Germany is home to some of the best motorcycle racers in the world. From MotoGP champions such as Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi to the legendary Helmut Bradl, Germany has produced some of the most successful and iconic riders in the history of motorcycle racing.
From the legendary roads of the Nürburgring to the fast and challenging Sachsenring circuit, Germany has become a powerhouse of motorcycle racing. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best German motorcycle racers of all time.
1. Anton Mang
Anton “Toni” Mang is an impressive and accomplished former Grand Prix motorcycle racer. He hails from Germany and has the impressive distinction of being a five-time world champion in the sport.
His international success is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. Mang started his career in 1975 and quickly rose to prominence in the racing world. He won his first world title in 1977 and went on to win four more in the following years.
He competed in the 500cc class and was able to dominate the competition for a number of years. Aside from his success in the Grand Prix world, Mang was also a prolific rider in the Superbike series.
He won four German championships in the series and was a runner-up in the 1983 World Superbike Championship. Mang retired from racing in 1993, and his legacy lives on in the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
He is still regarded as one of the greatest riders of all time, and his five world titles are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
2. Ernst Degner
Ernst Degner was an accomplished professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from East Germany. He is particularly remembered for his defection to the West in 1961, bringing with him the tuning techniques of MZ, the East German motorcycle manufacturer.
This knowledge enabled the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki to win their first Grand Prix championship in 1962, a feat that would not have been possible without Degner’s assistance. Degner’s defecting to the West was a risky move, as it was seen as an act of treason in East Germany.
However, Degner saw it as an opportunity to gain financial freedom and to escape the oppressive political climate of East Germany.
His defection was a difficult decision for Degner to make, as he had to leave behind his family and friends in East Germany, but ultimately he chose what he thought would be a better life for him and his family. Degner’s knowledge of the MZ tuning techniques proved to be incredibly valuable to Suzuki, as the company had not yet been able to make a mark in the Grand Prix racing circuit.
With Degner’s help, Suzuki was able to develop a bike that was powerful and reliable enough to win the Grand Prix championship in 1962.
Degner was not only able to help Suzuki win their first championship but also to develop a bike that could compete with the best bikes in the world and that was able to stand the test of time. Ernst Degner’s legacy is a testament to the power of the individual’s ability to make a difference.
His defection to the West was an incredibly risky move, but it ultimately paid off and enabled Suzuki to win their first Grand Prix championship. Degner’s story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a significant impact on the world.
3. Sandro Cortese
Alessandro “Sandro” Cortese is an accomplished former German motorcycle racer. He has competed in the World Superbike Championship since 2020, representing Team Pedercini. Cortese has achieved great success throughout his racing career, having won two world championships.
In 2012, he took home his first title in the Moto3 class, and then he added the Supersport World Championship title to his accolades in 2018. He currently resides in Berkheim, Germany. Cortese’s journey to becoming a world champion began at a young age.
He was first introduced to the sport of motorcycle racing through his father, who was a motorcycle enthusiast himself. From there, Cortese began to hone his skills and eventually made it to the professional level.
He has since become a highly respected figure in the racing community and is considered one of the best riders in the world. Throughout his career, Cortese has earned several major accomplishments, including two world championship titles.
In 2012, he won his first world title in the Moto3 class, and then he added the Supersport World Championship title to his accolades in 2018.
These achievements are a testament to Cortese’s skill and dedication to the sport. Despite his retirement from competitive racing in 2020, Cortese still remains a respected figure in the motorcycle racing community.
He continues to be an inspiration to aspiring racers and is a role model for those who dream of becoming world champions. He is also an active member of the Berkheim community, where he resides and is a beloved figure among locals.
Alessandro “Sandro” Cortese is an inspiring figure in the world of motorcycle racing. His achievements and dedication to the sport have earned him a place as one of the greatest riders in the world.
His two world championship titles are a testament to his incredible talent and will serve as a reminder of his legacy for years to come.
4. Stefan Bradl
Stefan Bradl is an accomplished German motorcycle racer. He achieved mainstream success in 2011 when he won the Moto2 World Championship. This remarkable feat was followed by an even bigger move to MotoGP in 2012 when he joined the LCR Honda team.
