We knew #21 was going to be a big number and there is only so much room we have to get everyone in. But I have to admit that I left out some really, really big ones! There simply is not much that gets past you readers and a couple of you reminded me of some other #21’s that certainly deserve their due diligence.
With that, please enjoy some more love to the astonishing #21:
Bob Hannah Racer X Archives
Bob Hannah
It just doesn’t get any more bad ass than this. Check out “The Hurricane” on the charge at Unadilla from the 1979 250cc USGP. That is 100% pure motocross right there ladies and gentlemen, taken by the legendary Dick Miller for MXA.
Donnie Hansen Racer X Archives
Donnie Hansen
Even if this photo was only a silhouette you could still tell this is Donnie “holeshot” Hansen from the riding style. Shoulders square, elbows up, and head over the bars. We actually got an e-mail from Mrs. Hansen asking why we didn’t show Hansen some love. Here ya go, from the ’81 Hangtown 250 National.
Pierre Karsmakers Rick Conley photo
Pierre Karsmakers
Did you know that Pierre here is still #12 on the AMA all-time winner’s list? His 30 career wins leave him in a three-way tie with Mike Kiedrowski and David Bailey. Number Cruncher readers Mark R. Foley and Rick Conley reminded us that Pierre rode a Honda in the 1975 500cc Nationals.
Manuel Rivas Photo courtesy Scott Shanklin
Manuel Rivas
Scott Shanklin from Lake Elsinore, CA reminded us about Spanish speedster Manuel Rivas. There is actually a #21 Rivas jersey hanging on the wall in DC’s mini-museum here at the office.
Arne Kring Scott Wallenberg photo
Arne Kring
Scotty Wallenberg slapped me up side the head for leaving out a mention about Arne Kring in 1972. Well, here ya go, Wally!
Scott also noted:
Billy Silverthorn USA Husqvarna 1969 Inter-AM
Arne Kring Sweden Husqvarna 1972 250cc Inter-Am
Jack Keese USA Sambo's Suzuki 1977 125cc USGP Mid-Ohio
Steve Wise USA Honda 1978 National number 21
John Hopkins Andrew Northcott photo
John Hopkins
It’s customary to show Road Racer X some love in the Number Cruncher and with “Hopper” here having the great year he did in 2007 (now with Kawasaki, he finished fourth overall in the '07 MotoGP World Championships with the Rizla Suzuki team), he deserves some love indeed.
Tommy Croft Michael Stusiak photo
Tommy Croft
Michael Stusiak, or “Fresh Top End” as he is known on mototalk, sent us this picture of Tommy Croft getting it done in the 1976 Trans Am series. Check out that left side kick starter. Before he was a top-notch lawyer, FTE was a top-notch photographer. His Sears Point Trans-AMA stuff from the seventies is astonishing.
Roy Mwangi Scott Lukaitis photo
Roy Mwangi
Hey Andy,
It's been a long time coming...I've followed your "Number Cruncher" article since the start and always wondered "when will he ever run the #21". Not sure you'll do a re-do but since we're on the subject and you do mention sending in other 21's, why not show a little love to the little people (besides, I'd finally be able to justify part of my passion for moto to the wife) & run one of their shots. Oh, wait a minute I think I have one of me compliments of Scott Lukaitis @ E-town earlier this year.
Cheers!
Roy Mwangi #21
Racer X - Motocross & Supercross News
