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~ Godspeed Peter

By Danny Coffin

Race weekend filled with fun and family. 15 family members and 11 friends showed up, WOW!!!

Hunter’s start in racing was here at Firebird but it was on the Bondurant Kart track on Pocketbikes. Awesome memories of adults and kids, grids up to 45 plus people. Funny back then pocketbikes GRC RR’s, Gianninni’s, DM’s cost 2-4K on average from basic set ups to full Titanium frames, 2.5 hp-15 plus hp. We ran 4-6 at any givin time (Man I’d love to have the money we spent now) But looking back wouldn’t change a thing.

Once again, very proud of Hunter this past race weekend. Running his OutLaw Racing sponsored RS450R having a blast.

Normally we always make it a point to get Hunter to sleep early before a race but we were traveling and that just didn’t happen. Saturday came and his good nights sleep was crammed into 2 hrs. Never been to Firebird East we told him to cruise and have fun, so he did. Hunter instantly liked the track and rode with Andre Ochs most of the day which meant more fun. Hunter knows he’s there to practice and race and he does take it seriously but throw in the best Youth Road Racers in the country Andre Ochs, Tyler Linders, Joe Roberts, Lex Hartl and Peter Lenz, to Hunter you got a party.

Everything was great all day Saturday then 4 o’clock came, qualifying time. The lack of sleep took its toll, Hunter was drained. I told him it was fine not to go out but he insisted he would be fine. I told him to try his best and to get a good lap or 2 in and we’ll take whatever it is. He stayed out the whole session and was looking suprisingly solid. Nearly getting sick when he came in I asked him why he didn’t come in and he said, we’ll I wasn’t sure I got a good lap in. Ended up being the fastest in qualifying 59.8 sec. over a second faster than the next.

Sunday’s races were great and Hunter was ready for more fun. He took 3 1st places, USGPRU Moto 3, CCS Ultralite Superbike and CCS Lightweight Superbike.

Not only had a great time with family and friends but as always Michelle and myself love being around the young racers in the pits. Great attitudes, incredibly funny and a pleasure to be around. Great reflection on all the parents.

Take Care everyone, Danny

Thank You to all Hunter’s sponsors,

Next Moto Champion, GPbound, Mookie and OutLaw Racing, KBC Helmets, Pilot Leathers, GalferUSA, Impact Armor, YRR.com, ParaPros Racing, Fastrack Riders, Lay’d Out Support Services, Blanusa Team Support, S.T.R.I.P. Team Support, Draggin’it Racing and Mom and Dad

Last year at the beginning of the 2009 season, Peter had planned to make his mark in the 125 scene, racing selected events across the country. His plans came to an abrupt end when a brake failure in the first corner sent Peter careening towards a tire barrier at around 100mph. Once he impacted the barrier, his tiny body flipped across the rows of tires and impacted head first into a metal fence. Peter had to literally be extracted from the fence.  If it weren’t for his Impact Armor chest protector and his Arai helmet, it is likely that Peter would not be here today. His list of injuries seemed endless. Peter had badly broken his fibula, tibia, humerus, his femur, and severed a nerve in his arm. He spent five days in the ICU and over five months with an external fixator protruding from his leg. Thankfully, doctors were able to re-attach the nerve in his arm and he has regained the use of his hand suffering only from numbness on the top of his hand.

When Peter sat wedged into the fence with blood dripping down his face, he had a conversation with God. Whatever conversation took place, it was without a doubt inspirational because Peter is back and in his words, he is “stronger and more determined than ever.” After taking a 5th place finish in the CMRA Lightweight Twins class up against superior SV650′s and a 2nd place finish in the 125 class following a race long battle for the lead with Connor Blevins, it is clear that Peter is back with a vengeance.

We got the chance to catch up with Peter after his first race since his accident, to talk about his return to the track and his undying love for the sport of motorcycle racing.

After your accident you had a severed nerve in your arm that could have put your career in jeopardy. Fortunately doctors were able to reconnect your nerve how is that healing coming along?

When the doctors reconnected my nerve, they said that I should come back 100%. It’s coming along good. I don’t have a lot of feeling in the top of my hand but I can move my hand and everything. Right now the strength is basically the same as my other hand.

What kind of training did you do to get yourself prepared for racing again?

After the accidents, I had to do physical therapy for about 2 months. Now I’ve been lifting weights and working out on the elliptical and the bicycle. I exercise every day and motocross in my front  yard.

