Ask any motocross fan to name the greatest American racers of all time, and Bob "Hurricane" Hannah is sure to make the list. Hannah’s immense popularity helped the sport of motocross explode in the late 1970s, and on Friday, Nov. 19, he will be honored as a Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
When Hannah was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, he had seven AMA National Championships to his credit, and was one of only two riders in the history of AMA racing to win championships in 125 and 250cc motocross and Supercross competition.
Hannah dominated Supercross and the 250 outdoor
Nationals in 1979, winning both titles. Then, a water skiing accident
on the Colorado River left him with a shattered leg and nearly cost him
his career.
Though he sat out the entire 1980 season to
recover, Hannah was able to return to competition, and he won 20 more
Nationals during the 1980s. He also represented the USA three times in
the prestigious Motocross des Nations, and was a member of the
victorious 1987 team when the event was held in New York.
Hannah’s
recognition at the 2010 Hall Fame inductions marks the first time an
existing Hall of Famer will be honored alongside new inductees, and his
presence is highly anticipated by the hundreds of family members,
friends, industry members and fans who will be in attendance at the
Nov. 19 ceremony.
Source: AMA, www.motorcyclemuseum.org
