Randy Mamola
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Randy Mamola
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| Nationality |
 American |
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| Born |
November 10, 1959 San Jose, California, U.S. |
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Randy Mamola born November 10, 1959 is an American former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and current television sports commentator. He was one of the most charismatic Grand Prix motorcycle racers of his generation, becoming a favorite because of his interaction with race fans both on and off the track, as well as his aggressive, spirited riding style. After his racing career, he became involved in philanthropy, helping to found the Riders for Health charity organization. Over the span of his thirteen-year 500cc world championship road racing career, Mamola accumulated four second-place finishes and ranked in the top ten 11 times, making him one of the most accomplished competitors never to have won a 500cc world championship. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.
Born in San Jose, California, Mamola grew up interested in a career as a musician, playing in a band at the age of 10. However, when he turned 12 his interests turned to motorcycle racing, idolizing fellow Northern Californian motorcycle racer, Kenny Roberts. He began competing in dirt track racing in Northern California and earned sponsorship from Yamaha when he was 14. Mamola then focused on road racing with coaching from former racer, Ron Grant. He gained his first international exposure in 1977 when Grant took him to compete in the New Zealand Marlboro Series where, Mamola made a positive impression.
In 1977, Mamola graduated from high school and began competing professionally in the AMA 250cc road racing championship, finishing as runner up to David Emde in the final standings. In his second year, he won the 1978 AMA 250cc road racing title and began drawing similarities to Kenny Roberts, earning the nickname, "Baby Kenny". His performance earned him a place on the American team for the 1979 Trans-Atlantic Match Races. The Trans-Atlantic Match Races pitted the best British riders against the top American road racers on 750cc motorcycles in a six-race series in England. As a 250cc rider, Mamola wasn't expected to be a challenger on larger 750cc motorcycles however, he surprised observers by finishing the series as the second highest points scorer behind Mike Baldwin and ahead of former world champion, Barry Sheene.
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