Your list of injuries were extensive and in some cases life threatening, did you ever contemplate quitting racing?

I did, I thought about it for a while. But what really kept me going was my adrenaline for racing, wanting to pass everyone again, getting my knee back down, putting my elbow down. That’s basically what kept me going. You’ll have something happen where you think, ‘Oh man I never want to do that again,’ but then you think about all the good things, the things that you love and that’s what kept me going.

After the accident did you guys lose any sponsors?

Yeah we did lose a couple of sponsors. They said it was too high of a risk.

You are a pretty big name in the amateur scene and a lot of people followed your recovery after your accident. There is a saying amongst riders that, the true test of a racer comes when they’ve have experienced a horrific accident. It is said that if they truly love the sport, they will come back even stronger, but if it’s not in their heart, they will give it up. Do you feel like there’s added pressure on you since you’re coming back from your accident?

No I don’t feel like I have anything to prove. I’m coming back from a really bad crash and there’s really nothing expected of me since it’s more about being able to regain my strength and just getting back up to speed. Nobody will be expecting me to come back and win. It’s more about my recovery. So really, if I have a lot of pressure, I don’t think it’s going to be this season because even if I come back and get first place, that just means that I proved that this is what I wanted to do. I came back and I won this championship or I came back and I was faster and stronger than I was before. So no I really don’t think I have a lot more pressure than I did before.

You recently had your first race with CMRA after your accident. To have been away from riding for as long as you had been, you came back and really made a statement. You took fifth in the Lightweight Twins class, running against mainly 650’s, and a second place after a race long, back and forth battle with Connor Blevins in the 125 class finishing second with only .104 seconds between the two of you at the line. Not to mention you laid down the fastest lap of the race! Did you feel any of the effects from your accident?

No, not at all, I felt strong. I felt stronger and faster than ever. I seriously think I was faster than I was before. I had the fastest lap in the 125 race that was 5/10ths faster than the next fastest lap time.

Do you think that the reason you felt so much stronger had anything to do with what you had to overcome after the accident? Having to go through such an ordeal and be able be both physically and mentally prepared to get back into the sport that nearly took your life takes a lot of inner strength.

I have motivation on my side. If you remember the good things, you can always go back and if you’re determined to go back, you can come back stronger than you were before.

So what are your goals for this season? Are you planning on going for a championship?

I’m not planning on winning the USGPRU championship. Basically right now our goal is to race against the fastest people we can find and improve my riding and speed.

What route are you guys planning on taking in order to get you onto the world stage?

I’m trying to stay with 125’s and go over to Europe.

Through the Red Bull Rookies cup?

Not necessarily through the Red Bull Rookies cup. I think I have a wildcard ride for a British team when I get old enough. Basically, I just want to get over to Europe and start riding and competing over there.

With your intentions of one day making it onto the world stage, Colin Edwards seems like a pretty good mentor to have on your side. You and your dad seem to have a pretty good relationship with Colin. What kind of stuff does he help you guys out with?

Colin helps us out a lot with GP tickets, we get to go in, sit on the bikes, and watch what they are doing. He’s been out to one of the CMRA rounds where he came out to watch me and some of the other kids race.

Does Colin ever give you any riding tips?

Mainly he told me not to worry about what other people say or who is my friend or not my friend off of the track. He said that when I’m on the track it’s all about me. You’ve got to go out there and just kick their butts.

Are there any riders who’s style you try and emulate?

I don’t really try and emulate anyone’s style, I pretty much have my own style and I would say it’s similar to Colin and Colin is definitely my favorite rider.

What are your guys’ plans for next season?

We don’t really know what we’re gonna do next season. It really depends on the money, support, sponsors, and how well I do this season. Really it’s a wide open category about what I’m gonna do next year. Anything can happen.

There’s a difference between kids your age who race motorcycles and the kids who are your typical 12 year-olds. Racers are very intense, very focused. What goes through your mind when you’re out there flying around the track at 140mph?

At first it was don’t crash here, don’t crash there. But once I got warmed up I wanted to win, I wanted to get the best lap time. I’m having more fun now and enjoying riding more now than I ever did before. Basically what goes through my head is how to beat the guy who’s in front of me.

Why do you think you enjoy racing now more than before the accident?

After my crash I literally could not race. Whereas before the crash I could race if I wanted to and I didn’t have to race if I didn’t want to. After the crash, no matter how much I wanted to race I couldn’t. I realized how much I missed the good things about racing and I realized how much I loved racing. If I’m not riding I feel like part of me is missing.

