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Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: holeshot buddy on October 11, 2009, 10:20:31 pm

Title: favourite rider
Post by: holeshot buddy on October 11, 2009, 10:20:31 pm
who was your favourite rider back when you were racing any era
australian
european including pommies ::)
american

i will start, 80s
aus. jeff leisk, trevor williams, ray vandenberg
euro. george jobe, dave thorpe ,haken carlquist
usa. brad lackey, marty moates ,danny laporte, david bailey, jeff ward

theres heaps more but you have to stop somewhere ;D
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: vandy010 on October 11, 2009, 10:23:38 pm
Australian~as a kid reading magazines, Landman or Gall but later it was Bell
European~the flying Finn, Hiekki Mikola
USA~Hannah, Sun
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: JohnnyO on October 11, 2009, 10:24:56 pm
Anthony Gunter
Roger DeCoster
Bob Hannah
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: TT on October 11, 2009, 10:25:40 pm
Yeah, gotta be Hannah.
He (still) has the attitude, but most importantly, one of the few with the talent to back it up.  ;D
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on October 11, 2009, 10:30:15 pm
US Hannah , Bailey, Omara and Goat Breker because he was a great guy.
Euro Mikkola, Weil, Decoster,Thorpe,Smets, Everts
Aus  Gunter, Gall,Liesk, and Myself hahahahaha!

US /Euro JMB ! Unreal
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: E74 on October 11, 2009, 10:37:00 pm
Joel Smets...of course ;)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on October 11, 2009, 10:37:08 pm
Yeah, gotta be Hannah.
He (still) has the attitude, but most importantly, one of the few with the talent to back it up.  ;D

Yer Hannah dethroned , Smith , Decoster and then after broken leg went on to beat the best of the next generation at Daytona and Unadilla for eg. Like 3 carreers on 3 makes.Ending in the MXdN win in 87.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: albrid-3 on October 11, 2009, 10:39:15 pm
Aust. Gary O`Brien, (Dennis Alsop RIP). Gary Adams, Gary Flood, Trevor Flood,, Lester Rowley, David Basham, (John Heard  RIP),  John Kaiser, Greg Flood. Clive Tucker. Jack Pengally, Ray Fisher, John Herd. Dennis Dickman.
John Mapperson.
NZ  Ivan Miller
Euro Joel Roberts, Roger de Coster
UK, Vic Allen, Andy Roberton,
USA Marty Smith, Brad Lackey
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on October 11, 2009, 10:42:03 pm
Joel Smets...of course ;)

Joel Smets IMO deserves more respect than he gets . He had Everts as to contend with for popularity from his country men and later on the race track but unlike Everts it wasn't all laid out for him , he wasn't following a famous world champ Dad.

He also went door knocking himself in Belgium to gather signatures when they tried to can the 500 class in the 90's.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: BAHNZY on October 11, 2009, 11:11:23 pm
Australian  Kim Ashkenazi or Troy Dorron
European   Toss up between Johan Boonen or Matt's Nillson but probably Joel Smetts.
USA          Jeff Emig
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Marc.com on October 11, 2009, 11:21:42 pm
NZ World Champions....Shayne, Darryl King, racked up a couple of world MX champs and still are horror fast.

Aussie World MX Champions ..... were there any ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: JohnnyO on October 11, 2009, 11:35:20 pm
Marc only Shane won a world title, Darryl was runner up a couple of times.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: suzuki43 on October 12, 2009, 05:59:59 am
Heres my 50 cents
NZ Darryl King with daylight second
Aus Marty Moates and Anthony Gunter
USA Mark Barnett,Bob Hannah
UK Dave Thorpe,Jem Whatley
Europe Harry Everts,Eric Geoboers,Brad Lackey

For what its worth most Kiwi Mxers know that Darryl was the faster of the kings but didnt get the luck.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Nathan S on October 12, 2009, 07:17:40 am
Aus: Leisk, Bell, Dack, Gall.
USA: Johnson, Dymond.

