Eddie Lawson

The legendary Eddie Lawson reached his peak during a golden period for American riders. He was the first rider to win the championship title with two different manufacturers, back to back. Lawson won four championship titles in 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1989. In 1988 he won his third championship title, the fourth in a decade for Yamaha, and the very next season he went on to win his fourth championship title, with Honda NSR500.

Before entering World Championship, Lawson began on dirt bikes and Superbikes, and had made a name for himself in these categories in the United States. He won two AMA Superbike and two 250cc titles. He made his 500cc debut with Yamaha and performed superbly, claiming three podium positions in 1983, with Kenny Roberts Sr. as his team mate.

Lawson stayed with Yamaha for six years and on Lawson's second attempt he managed four wins and nine podium positions, from 12 rounds and went on to win the championship title in 1984.

In the following years, Lawson attained 31 wins and 78 podium positions in nearly a decade of spectacular 500cc racing. His finest moment came in 1989 when he won the title over Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey, when he had managed to finish in the top three 13 times in 15 rounds, including four wins.

Eddie Lawson retired in 1992, at the age of 34, when he was in his second year with the so far uncompetitive Cagiva. Lawson gave the them their first histories win during a damp spell in Hungary.