Mike Baldwin

Mike Baldwin, born on January 15, 1955 in Pasadena, California, is an American former professional motorcycle road racer. He was a top contender in AMA Superbike racing during the 1980s and also competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. He led the American team to an upset win over the favored British team at the 1979 Transatlantic Trophy match races, a six-race series in England on 750cc motorcycles, as the highest points scorer. He won five AMA Formula 1 titles and was the first rider to win three Suzuka 8 Hours races. His best finish in the 500cc world championships was fourth in 1986, riding for the Kenny Roberts Yamaha team. Injuries curtailed a career that seemed to be taking him to the top of American road racing, and he rode a Bimota in the 1989 World Superbike Championship, scoring a podium finish in France. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.