Looking back, my loyalties were pretty easily won - it was just the guys that won on the right coloured bikes (red or white at that time).

Nowdays I actually look at more than the results sheets... I really like Ward's down to earth attitude, and I also really like Hannah's arrogance (although Hannah's riding career was almost completely over by the time I started paying attention.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: TM BILL on October 12, 2009, 07:59:05 am
Australian, Craig Dack , Kim Ashenazi , Steven Andrew
NZ , Josh Coppins , Darryll king , Peter Ploen
USA , Marty Smith , Jimmy Wienert , Bob hannah
Euros , Harry Everts, Joel Robert , Joel Smets
Poms, Graham Noyce , Dave Bickers , Neil Hudson
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 12, 2009, 09:27:36 am
Australia..Per klitland, Roy East, Steve Gall, John Berhens, Jeff Leisk.
Euro.......Bengt Aberg, Adolf Weil, Willi Bauer, Roger De Coster, Joel Robert , Harry Everts, Stefan Everts, J.M. Bayle, Joel Smets.
USA.......Gaylon Mosier, Steve Stackable, Bob Hannah, Jim Pomeroy,Billy Grossi.
UK.........Neil Hudson, Graeme Noyce, John Banks,Vic Eastwood
NZ........ Peter Ploen, Ivan Miller, The King Brothers.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Tossa on October 12, 2009, 10:20:27 am
Australia Jeff Leisk, Hans Appelgren,
UK, Rickman Brothers (Don and Derek) Dave Bickers, Bryan Wade
Euro, Joel Robert, Rolf Tibblin
US Dave Bailey, Jeff Ward
NZ Ivan Miller
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Marc.com on October 12, 2009, 10:56:48 am
Marc only Shane won a world title, Darryl was runner up a couple of times.

I got over excited .....Jimmy Ellis
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: DR on October 12, 2009, 11:27:06 am
Gunter, McLaughlin, Boyle, Rahier, Watanabe, Everts, Jobé, Geboers, Decoster, Wolsink, Robert and throw in a wildcard being Mark Pace.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mainline on October 12, 2009, 12:45:12 pm
No other Rick Johnson fans here?
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: ba-02-xr on October 12, 2009, 03:01:01 pm
Aus  Leisk, Gall
USA  Leisk, Johnson
EUR  Leisk, Decoster
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mx250 on October 12, 2009, 03:38:28 pm
I must be strange ::) but Laurie Alderton was always a stand out for me and I enjoyed watching him; fast, smooth and undramatic.

In the modern era, Reedy, for pretty much the same reasons.

(Shane Watts with an honorable mention for that first lap at the Aust ISDE.)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: asasin on October 12, 2009, 04:02:49 pm
For me Back in the late 70, early  80s era  NZ : Terry Meeks , Craig Cloman, Greg Brink, Murry Anderson
                                                         OZ : Gunter and Gall
                                                         Euro : Rahair, De Coster
                                                         USA : MaryAnd Marty Smith, Kent Howerton , Mark Barnett     
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: pancho on October 12, 2009, 04:20:07 pm
 Oz  les fisher, roy east, airey&smutty, geoff curtis,the great herb jefferson, alrounder kel caruthers, Englands  les archer, Americas bud ekins.  and lots more i'll think of later!  cheers wally.               
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Tossa on October 12, 2009, 04:28:29 pm
For me Back in the late 70, early  80s era 
                                                         USA : Mary Smith, Kent Howerton , Mark Barnett     