Bradl’s most notable achievements in MotoGP have been his second-place finish at the 2013 Czech Grand Prix and third-place finish at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix.
His career highlights also include winning the 2009 125cc German Championship, as well as the 2009 125cc European Championship. Bradl is a talented and driven racer who continues to make a name for himself in the world of motorcycle racing.
With a wealth of experience and a successful career already under his belt, Bradl is sure to be a name to watch in the coming years.
5. Patrick Unger
Patrick Unger is a professional motorcycle racer from Germany. He is most well-known for competing in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing series, which is part of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship.
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is one of the most prestigious and competitive motorsport events in the world, with highly skilled riders competing for the championship title. Patrick Unger has been competing in the Grand Prix series since 2009 and has achieved some impressive results over the years, including multiple podium finishes.
He has also competed in the Moto2 and Superbike World Championships and has won several races in both series.
He is currently competing for the Kiefer Racing team in the Moto2 class and is looking to make a big impact in the 2020 season. Outside of racing, Patrick Unger is also a skilled engineer.
He has a degree in automotive engineering from the University of Stuttgart and has worked for several racing teams in the past.
He is also an avid motorcycle enthusiast and regularly attends events around Europe. Overall, Patrick Unger is one of the most successful German Grand Prix motorcycle racers.
His passion for the sport, combined with his engineering background, makes him a formidable presence on the track. With the 2020 season quickly approaching, he is sure to make a strong impression on the racing world.
6. Sebastian Eckner
Sebastian Eckner is a professional motorcycle racer from Germany. He is a passionate rider who has been competing in motorcycle racing for many years. He has participated in several major international events and has achieved a great deal of success.
His success can be attributed to his tremendous dedication and hard work. He trains vigorously to ensure he is always at the top of his game. He is a strong competitor and has built a great reputation among fellow racers.
He is highly respected by many for his remarkable skill and determination to win. He is a true sportsman who loves the thrill of the race and the challenge of competing against the best of the best.
He is a role model for aspiring motorcycle racers and a great inspiration to many.
7. Chris Pfeiffer
Christian Pfeiffer was an extraordinary motorcycle stunt rider, who achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He was a four-time winner of the prestigious Red Bull Scramble, a major event for motorcycle stunt riders that attracts competitors from all around the world.
His success in the Red Bull Scramble was matched by his success in breaking Guinness World Records, which he achieved over the course of his 20-year career.
As if these accomplishments weren’t enough, he was also a four-time European Championship winner. The accomplishments of this world-renowned stunt rider are almost unparalleled in the history of the sport.
His four victories in the Red Bull Scramble alone are an incredible feat and one that will certainly be remembered for years to come. His success in breaking Guinness World Records was also quite remarkable and a testament to his skill and determination.
Lastly, his four European Championship titles are a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport. Christian Pfeiffer was truly an exceptional motorcycle stunt rider.
His innumerable accomplishments in the sport are a testament to his skill, determination, and drive. His legacy will live on, and will surely inspire future generations of stunt riders.
8. Ina Wilde
Ina Wilde is an impressive and accomplished motorcycle trials rider from Germany. She has achieved incredible success in her field, becoming the German Women’s Trials Champion four times in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Her success was not limited to just Germany, however, as she also won the European Women’s Championship in 2014. This is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Ina Wilde is an inspiration to all who have the ambition to achieve greatness and break boundaries in their own fields.
9. Max Neukirchner
Max Neukirchner is a German professional motorcycle racer who currently competes in the Endurance FIM World Championship. He is one of the most talented and experienced riders in the championship and has already achieved some impressive results.
Neukirchner started his racing career in 2003, competing in the German Superbike Championship and later went on to compete in the Superbike World Championship. In 2016, he decided to switch to Endurance racing and joined the Endurance FIM World Championship.
