Saturday 15th January 1955

Born on this day, Mike Baldwin, an American road-racing champion. He won five AMA Formula 1 titles as well as becoming the first rider to win three Suzuka 8 Hours (1978, 1981 and 1984). He was a top contender in AMA Superbike racing during the 1980’s and in his spare time Baldwin competed on the Grand Prix circuit. His best finish in the 500cc GP World Championships was a fourth place in the 1986 season while racing for the Kenny Roberts-Yamaha team. Baldwin seemed poised to become one of the top American road racers but, unfortunately injuries threw a monkey wrench into his plans. In 2001, Mike Baldwin was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.