Have to agree that 'Mary" Smith was damn quick!
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 12, 2009, 04:44:42 pm
I once had a close physical liason with a waitress called Mary Smith and she was indeed very, very fast. ;) (true story.)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Curly3 on October 12, 2009, 04:59:16 pm
Speedway - Jim Airey, Geoff Curtis, Phill Crump, Ivan Mauger & Ole Olsen.
Short Circuit - Bill Macdonald, Kevin Fraser, Keith Davies & Geoff Curtis.
MX - Anthony Gunter ,Jeff leisk ,Joel Robert & Roger D.
Road - Ron Toombs, Brian Hindle, Bill Horseman & Ago.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: crabman on October 12, 2009, 05:00:28 pm
jim pomeroy
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on October 12, 2009, 05:01:12 pm
Can sidecars play??
Aust; Brian Stewart & Kim Demarte from Vic-first team to make the transition to lightweights
        Of course Murray Williams deserves a mention
Euro; Robert Grogg & Andy Busser
        Hansi Baechtold & Fritz Fuss (4 time champs on a Jumbo when everyone else went to lightweights)

Solos; Aust Gall
         Eng  Noyce/Thorpe
         Euro Decoster/Everts
         NZ Ploen/Miller
         US Lackey/Weinert/Marty Smith--ISDT MALCOLM SMITH NO QUESTION
         Best allrounder Gaston Rahier 125 world champ to Dakar on a BMW 800 TRY THAT!!
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mxmaniac on October 12, 2009, 06:09:06 pm
My era doesnt go back too far but:
Australia:Kim Ashcanazi.. Moss Brothers..Lee Ellis.. Shane Watts
Europe :Everts.. Ben Townley
America:Sebastian Tortelli.. Ricky Carmichael.. Jeremy Mcgrath :-\
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 12, 2009, 06:34:49 pm
Best all rounder is a good addition. As versatile as little Gaston was, he doesn't hold a candle to Dick Mann. Check this out.
* He won 24 AMA Nationals, the second most ever.
* He was the first rider to complete the Grand Slam, winning in all forms of AMA Grand National Championship racing:mile,  half-mile, short track, TT and road racing.
*He won the Daytona 200 road race twice
*Won a bronze medal at the ISDE and was on a sure gold until bike problems slowed him.
*Was a pro class motocrosser.
*Represented the USA in the Trans Atlantic road races
He is an expert class trials rider, still an expert class motocrosser.

On top of all of that he introduced vintage motocross to the USA, co founded the AHRMA and prior to coming down with throat cancer, a hard charging vintage motocrosser well into his seventies.

Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Lozza on October 12, 2009, 07:32:39 pm
Dick Mann does deserve a special place in history.

My fav all rounder is Jean Michel Bayle
Fav mx rider De Coster
Fav road racer ...........Freddie Spencer, Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene and Casey Stoner.
Favourite all time Harold Ekerold the last true privateer to win a world championship
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: DJRacing on October 12, 2009, 07:57:06 pm
New Zealand - Peter Ploen, Murray Anderson, Craig Coleman

Australia       - Craig Dack, Jeff Leisk, Brad Van Barrelo

Japan          -  Akira Watanabe Tarao Suzuki, Hideaki Suzuki

England       - Neil Hudson, Graham Noyce

Europe        - Heikki Mikkola, Harry Everts, Joel Roberts

USA           - Bob Hannah, Chuck Sun, Jimmy Weinert, Mike Bell, Steve Stackable, Tommy Croft
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: 090 on October 12, 2009, 08:15:49 pm
Early days it was Gally then Leisk in oz.
Early days it was Heiki Mikola then i didn't care too much for euro riders.
Heaps of U.S riders. Top of the heap is David Bailey, Johnson , Ward ,Barnett. Geez they were cool in the eighties.
The more i watch old footage of Magoo Chandler , the cooler he is getting in my book. Super fast and i liked his riding style, especially running an open face as well with the long peak.