He currently rides a Yamaha YZF-R1 in the championship and is aiming for a podium finish this season. Neukirchner is a talented and experienced rider who has shown great potential in the championship and is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
10. Helmut Bradl
Helmut Bradl was a successful German motorcycle racer who competed in the 250 class of Grand Prix racing. His most successful year in the sport was 1991, when he won 5 races on a Honda and finished the season as the runner-up after a close points battle with Luca Cadalora.
His success in the sport was built on for future generations, as his son Stefan Bradl went on to win the 2011 Moto2 World Championship.
The Bradl family has a long and successful history in motorcycle racing, and Helmut Bradl is remembered as one of the most accomplished racers in the 250 class of Grand Prix racing.
11. Walter Zeller
Walter Zeller was a highly successful German Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who was part of the BMW factory racing team. Zeller was a formidable presence on the track, and his most successful year was 1956.
During that year, Zeller finished second in the 500cc world championship, with John Surtees taking first. This impressive result was achieved despite intense competition from other riders, and it illustrates the skill and dedication that Zeller put into his racing.
Zeller’s commitment to excellence was evident throughout his career, and he earned a well-deserved spot in the history books as one of the greatest motorcyclists of all time.
12. Gerhard Thurow
Gerhard Thurow was a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Germany. He had a successful racing career, and his best years were in 1974 and 1975 when he finished both seasons in fourth place in the 50cc world championship.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he died in a crash while competing in a race in Tilburg on 11 April 1976. The crash was a tragedy for the racing community, as Thurow had been a promising young racer with a bright future.
He had a reputation for being a skilled and fearless driver, and his death was a shock to the entire motorsports community.
Thurow had been a regular competitor on the Grand Prix circuit since 1971, and his death was a great loss to the sport. Although his career was short-lived, Thurow was a beloved figure in the motorsports world who achieved a lot in a short amount of time.
He was known for his ability to push the limits of speed and daredevilry, and his death was a reminder of the risks involved in competitive racing. Thurow’s legacy lives on in the memories of his fans and the racing community.
He will always be remembered as a brave and talented driver who inspired others to pursue their dreams.
13. Robin Lässer
Robin Lässer is a professional motorcycle racer from Germany. He competes in Grand Prix motorcycle races, which are the highest class of motorcycle racing.
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is a sport that has been around since the early 20th century and is one of the most prestigious forms of motorsport.
Robin has been competing in Grand Prix motorcycle racing for many years now and is considered to be one of the most experienced and successful racers in the sport. He has achieved success in a number of different Grand Prix races, including a podium finish in the German Grand Prix in 2019.
He has also competed in a number of other international Grand Prix races, including the French Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix. Robin is a highly skilled racer and is known for his ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
He is also very dedicated to his sport and is constantly pushing himself to be better. Overall, Robin Lässer is a dedicated and successful Grand Prix motorcycle racer from Germany. He has achieved great success in the sport and is well-respected by his peers.
He is an example of someone who has worked hard and achieved his dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer.
14. Joshua Sommer
Joshua Sommer is an accomplished Grand Prix motorcycle racer from Germany. He has been competing since the early 2000s and has achieved immense success in his career.
Sommer is an experienced racer who has competed in many international competitions, including the MotoGP championship series and the World Superbike Championship. In addition to competing in professional racing, Sommer is also an active coach and mentor for younger riders.
He coaches and advises them on how to prepare for their races, as well as on the strategies and techniques they should use while racing.
Sommer is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of racers. Sommer has also been involved in many charity initiatives.
For example, he contributes to the MotoGP Riders’ Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps young riders from economically disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their dreams.
He also participates in various charity events, such as charity races and auctions, and donates part of his winnings to the foundation. Joshua Sommer is a true champion of motorcycle racing and a great example of excellence in the sport.
He has proven himself to be a hardworking and talented racer, coach, and mentor, and his involvement in charitable initiatives shows his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
15. Sebastian Kreuziger
Sebastian Kreuziger is a professional motorcycle racer who has been competing in Grand Prix races since 2011. He is from Germany and is currently competing in the Moto2 category of the Grand Prix World Championship.