Where do you want to be in 5 years?

Either the Spanish Championship or MotoGP 125’s.

So when can we expect to see you as the next World Champion?

If I could, I would be it right now.

To learn more about Peter and how to help support his 2010 season, please visit www.PeterLenz.com. Also, check out the latest copy of Roadracing World to hear about Peter’s first test run aboard the Roadracing World Moriwaki 250.

Dragging Elbow photo credit: etechphoto@usa.net taken at streets of Willow Springs turn 3

A star in the making on one of the top non-factory teams in AMA, Elena has come a long way from the kart tracks in Stockton, California.  Not only is Elena the fastest girl in the country, but she is easily one of the fastest up-and-comers that will be storming onto the scene for the 2010 season. With her movie star looks and her hard nose aggressive riding style, she is sure to make waves as she attempts to crash the all boy party that is the AMA Supersport class.

In the race, starting from the first row, Jason nailed the start and held the lead going into Turn 1, with Deshon Witherspoon and Ben Truslow right behind. The very fast Deshon used his experience to run Jason down in the corners. The 2 went back and forth battling for the lead. “Usually, I can outbrake the kids, but Jason was killing me on the brakes”, Deshon explained. Jason was running his new Galfer brake pads on his 94 Honda RS for the first time. “I love

the feel of the Galfer pads. They really gave me a lot of confidence. I could feel the back end start to lift a little coming up to Turn 1, but it was totally under control” stated Jason when asked how he liked to Galfer pads. Deshon finally got past Jason for good on lap 3, but could not drop Jason, as the Outlaw Racing teammates finished 1-2.

Sunday looked like it would be a repeat of Saturday with Deshon leading both practice sessions, and Deshon and Jason having a spirited battle in the second practice. With Deshon on pole and Jason starting from the 2nd position, Jason got a decent start, but not one of his better ones. Jason was still able to pull out a small gap coming out of Turn 1, but Deshon closed rapidly. For 3 laps, Deshon was right behind Jason. “I had good grip in all of the corners except the one that leads onto the back straightaway. I started to lose the front there, but knew if I backed off the throttle that Deshon would pass me, so I just kept it pinned. Then, I felt the back end break loose too and was in a 2 wheel drift, but just stayed with it.” said Jason. Deshon got a great drive and had the top end gearing to pull right alongside Jason at the end of Turn 6, but Jason was able to hold off Deshon’s challenge. On the final lap, Jason was able to establish a small gap and beat Deshon to the finish line by .219 seconds as both riders ran their fastest lap on the final lap.

After the race, Jason told us that the Classic Course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is now his favorite track. The next WERA race is scheduled for April 3-4 again at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Jason’s next race is on Feb 13-14 at Adam’sMotorsports Park at the SCminiGP season opener.

Jason’s sponsors: Outlaw Racing,Motorex,Fulmer Helmets,Vortex Racing,Wiseco Pistons,Galfer,Morris Chiropractic,Impact Safe-T Armor,Cycle Gear,Fuel Clothing,UNI Filters,Mesa Hose,Josh Bartnik Suspension,Hypercycle,AXO,Osiris

Benny’s rise to prominence happened scarily quick. In 2007, Benny won the USGPRU 125cc West Coast Championship and earned an invite to the US Red Bull Rookies Cup for 2008. In 2008, Benny put on a stunning display in his first season in the US Red Bull Rookies, racing his way to becoming the first and as of now, only US Red Bull Rookies Cup Champion. His aggressive yet calculated riding style even earned him the coveted Speed Performance Award for Best Finish as he and his arch rival Leandro Mercado, literally leaned on each other on their way to the finish line at the MotoGP round at Laguna Seca. Suddenly, a star was born and many people as well as future competitors took notice. His championship winning performance earned him a spot in the 2009 MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup, where he would race against some of the fastest kids in the world on some of the most prestigious tracks in the world alongside the MotoGP circus. The fast kid from North Hollywood, suddenly found himself signing autographs and becoming a role model for not only Mexican Americans, but all minorities who dreamed of a career racing motorcycles. We got the chance to speak with young star as he starts his first season racing in the WERA Nationals on the Graves backed Yamaha R6.

At what point did you realize that you wanted to make a career out of road racing?

I think as soon as I started doing good… Actually, as soon as I got onto a bike I loved it! Then I started hearing about world level racing, MotoGP and World Superbike,  and I got really excited and realized you could make a career out of that and I decided that was what I wanted to do with my life.