Quote
Australia       - Craig Dack, Jeff Leisk, Brad Van Barrelo
WTF  :-[ The third guy is a legend in his own lunch box!
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: oldfart on October 12, 2009, 08:23:22 pm
Malcolm Smith ....enduro ace
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: crs-and-rms on October 12, 2009, 08:29:57 pm
its gally for my vote
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: VMX Andrew on October 12, 2009, 08:58:29 pm
australia....  jeff leisk, glen bell and gally
euro... joel smets
usa....jeremy mcgrath,jeff emig,john dowd,rick johnson and david bailey..... :)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: NSR on October 12, 2009, 09:13:09 pm
Geoff Ballard.........Legend
Paul Edmondson.....4WECs
Steve Gall............What can ya say
Jeff Leisk.............Yep    
JMB....................He stuck it up the Yanks
Andrew Norris.......At a 12Hr enduro, the winning team did 12Laps, He did 11 by himself.  
David Bailey..........So smooth
Kari Tiainen...........4WECs
Murray Watt..........For the Gold medal he got in the Spain ISDE and the story that went with it.
David Armstrong.....For not just being an MX rider.
and the legend that is Stephane Peterhansel......2WECs ISDE Outrights and 6 Paris to Dakar :o

(http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/designcafe/en/Images/86%202008-Tenere%20History%20PS%2086%20med_tcm71-228995.jpg)
Cheers
Noel
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: PERM250 on October 12, 2009, 09:19:24 pm
How about Gaston the great or goat.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: jimg1au on October 12, 2009, 09:51:52 pm
aust chris dixion,charlie edwards sid willis mick doohen troy bayliss crumps both
euro ove fundin ole olsin an all the checs i meet when pitting for gary middelton at a international at liverpool
nz ivan major  barry brigs
usa jay springfield.dick man kenny roberts
japan norrie chan no41
uk wigg brothers  booey as in nigel
and many more
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: jerry on October 12, 2009, 10:30:49 pm
I'm from the seventies and that's the era I relate to. I'm also a Mexican as you will see.
Australia Trevor and Gary Flood ( Can't believe no-one mentioned them!)
Europe    Roger De Coster although my son is called Joel ( My wife wouldn't allow Roger)
USA        Marty Smith. He was the first superstar in my humble opinion
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Rossvickicampbell on October 13, 2009, 01:06:35 am
Firko - I reckon you have more tall stories to tell than Magoo and that is saying something!!!

I grew up with Marty Smith and then thought Bob Hannah was awesome.  In Australia I also went for Mark Pace (being a Honda boy back then) but thought Gally was also the ducks nuts.  In Europe - maybe Graham Noyce, Andre Malherbe or Dave Thorpe!!!

Rossco
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: GD66 on October 13, 2009, 08:05:54 am

Favourite all time Harold Ekerold the last true privateer to win a world championship



That'd be Jon then....
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mx250 on October 13, 2009, 08:18:44 am
It's an impressive list, I don't think there's one I would disagree with. And there's more besides, I sure, both local and international 8).
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on October 13, 2009, 10:53:25 am
The problem I see here is that there are too many catagories perhaps.
It does show the differing age brackets of the respondents though and you can see the influence of perhaps Motocross Action mag et al. in the replies.
The argument isn't helped by the fact that we can never race them all together at the same time, but wouldn't that be a race and a half.
I agree that the Yanks probably have the best format where you have to race all facets to be AMA champ in which case Dick mann is the MAN. But could he do the Dakar??
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 13, 2009, 11:25:18 am
Quote
But could he do the Dakar
I guess we'll never know but knowing the old buggers determination I wouldn't have put it past him.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on October 13, 2009, 11:34:41 am
Now pick which bike he would have rode in it.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 13, 2009, 11:42:15 am
If it had been held during his peak years it'd have to be a BSA. How about a B50 all cocked up with long range tank and all of the goodies?
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on October 13, 2009, 11:50:20 am
I can see it now. the B50 with a 20l alloy tank, complete with square edges, two filler caps and 4 taps.
Dick on board with a leather outfit including a knap-sack and bed-roll. A big lucas headlight the wouldn't see out of sight in a dark alley, a spare tyre around his waist and a compass bolted to the tank.
But he still woulda been there 1st.   
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Lozza on October 13, 2009, 12:42:40 pm
Quote
That'd be Jon then....
Yep silly me I got him mixed up with Harold Eckl 

