Grand Prix Motorcycle Racers : The American Heroes

by Norm DeWitt, Alan Cathcart

Until the 1970s, North America was considered a backwater with respect to world championship–level motorcycle road racing. European racers viewed American riders as being less talented and rode around in circles on tracks made of dirt. That all changed when Kenny Roberts exploded onto the Grand Prix racing scene and became the first American to win the world championship in motorcycle road racing's premier class. Roberts' success launched an era of American dominance that lasted for nearly 20 years and still echoes through the annals of the sport. This is the story of the legendary American riders who beat the Europeans at their own game, including Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Kenny Roberts Jr., and the most recent American world champion, Nicky Hayden. With additional chapters about the American World Superbike champions and those Americans who competed for the World Championship, this is the story road racing fans have been waiting decades to read.

 

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Norm DeWitt is an Architect, Photographer, and bestselling Author. Born in San Diego, California (Birthplace of Naval Aviation) he spent his life immersed in motorsports, aviation, space exploration, and sailboat racing. Decades spent developing and driving race cars and sailboats eventually led to a writing career about his passions. His articles have been published worldwide, with the help of achievers such as Bob Hoover, Chuck Yeager, Joe Kittinger, Mario Andretti, Rick Mears, Roger Penske, and Bernie Ecclestone. See his website at makingitfaster.com

Reviews

[Chip Hennen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and packed full of very interesting info. Was written by a friend of mine who spent 2 yrs researching and writing the book. Tonight Show TV host Jay Leno discussed the book on his show with Norm.