During the Rookies cup, there were rumors that some of the Americans were receiving older, faulty parts. I heard that you had a lot of ignition issues that cost you dearly throughout the season. Can you explain that?

Hayden Gillim had a couple ignition problems too, as well as some of the other Europeans. But, Jake Gagne was American and he was consistently running up at the front, so I don’t think that’s true.

Going into the 2009 MotoGP Rookies cup, you were the reigning US champion, you were on TV, people who knew about road racing, knew your name. How big of a role did that pressure play on you? Did you feel that that pressure hurt your performance in the MotoGP Rookies Cup?

Coming off of being the US champion and heading over to Europe, I didn’t feel so much pressure. Everything just kind of started to go downhill after I broke my finger during testing. Up until that point my lap times had been really good.  Even at the test when my finger was still broken, I was still doing pretty good lap times. Then suddenly we started having the ignition issues and even though my finger was better my lap times were not as fast as they had been so I was pretty frustrated. Then the ignition issues kept happening and that really began to ruin my confidence and I was just pretty down. Everytime I went out I had ignition issues and by the time they finally replaced all of my electronics, it was the fourth round at Assen.

During the American rookies cup I was always smiling I was always happy, and I was always having a good time. I had so much confidence. Then I went over to Europe and had to deal with the ignition issues and I it really got me down. I talked to Nicky Hayden and his dad Earl and they told me how much of mental game racing was. I spent a lot of time with Earl and he and Nicky really helped me out and taught me how important the mental aspect was and how you really have to enjoy what you do

Because of the economy, I heard that you were responsible for paying for your own mechanics. What else did you guys have to pay for? Would you say that the majority of the kids running at the front had a lot more money behind them and were able to afford the best mechanics and get the best performance out of their bikes?

We had to pay for traveling expenses, hotel rooms, food, it was really expensive. I was pretty happy that my dad was there he’s a great mechanic and it was good to have him there. I would say that about ninety percent of the the other kids either had their parents or their friends as their mechanics, so I really don’t think the mechanics had a significant role on who was up at the front.

Why do you think the Europeans tend be faster than the Americans?

At the end of the year we had a riders cup. Europeans vs. the Americans. I ended up having two big high sides that kinda put a damper on my race. Everyone was talking about Europeans and how they were so fast. They’re fast but I wouldn’t necessarily say that they are faster. Mainly it is that they are way more competitive. There are a lot more fast guys over there, whereas over here there are the fast guys and then the slow guys. When I was doing good I was up at the front. Over here there may be three or four guys battling for the lead whereas over there, there’ll be 15 guys battling for the lead. All of the kids in the MotoGP Rookies cup are really fast. From first place to last place there was only a 2 second gap.

For 2010, you were invited to race again in the rookies cup, but you opted to decline the invitation and race for Graves Yamaha in the AMA Supersport class. What were the main factors behind that decision?

After the first year I kind of lost a whole lot of interest in the Rookies Cup program, my head just wasn’t in it anymore. Plus it was just going to be too expensive to do another season traveling back and forth to Europe. Then one day my dad came home and told me I might be able to get some support from Chuck Graves. Graves has a fantastic program and they give so much support. Plus Yamaha is a multi-world championship winning  brand so it is a dream to be a part of the Yamaha family. Chuck (Graves) is really helping me out and it’s the best opportunity I have had in my whole life and I really wanted to ride a 600.

Did the new Moto2 class have anything to do with your decision to leave the gp bikes for 600’s?

Yeah, other people look at it differently but if I can do good on 600’s in AMA then I can go to Moto2 . Otherwise I would hope to do the Ben Spies route start with the 600’s and then move to 1000’s. Basically it will be about doing the best that I can and see what routes open up for me.

What do you think about your new graves yamaha? Was this the first 600 you’ve ever ridden?

When I was 12 Freddie Spencer offered me the chance to ride a 600 at his school and I loved it. But it wasn’t until recently that I got a chance to ride a 600 again with the Graves Yamaha. It was during a test and my dad was out there. As soon as I got on it  I loved it, it was a fantastic bike and it was setup great. Obviously it felt a lot heavier than the 125, but overall the bike felt great. Little by little I just kept getting faster each time.

How much have the skills you learned on the 125, translated to the 600?

