The best rider never to win a world title since 1980???
 

The best rider never to win a world championship since 1980 is....

Any thoughts?

I think my money would have to be on Randy Mamola, but I've only just come up the question, so I may change my mind.

Here are some other reminders/suggestions...

Most successful WSB non-winners

Nori Haga - 155 races, 50 podiums, 19 wins, runner-up 2000 (drugs test robbed him of title)
Frankie Chili - 260 races, 61 podiums, 17 wins, finished 4th twice.
Giancarlo Falappa - 106 races, 30 podiums, 16 wins
Aaron Slight - 229 races, 87 podiums, 13 wins, runner-up 1996, 98. Four times 4th and went 7 consecutive seasons in the top 4.
Regis Laconi - 87 races, 28 podiums, 11 wins
Stephane Mertens - 154 races, 45 podiums, 11 wins, runner-up 1989

Most successful GP500 non-winners

Randy Mamola - 151 GPs, 57 podiums, 13 wins, FOUR times runner up and 3rd twice.
Alex Barros - 258 GPs, 31 podiums, 7 wins, five times 4th.
Daryl Beattie - 59 GPs, 14 podiums, 3 wins, runner-up to Doohan in 1995.
Frankie Chili - 102 GPs, 11 podiums, 5 wins, 3rd place in 1992 250GP title.

Other noteables include...

James Whitham
Steve Hislop
Ian MacPherson - runner up in WSS 1999
Vittoriano Guareschi - twice runner up in WSS 1997 & 98

The majority of the other championship runners-up etc. have won world titles in other catergories.

[Edited on 26-1-2006 by domski]

Randy Mamola

watched him at the british Gp a long time ago on a Cagiva.
I have one of his Cagiva Sweaters signed , got it when i met him at Brands Hatch one of my rare moments of hero worship

[Edited on 25-1-2006 by Nigel C]

Tough one, but for sheer attitude I'd vote for Haga :D

how about Chris walker ?


as for your list


HAGA

My list isn't the options, just some suggestions.

How about Matt Mladin?

It's tough to pick from outside of WSB or 500/MotoGP - although it could be a WSS or 250/125 rider.

Could do another thread "Least talented rider to win a world title" :lol:

Mamola, no question.

Kenny Roberts jr

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: and if Rossi hadn't fell off his 500 so much when he was learning, Roberts would never have won it - good one!

how about Max in 250 if he hadn't knocked his rival off track he would not have won :lol:

haga