Jorge Martin’s recent achievement as MotoGP’s sixth independent-team champion brings to mind the legacy of one of the sport’s most iconic figures: Kenny Roberts. Roberts, often hailed as “King” Kenny, was not only the first to win the title as an independent rider but also the innovator who revolutionized motorcycle racing in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His bold approach to racing, unique riding style, and willingness to take on seemingly impossible odds laid the foundation for the sport as we know it today.
The Humble Beginnings of a Legend
“I never really considered myself a road racer, I just did road racing to get Grand National points in the States.” These words, spoken by Roberts himself, reflect his unique perspective on the sport. Before he was the legend of MotoGP, Roberts was an accomplished dirt track racer in the U.S. His roots in the world of dirt racing shaped his riding style and set him apart from his European counterparts.
Roberts, whose career spanned decades, won three 500cc/MotoGP world championships, 24 Grand Prix victories, and multiple Daytona 200 titles. He also became a two-time US Grand National Champion. While most riders of his time were focused exclusively on road racing, Roberts merged his expertise in dirt track racing with road racing, creating a hybrid technique that defied conventional wisdom.
A New Kind of Racing: Scraping Knees and Dragging Elbows
Roberts’ first introduction to road racing was unconventional. He learned how to “hang off” a motorcycle – a technique that would become his signature style – in 1972 at the Ontario Motor Speedway. The moment he leaned his knee out, inspired by Finnish racer Jarno Saarinen, Roberts felt a new kind of control on the bike. In 1973, he began to drag his knees while racing, a technique that was practically unheard of in the U.S. at the time.
“I started putting duct tape on my knees,” Roberts recalled, describing how he adapted his dirt track skills to road racing. The duct tape allowed him to slide on the asphalt, preventing his knees from sticking to the ground as he cornered at high speeds. While his mentor, Kel Carruthers, was initially concerned about the safety of this approach, Roberts’ success proved the method was effective. In one race, he won the 250cc class at Dallas, leaving competitors in the dust and earning a reputation for his fearless style.
The Transition to Europe: No Expectations, No Limits
In 1978, Roberts made the leap to Europe to compete in the 500cc World Championship, despite not having much experience on road race circuits. He hadn’t ridden a 500cc GP bike before, and his knowledge of European tracks was limited. In fact, when Roberts first received a call to race in Europe, he didn’t even know where some of the locations were.
At that time, Yamaha was pulling out of dirt track racing, which was a devastating blow for Roberts, who had previously hoped to continue his dirt racing career. Instead, Yamaha offered him a chance to race in the World Championship. With little more than a handful of races under his belt, Roberts set off to Europe, where he was a relative unknown. His equipment wasn’t even factory spec – Yamaha USA provided him with a contract, but he was given just one race bike and limited support compared to his competitors.
Despite these setbacks, Roberts took on the full challenge of racing in multiple categories, including the 500cc, 250cc, and F750 World Championship. His first season was a chaotic whirlwind of races, spanning multiple countries and bike categories. But Roberts, accustomed to racing 35 events per year in the U.S., thrived on the pressure.
A Historic First Title: The 1978 500cc World Championship
Roberts’ entry into the 500cc World Championship was nothing short of remarkable. His first major breakthrough came at the Jarama GP in Spain. Although he was initially denied entry due to his lack of points, Roberts’ persistence eventually earned him a spot. When the race began, he stunned everyone by taking the lead early and even managed to hold an eight-second gap before an unfortunate throttle issue caused him to finish second.
His breakthrough moment came when Roberts won three consecutive races in Mugello, Nogaro, and Salzburgring, taking the points lead for the first time. What made these victories all the more impressive was the fact that Roberts was using Goodyear tires, a brand that had never been associated with MotoGP success. His tire choices had been questioned by many, but after some tweaks, Goodyear’s experimental tires helped Roberts excel.
The Killer Instinct: Racing with Grit
What separated Roberts from his rivals was his sheer tenacity and ability to adapt to any situation. A memorable moment came at Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most dangerous and challenging tracks in the world. On a wet, foggy day, Roberts admitted to being terrified. He was unfamiliar with the track, and the conditions were treacherous. Yet, his fearlessness allowed him to continue racing, where others faltered.
“I was racing with Sheene, thinking, this is so stupid!” Roberts recalled of the nerve-wracking race. “The only reason I beat him was because he was more scared than I was.”
Despite not having factory support and racing in multiple categories, Roberts clinched the 1978 500cc World Championship in what would be considered one of the most impressive rookie seasons in history. His gritty and fearless style laid the groundwork for independent riders like Jorge Martin, who would follow in his footsteps decades later.
Legacy and Influence
Roberts’ impact on the sport extended far beyond his championships. He introduced the world to a new riding technique, emphasizing rear tire control, and became the first rider to really master hanging off the bike in the manner that we see today. His riding style became iconic, and his attitude toward racing – always challenging the norms and pushing boundaries – set the stage for future generations of racers.
For those who followed in his footsteps, Roberts was not just a champion but a trailblazer. His ability to mix disciplines, fight against the odds, and innovate on the track made him not only one of the greatest riders but also one of the most influential figures in MotoGP history.
King Kenny: The Best Independent-Team Champion
As we celebrate Jorge Martin’s success as the latest independent-team champion in MotoGP, it’s impossible not to remember the original and best: Kenny Roberts. His achievements in 1978, as an independent rider with minimal factory support, were a monumental moment in the history of the sport. From his first year in MotoGP to his three world championships, Roberts was not just a racer, but an icon who changed the course of motorcycle racing forever.
Whether through his groundbreaking riding techniques or his grit and determination, ‘King’ Kenny Roberts will always remain the benchmark for independent-team champions in the world of MotoGP.
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