I think most of it. Almost 90%. I was talking to Josh Herrin and he said you have to ride it similar to a 125. With the 125’s, cornerspeed was everything and that was one of the skills that I learned on the gp bikes and I was able to use that skill on the 600. The only major difference was the weight of the bike and I just needed to work on getting into the corners a bit deeper.

What is your plan of action for the next 5 years, how do you plan to get back to the world level?

My goal is to eventually go and compete on the world level. But right now I’m just concentrating on this year. I need to focus on doing the best I can in the WERA Nationals and then focus on getting a ride in the AMA supersport class for  2011. I would love to stay with Graves. They probably have the best all around package in AMA.

With the cost of racing so high, what is your best advice for the parents and kids who are just starting out on the mini tracks and their parents are scratching their heads trying to figure out how they are going to get their kids to a point where they can make a career out of racing?

My parents are sacrificing a lot. I mean, they have sacrificed so much, that it would be a waste to quit after coming so far. There’s no point in putting in all that time and money and quitting. Keep trying, never give up, and it will pay off.

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Also check out Hunter in action at his last SCMiniGP round of the 2009 season and CLICK HERE to download his resume.

After an impressive two seasons in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, the soon to be seventeen-year-old was given the dream opportunity to enter the 125cc World Championship with the Red Bull KTM factory team. Pairing up alongside young rising star Marc Marquez, Cameron had a challenging road ahead of him. On top of all the new pressures of racing in the premier championship against the best riders in the world, Cameron also had the added pressure of being the only American in the sub categories of MotoGP. Despite his share of bad luck, a broken wrist, and a handful of crashes, Cameron managed to score his first World Championship points and managed to make his way up to twelfth place in the final round at Valencia, before crashing out on the last lap. We got the opportunity speak with the talented sixteen-year-old about his first season in the World Championship.

After a few DNF’s but also your first World Championship points and some impressive opening lap performances, how would you sum up your first season in the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship?
I feel that i had a few good showings but nothing like i wanted to have. But over all this season was a good experience for me, racing the fastest guys and learning all the tracks.

You grew up racing mini’s on Kart tracks with SMRRC. How important was your background in mini-racing to getting you onto the world stage? How much did racing on kart tracks prepare you for racing on world class race tracks?
Racing minis out at Stockton and doing supermoto and things like that is what made me so competitive. Especially supermoto, racing guys like Joey Pascarella and Garrett Willis and other fast guys like that really helped me push myself.

Being the number 2 rider on the factory Red Bull KTM team, how different is your bike from your teammate Marc Marquez? Why do you think KTM has struggled against the Aprilias?
My bike was pretty similar to Marc’s. He has a different front end than me but thats pretty much it. Our riding styles are way different too so the bike setup was always different. The Aprilias have so many years of experience behind them. There bike is more rigid than the KTM that makes it a little better in the corners. But my engine has been pretty fast all year so i cant really complain too much. KTM is a good bike.

Everyone always talks about how important setup is in Moto GP. How vital is setup for the 125cc Grand Prix bikes? Is it impossible to be competitive if you’re bike is not constantly developing throughout the season?
Setup definitely plays a big part in the race weekends. You always have to pay attention to what the bike is doing in the practices so you can get the best out of it in qualifying and the race.

What are your plans for next season?
I want to get on an Aprilia in the world championship again. Ive been talking to a few teams over there to see whats going to happen. If not I want to come home and race 600′s.

Coming from the relatively small National scene in the US, then competing in the European Rookies Cup, how much greater is the competition you are facing in Grand Prix’s and what are the most important things that you have learned during your first season in Grand Prix?
Just racing the Rookies Cup two years ago was a wake up call for me. Everyone is really fast and has a lot of experience. A lot more experience at least on a roadracer than someone in the US. Racing over there for three years i learned a lot more about racing in general. Motorcycles are a way bigger deal over in Europe.

Everyone is saying that the Moto2 class will be the great equalizer where regardless of equipment, the true talent will rise to the top. Do you think that the new Moto2 class will be as equal as people are saying or do you think that there will still be a big difference between the factory riders and the privateer teams?
Im pretty curious to see how it all plays out too. Some of the bikes look really trick. Im not really sure how equal they will be really. Walking around the paddock they have some on display and some of the chassis look completely different from each other.

Do you think it’s possible for a rider to succeed in GP’s without having the major factory support like the teams Aspar and Derbi?
Ya for sure. Look at Marc he is in the top 3 almost every race he just crashes a lot lol. But also Mika Kallio in the past. He won a few races on the KTM.

