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The rider beginning MotoGP's long-awaited American revolution

After two tough seasons in Moto2, a change of team and the arrival of John Hopkins in his camp helped Joe Roberts to claim a first pole in Qatar and achieve his best showing to date in the race. Could he be the long awaited new American hope for grand prix motorcycle racing?

Lewis Duncan Mar 27, 2020, 2:59 PM

It's Saturday, June 25, and the 2011 Dutch TT at Assen has just finished. Factory Yamaha rider Ben Spies has taken the chequered flag for his maiden MotoGP victory. Little did we know at the time that June 25 would be the last time the Star Spangled Banner would ring out during a MotoGP podium ceremony.

Spies' career took a nosedive after '11, with a crash-strewn year in '12 (as well as a Valentino Rossi looking for an exit from Ducati) losing him his place at Yamaha, while further injuries upon his switch to Pramac Ducati ultimately ended his career.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.