MotoGP: Top 6 American riders of all time 

#3 Freddie Spencer

Freddie Spencer

Freddie Spencer, aptly nicknamed 'Fast Freddy' was one of the most dominant MotoGP riders in the 1980s. Like most Americans, a stint in AMA Superbike Championships preceded his entry into the MotoGP circuit.

In 1982, he made the switch to MotoGP and in 1983, he made history by becoming the youngest MotoGP World Champion at the age of 21, racing for Team Honda. The season was a memorable one with both Spencer and fellow American Kenny Roberts taking the title race to the final round, each having won 6 races apiece. It was the younger Spencer who pipped his more famed rival by just 2 points.

In 1985, Spencer won the Championship in both 250cc and 500cc classes. He is the last ever rider to achieve the feat of winning both the 250cc and 500cc classes in the same year as competing in both events was later outlawed. Of 72 race starts, Spencer won an impressive 27 races.