How important are results toward receiving new parts for the development of the bike? If the results don’t come, does development of the bike stop?
Not necessarily, Your team wants you to do the best you possibly can. So they’re going to do the most they can for you.

Where can we expect to see you in the next 5 years?
Hopefully still in the World Championship!

Photo Credit : http://www.myspace.com/ilovetaylorforevernalways

Top Ten Riders In The World

#1. Valentino Rossi:

Arguably the greatest rider of all time, Valentino has continuously faced ever-increasing competition on ever-evolving motorcycles and has ultimately added his ninth World Title to his repertoire.

#2. Casey Stoner:

After a dominating performance in 2007 that culminated in the first World Title for the fiery young Australian, many people attributed  Casey’s speed to the powerful Ducati. After strong but disappointing seasons due to a fractured scaphoid in 2008 and an unknown ailment in 2009, a healthy Casey stormed back onto the scene winning two of the last four races in a very convincing fashion. His outright speed and innate ability to tame the Ducati beast makes him a strong threat for the 2010 title.

#3. Jorge Lorenzo:

The cool as ice Spaniard took the world by storm in 2009 giving Rossi a whole lot to worry about as Lorenzo successfully presented a head to head challenge with Rossi, both on and off the track. With two 250cc World Championships and five premiere class victories after only his second season, there is no doubt that Lorenzo will be giving Rossi more sleepless nights as the 2010 title chase commences.

#4. Dani Pedrosa:

The three time World Champion has arguably struggled a bit in the premier class since his entry in 2006, but there is no doubt that his alien blood runs deep. Many critics say that he is too small and fragile to ever be able to take home a world title, but it is no secret that Honda’s 800cc has struggled against the Yamaha and the Ducati. Nonetheless, Pedrosa’s flashes of brilliance at Laguna Seca and Valencia prove that the tiny Spaniard has no intention of throwing in the towel on his quest for a World Championship.

#5. Colin Edwards:

The outspoken and ever consistent Edwards has proved that age is nothing but a number as he continues to outshine not only every other satellite rider on the grid, but top factory prospects like Loris Capirossi and Andrea Dovisioso. His consistency, two World Superbike Championships, and most recently, his Donington podium leave the Texan at number five on the list.

#6. Ben Spies:

The young Texan took the world by storm in 2009 putting the U.S. back on the map as he waltzed into the World Superbike paddock and quite frankly put everyone to shame as he blitzed his way through the record books and won the World Superbike title in his rookie season. A very impressive wildcard MotoGP ride at Valencia and an even more impressive end of the season test that left him fourth fastest on the time sheets, prove that “Elbowz” may just have some alien blood of his own.

#7. Max Biaggi:

The Roman Emperor breathed some life back into his career as he and the new and awesome Aprilia had the World Superbike paddock looking on in envy as they tried to figure out if the Aprilia was really a Superbike or a cleverly disguised MotoGP bike. A four-time 250cc World Champion and old adversary to Valentino Rossi, Biaggi’s race win and nine podiums will assure fans as well as rivals that his eyes will be on the 2010 World Superbike title.

#8. Andrea Dovisioso:

Following his impressive 2008 season on the satellite Honda, big things were expected of the young Italian as he made his way into the factory Repsol team for 2009. One wet/dry race victory at Donington was his only podium of the entire season, but the former 125cc World Champion has been highly critical of his factory machine that has troubled former World Champion Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa, all sighting corner entry and traction issues. Nonetheless, 2010 will be a make or break year for Dovi as a slew of talented rookies make their way onto the scene.

#9. Nicky Hayden:

In 2006, Hayden beat Rossi to the last 990cc World Title. Many critics have said that Rossi gave the title to Nicky because of his horrible bike and his span of bad luck, but last time I checked, World Titles are won, not handed out. Many people thought that the Ducati would be the death of Nicky and early during the 2009 season it appeared that, that may be the case. But, some good ol’ fashion hard work and a never-say-die attitude saw steady improvements for Nicky and his Ducati that culminated into a podium at his home round at Indianapolis.

#10. Noriyuki Haga:

A very controversial choice for the final spot in the rankings, Haga has proved that age doesn’t matter as he continuously takes it to the young competitors who threaten to keep him from ever laying a hand on that World Title. In 2009, some strong performances along with some bad luck for Spies, took the title chase to the final round where Haga essentially beat himself. After a career marred with crashes and horrific injuries, surely 2010 will be the final chance for Haga to finally lift the laurels…