Heinz Kinigadner clocked up some Dakar victories on 2 and 4 wheels
Couldn't forget John Sutees or Mike Hailwood.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: TT on October 13, 2009, 01:15:12 pm
It's interesting how Ricky Carmichael doesn't get much of a mention in lists like these.
Also interesting how despite his great success, his wins don't transfer to bike sales.  ???
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 13, 2009, 01:25:32 pm
On a local level, Our own Steve Galls motocross exploits are well known but we forget that he was a top line dirt track racer, winning a few titles, was very successful at production road racing and once he retired from two wheels won an Aussie title in midget speedcars and then became a top line sprint car driver.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: pirie593 on October 13, 2009, 07:20:35 pm
ELLE KNOWLES  ............. ::)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: pirie593 on October 13, 2009, 07:21:30 pm
Sorry,   ELE KNOWLES
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: firko on October 13, 2009, 07:27:09 pm
Ele was deceptively quick, I remember once following her for about 3 laps at Amaroo before I got past her! She's still around, runs Jonothan Knowles clocks and is doing pretty well. I had a chat with her at CD6 and she's still the all American girl despite being here for nearly 40 years!
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: VMX247 on October 13, 2009, 08:46:43 pm
Have thought  about this topic on the way to work for a few days and really only come up with a few as there are so many..
Fay Taylor
Jason Crump
Wayne Gardner
RC
Andy Caldecott for bringing enduro's into the front row of motorcycling for me. 8)
Old Gringo for starting the best magazine  8)
and any SUZUKI rider over 40,yes that includes you Mr Doe  ;)   ;D
cheers
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mxmaniac on October 13, 2009, 09:00:22 pm
It's interesting how Ricky Carmichael doesn't get much of a mention in lists like these.
Also interesting how despite his great success, his wins don't transfer to bike sales.  ???

RC was a machine.. a extremely dedicated man. The G.O.A.T ;)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on October 13, 2009, 09:49:58 pm
I agree that there will always be someone foregotten.
Gally has always been a gun. Still is.
The enduro riders should always stand tallest as they ride sometimes for days and look after their own bikes so the likes of Andy Caldecott and Geoff Ballard are gurus if you ask me. And how the East Euros did it on 50cc bikes is beyond me.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Curly3 on October 13, 2009, 10:24:16 pm
As others may have mentioned.
Laurie Alderton, Lionel VanPraag, Bob Sharpe, Herb Jefferson, Gary O'brien, Billy Sanders, Aub Lawson, Mick Doohan & Jason Crump.
Jim Scaysbrook as an allrounder.
Best of luck this weekend to Jason of course.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on October 13, 2009, 11:25:09 pm
Maybe these guys should get a mention to:_
Torsten Hallan
Paul Freidrichs
Jaroslav Falta
Hakan Anderson
Bengt Aberg
Jeff Smith
Jim Pomeroy
Sten Lundin
Rolf Tiblin
Gerrit Wolsink
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: SUZUKI311 on October 14, 2009, 02:28:22 am
Another Aussie who excelled in several types of racing would have to be Andy Haydon, top National level motocrosser, S.A. 24hr enduro winner, Australian Safari winner, 3rd in Dakar Rally and also rode in Long Track GP'S at Bathurst. All of the Haydon brothers could pretty much ride the wheels of any bike, but Andy was the standout.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: NR555 on October 14, 2009, 10:29:55 am
It's interesting how Ricky Carmichael doesn't get much of a mention in lists like these.
Also interesting how despite his great success, his wins don't transfer to bike sales.  ???

