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.

This official history of the FIM Grand Prix motor cycle racing World Championship, since its formation in 1949, records the action from a sport that has seen massive changes during the last 50 years with Japanese manufacturers eclipsing their European rivals, purpose-built race circuits replacing true road courses and a reduction in the number of Grand Prix classes. In other respects it has enjoyed remarkable continuity, as motor cycle racing has remained the domain of the major manufacturers anxious to promote the awareness of their road machines. Contemporary Grand Prix designs are clearly descended from the bikes raced in the 1950s. This book traces the major trends and developments during the last 50 years and it profiles the legendary riders, teams and innovators that have dominated the sport during this period. Concluding the history is a comprehensive and detailed results section which provides an invaluable source of reference for any motor cycle enthusiast.

This book is the fifth in the Mick Walker Racing Motorcycle series. It covers the Grand Prix Motorcycles from Japan.

Officially licensed and published in the 60th anniversary year of World Championship motorcycle racing, this book presents a fact-packed and statistics-laden year-by-year history, concentrating on the premier class (500cc, then MotoGP) but not forgetting the other categories along the way. Beautifully illustrated and designed, written by acknowledged experts and featuring extensive data compiled by MotoGP’s official statistician – all these elements combine to create a history book with a difference.

Get two guides in one! Prima's strategy guide takes you to the track and gets you ready like a pro in "Ridge Racer V." Inside the same guide you?ll also get "Moto GP: Prima's Official Strategy Guide" to help you become a motorcycle-racing machine. Whether you prefer cars or bikes on the track, this guide will prepare you for any competition that comes your way! "Ridge Racer V" strategy includes: Complete stats and upgrades on all 21 cars Crucial racing maneuvers for every Grand Prix level Special cornering diagrams for the 28 toughest turns in Ridge City Comprehensive drive-throughs for every track, including reverse courses Tips for mastering grip and drift cars Racing tutorials to improve your driving skills "Moto GP" strategy includes: Detailed circuit maps Stats and specifications for all licensed motorcycles and competing riders List of all Challenge requirements and rewards Winning techniques for throttle control and braking Tricks and tips for the best performance on each circuit

People have been enjoying and racing motorcycles since 1901, when the extreme vehicle first emerged on the scene. This age-appropriate book gives readers a comprehensive look at motorcycle racing, with a focus on today’s most popular events, such as Motocross and Supercross. “Fast Fact” fact boxes and sidebars teach readers about the sport’s most famous men and women, as the text includes tips on how readers can get involved themselves. The text concludes with a graphic organizer of the most common motorcycle racing flags.