Forsley's talent was further highlighted when she participated in the 2012 Xgames in Los Angeles, California, where she achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the silver medal. Her professional career is marked by numerous accomplishments and a strong presence in the world of motorcycle trials.

Debbie Evans is a former American motorcycle observed trials competitor who was recognized as the top female rider in the United States during the 1970s. She secured factory sponsorship from Yamaha during this time. Transitioning from her successful motorcycle career, Evans ventured into the film industry as a stunt performer and achieved significant success in this field. Her remarkable contributions to motorcycling led to her induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003.

Cayla Rivas Kaolelopono is an accomplished American motorcycle racer known for setting the FIM World Record by reaching a speed of 252.901 km/h in the 2018 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. With 26 world records to her name, she has established herself as a prominent figure in motorcycle racing. Backed by team Royal Enfield and S&S Racing, Cayla's professional journey is marked by her passion for speed and excellence. Mentored by her father, a renowned NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing champion, Cayla's dedication and talent have solidified her reputation as a skilled and determined racer.

M. L. Fredericks was a renowned motorcycle racer known for setting a record of 120.3 mph on a board track in 1926, the fastest ever at the time. Riding an Indian Altoona racing bike, he achieved this milestone almost a century ago, and the record still stands. Fredericks further solidified his racing legacy by becoming the 1928 AMA National Champion. In recognition of his exceptional career and contributions to the sport, he was rightfully inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1998.