RC was a machine.. a extremely dedicated man. The G.O.A.T ;)

Agreed.  Hands down best ever.  Bubbles had nothing for him.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: holeshot buddy on October 14, 2009, 09:47:08 pm
ricky carmichael is a great rider  ;)
but didnt get much mention
because the question was who was your hero
or favourite rider back when you were racing 8)
they have nearly all been covered
special mention  tony d , hannah, magoo, weinart 8)
                      trevor and gary flood ,anton alers 8)
                      roger decoster, joel robert, heikki mikkola 8)


                 cheers rusty ;D
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: jerry on October 14, 2009, 10:20:43 pm
Anton Alers could have gone onto great things. I was there at Xmas Hills the day he broke his leg.  I believe he later took up rally driving. I wonder what he is up to now?
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on October 14, 2009, 11:42:03 pm
Anton Alers could have gone onto great things. I was there at Xmas Hills the day he broke his leg.  I believe he later took up rally driving. I wonder what he is up to now?

He's an Architect based in Singapore .He married Miss Singapore Airlines or one of them.
Kees passed away last year .Anton and Christine and kids have been living in the old house but I noticed that they are not there now.Maybe back in Singapore .The company that he works for has offices in Singapore and Melbourne .

I agree - Anton got 5th at an international mx in Holland at the end of 76 against GP riders before he came back and  got the deal with Milledge for 77.I believe the plan was always to go back to Europe.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: bazza on October 15, 2009, 06:41:11 am
USA     Ricky Carmichael    Bob Hannah    Rex Staten
Auz      Mark Firkin
Euro    Roger
Unzud  Pete Ploen and barry Senn
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Motoxrox on October 15, 2009, 12:49:47 pm
 Ivan Miller... 1976 New Zealand motocross Champs New Plymouth Rnd
 as a 12 year old who hitched out 10km to see his 1st mx event...the guy on a RM370 with number 0  and wore road bike gloves just had me captivated,straight to the front, full throttle,i can still smell that castor oil !!..in tow were Ploen,Harrison Bros,and the mighty thunderous CCM of Reg Dixon (if it started)..still seems like yesterday.  ::) that was me first taste of the drug "MX"
As for the overseas riders they have all been mentioned
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on October 15, 2009, 12:52:45 pm
One we all missed-DON NEWELL- has had a MA/ACU license for 60yrs straight. Is there anyone one else in the world that can top that??
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Rosco86 on October 15, 2009, 04:06:15 pm
I'm a bit of an introverted ex Victorian so fav riders were Jack Pengelly, Trevor Flood, Gary O'Brien and Karl Morlang and Rex Wolfenden  (Maico obsession probably shows here) and was really annoyed at how fast Ronnie Dinsdale was in all of the races I went in with him and only saw him from behind. MX sidecars Ron Bergmier, Daryl and then Russel were it and a bit. When moving to Speedway it was Johnny Dewhurst, Phil Crump and Danny Kennedy in the solos with Terry Rooney, The Walkers (father and sons), Clarrie the Clown and Peter Tolley. Lots of diff names there, maybe I'm just a bit different.
NQ Rosco.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: number 87 on October 15, 2009, 04:21:10 pm
Euro(s) - Heikki Mikkola / Eric Gunderson
Yank(s) - Rick Johnson / Mark Brelsford
Pom - Dave Thorpe
Aussie(s) - Stephen Gall, Craig Dack, Wayne Gardner, Robbie Phillis 
Kiwi - Neville Hiscock

All had/have big nuts

Cheers #87
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Curly3 on October 15, 2009, 04:57:10 pm
I did say Gary O'brien earlier and being an excellent rider as he was it was Dave O'brien on Short Circuit that I meant.
I never saw him ride but legend was that he used to park his bikes against a tree on the farm until his next race meeting and he would turn up with grass growing through the wheels and covered in spider webs.
He'd then dust them off, put in a new plug, pump the tires up and go out and beat everyone.
Apparently he was a hard charger who would bounce of other riders to help him turn into corners and had a habit of pulling competitors throttle cables as they raced down the straight.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Husky500evo on October 15, 2009, 10:39:03 pm
Aussies : Anthony Gunter , Steve Gall, Jeff Leisk, Beetle Bailey.
Euro : Heikki Mikkola, Eric Geboers (first rider to win 125, 250 & 500 World titles).
Poms : Graham Noyce , Simon Wigg (5 times World longtrack champ, absolute showman/entertainer/wheelie king . Sadly died of a brain tumour at 40 years of age).
Yanks : Brad Lackey, Jim Pomeroy, Marty Smith, Bob Hannah, Danny "Magoo" Chandler.   
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: VMX247 on April 17, 2010, 12:25:22 pm
It's interesting how Ricky Carmichael doesn't get much of a mention in lists like these.
Also interesting how despite his great success, his wins don't transfer to bike sales.  ???

Here you go Tony T Friday's news from OS.   ;D but still no ride bike talk  :(

Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award back in 2010
Posted: Saturday, 17th April, 2010 : 7:17 AM - - 270 Reads
Ricky Carmichael
With the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship season-opening Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic just around the corner, MX Sports Pro Racing and Ricky Carmichael have confirmed the return of the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award for 2010.

Named for the most successful rider in American Motocross history, the Hard Charger Award recognises the one rider who emulated Carmichael's never-give-up attitude across both the 450 and 250 classes during each round of the 12-race season.

While the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) continues to develop his stock car racing résumé by competing in the NASCAR-sanctioned Camping World Truck Series, his legacy is forever enshrined in motocross history by giving the now prestigious award to the rider who passes the most competitors in a single moto each weekend.

It's a nod to the man who won 102 AMA Motocross races, captured 10 straight AMA Motocross Championships, had three undefeated seasons, and two perfect ones where he won every single moto-all AMA Motocross records. He also added 48 wins in AMA Supercross and took five titles there, giving him career totals of 150 wins and 15 major titles, records that will likely never be broken.

"I think the 2010 series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in a long time, and it's awesome to know that MX Sports Pro Racing has decided to continue the tradition of this award," said Carmichael, who drives for Turner Motorsports.

"It was an honor that they created such an incredible award in my name and I'm always eager to find out what rider overcame the most adversity each round. It takes a true competitor to battle his way to the front during a 35-minute moto and I look forward to seeing which 12 names will hang it out most this season."

"Since introducing the Hard Charger Award during the 2008 season, it has become one of the most warmly accepted accolades in the sport," said MX Sports Vice President Davey Coombs.

"Ricky set the standard for having the will to win every single time, be it in triple-digit temperatures or in deep mud-and always with 39 of the world's fastest riders breathing down his neck. It takes a special kind of determination to be successful in motocross, and Ricky Carmichael exemplifies that better than anyone."

As mentioned above, Carmichael is the winningest rider in the history of the sport and the most successful AMA Pro Motocross champion ever. The G.O.A.T. retired from the sport after never losing a single Lucas Oil AMA Motocross title, from the time he was a rookie in 1997 through his decision to stop racing full time in 2006-and he still came back and won every national he entered in 2007. Carmichael is currently building upon a very young four-wheel racing career and is in the midst of his sophomore season in NASCAR's champion-building truck series.

The Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic commences on May 22 from Rancho Cordova, Calif., showcasing the most talented riders in the most prestigious series on the planet. This is where motocross starts and it is where the world will be in just over a month's time.

Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: suzuki27 on April 18, 2010, 08:50:56 am
Euro: Roger D, Heikki Mikkola,Moiseev
Fantasy MXDN Team: USA. Hannah, Magoo, Carmichael and Stewart can come as a reserve!
                             Belgium. Roger, Robert, S Everts, and Geboers


USA: Hannah, Magoo,Ward, Tony D, Howerton
AUS: Grunter,Gall,Beetle Bailey
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: oldie on April 18, 2010, 09:54:28 pm
I'm a bit confused........................the heading says, favorite rider, & you fellas name up more then one ???
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: TT on April 18, 2010, 10:07:31 pm
Hannah!

He's got a big mouth but he's the only one that can back it up in reality.
If Bob says he'll win, he will!!  ;D
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mx250 on April 18, 2010, 10:44:45 pm
I'm a bit confused........................the heading says, favorite rider, & you fellas name up more then one ???
That's because they are so old and have seen so many good riders they get confused in their old age.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on April 18, 2010, 11:09:15 pm
Hannah!

He's got a big mouth but he's the only one that can back it up in reality.
If Bob says he'll win, he will!!  ;D

its hard to pick one but yer Hannah! Never got psyched by anyone.First dethroned Marty Smith from outta no where, second dethroned the Jammer for the SX title  and threepeated, third dethroned RogerD for the Trans AMA title - first American to win it.
Fought for wins against three successive era's of riders , mid/late seventies against Weinert,TonyD,Ellis,etc. early eighties against Howerton,Bell,Barnett, mid eighties against Omara,Bailey,Johnson, Ward etc.
Won Daytona SX 9 years after first national win,Unadilla USGP 10 years after and MxDN II years on  plus he did it all alone was never a spoilt minibike kid that was brought up the ranks with $ from his folks.
yer Hannah
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on April 19, 2010, 08:07:49 am
So where is he now, sees like he would be a drawcard for CD or something else like it.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: TT on April 19, 2010, 09:33:42 am
He got into plane racing for a while there and Hannah Aviation is his main income.
I think the only riding he does these days is on his Harley once in a while.  ::)
Recently he and Terri have started getting back into Hannah Racing Products.
http://www.bobhannah.com (http://www.bobhannah.com)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: motomaniac on April 19, 2010, 09:40:13 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC7ygC4iOC4
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: EML on April 19, 2010, 12:34:49 pm
I'd love to see he and Brad Lackey banging bars on VMXers.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: TM BILL on April 19, 2010, 01:31:50 pm
I'd love to see he and Brad Lackey banging bars on VMXers.

I dont think Lackey would have anything for Hannah :) Maybe Rick Johnson or Jeff ward Vs Hannah  8) i think Hannah has the heart of a Lion and would always be a contender  :)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: Marc.com on April 19, 2010, 02:55:58 pm
If we only get one Jeremy McGrath, introduced MX to the goatee, tats and the nac nac, spawned MX today in all its stadium and body pierced glory.
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: tony27 on April 19, 2010, 03:42:40 pm
If we only get one Jeremy McGrath, introduced MX to the goatee, tats and the nac nac, spawned MX today in all its stadium and body pierced glory.
Shouldn't that be most hated for that? ;)
Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: VMX247 on May 20, 2010, 07:44:43 pm
Have thought  about this topic on the way to work for a few days and really only come up with a few as there are so many..
Fay Taylor
Jason Crump
Wayne Gardner
RC
Andy Caldecott for bringing enduro's into the front row of motorcycling for me. 8)
Old Gringo for starting the best magazine  8)
and any SUZUKI rider over 40,yes that includes you Mr Doe  ;)   ;D
cheers

http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?s=4bfeaa646958123a09d0f13641449ba4&showtopic=36160

Seems one of my favourite had a bit of a hidden history :o

Title: Re: favourite rider
Post by: mainline on May 20, 2010, 08:49:23 pm
If we only get one Jeremy McGrath, introduced MX to the goatee, tats and the nac nac, spawned MX today in all its stadium and body pierced glory.
Shouldn't that be most hated for that? ;)

yes he had a goatee, tats, etc, but no way was he the prototype of today's Crusty Demons etc.

Watch some of the early to mid 90's races and his riding style is unbelievable, so very smooth. Everyone else looks like they're on the ragged edge by comparison. His forte early on was SX but later, when he pulled his finger out and got fit, he was more than a match for the competition outdoors as well.