Kreuziger is a highly experienced racer, having competed in numerous races, including the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the FIM CEV Repsol, and the European Superstock 600 Championship. He has achieved great success in his career, winning multiple races and championships.
He is currently competing with the Intact GP team in Moto2. Kreuziger is a talented and dedicated racer who has shown that he is capable of performing at the highest level.
He is a great example of the potential of German riders and is sure to continue to be a success in the future.
16. Jonas Folger
Jonas Folger is a professional motorcycle racer from Germany who had been competing in the 2021 Superbike World Championship.
In April 2023, he was named as a replacement rider for Pol Espargaró, who was injured during practice at the first round of the MotoGP World Championship. Folger is an experienced rider who has been competing in the world of professional motorcycle racing for many years.
He has a proven track record of success and is known for his ability to adapt to different conditions on the track. His experience and skill make him an ideal choice to replace the injured Espargaró.
17. Marcel Schrötter
Marcel Schrötter is a highly accomplished motorcycle racer from Germany. Born in Vilgertshofen, Marcel began his career in 2007 when he competed in the German 125cc National Championship and finished in fifth place.
This impressive feat was only the beginning, as Marcel went on to win the championship in consecutive years in 2008 and 2009. This was a major milestone and demonstrated his immense talent and dedication to the sport.
Marcel has not let his success go to his head, however, as he continues to practice hard and stay focused on the task at hand.
His competitiveness and drive to succeed have been vital in allowing him to stand out among his peers, and his ability to stay motivated despite the challenges he has faced has made him one of the best motorcycle racers in Germany.
Marcel’s success is an inspiration to others who share his passion and dedication to the sport, and his strong performance in the German 125cc National Championship is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
His remarkable accomplishments serve to demonstrate that with enough determination and ambition, anyone can achieve anything.
18. Alex Hofmann
Alexander Hofmann is a former Grand Prix motorcycle racer who has since retired from the sport and has moved on to become a commentator and analyst for German television.
He is a well-known name in the world of motorcycling and is fondly referred to as “The Hoff” in English-speaking countries due to his resemblance to actor David Hasselhoff. Hofmann was known for his aggressive riding style which saw him reach the podium on several occasions during his racing career.
He raced in a number of different classes, including the Superbike World Championship and the German Superbike Championship.
After his retirement, he began to work on television coverage of the sport in Germany, including being a commentator for the German Motorcycle Grand Prix. Hofmann has gained a great deal of recognition for his work in the sport, and the nickname “The Hoff” is a testament to this.
It is a reference to David Hasselhoff, an actor who is well-known for his roles in the Knight Rider and Baywatch television series.
The nickname is a light-hearted way to pay tribute to Hofmann’s talent and success in the sport. Overall, Alexander Hofmann is a respected figure in the world of motorcycle racing.
He is known for his skill on the track, as well as his contribution to the sport through his television work. As “The Hoff”, he has become an iconic figure in the sport, with his nickname being used to pay tribute to his talent and success.
19. Dirk Raudies
Dirk Raudies is a renowned German figure in the world of motorsports. He is a former professional motorcycle racer and current television sports presenter. For eight years, Dirk was an active competitor in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1989 to 1997.
During this time, he worked his way up from the smaller circuits to become a regular top-ten finisher in the World Superbike Championship and the World Endurance Championship. Dirk was a versatile racer and was highly praised for his techniques and determination.
He quickly became a fan favorite, and his natural talent was evident when he was able to consistently secure podium finishes in the World Superbike Championship.
He was also noted for his ability to adapt to different race conditions, which allowed him to consistently be among the frontrunners. After his retirement from professional racing, Dirk continued to stay involved in the motorsports community.
He became a television sports presenter, covering the MotoGP and World Superbike Championships.
He is also involved in various motorsport events, such as the Isle of Man TT, the Macau Grand Prix, and the Suzuka 8 Hours. Dirk Raudies is an iconic figure in the world of motorsports.
His career as a professional motorcycle racer was highly successful, and he continues to be highly involved in the world of motorsports through his work as a television sports presenter.
20. Werner Haas
Werner Haas was an incredibly successful German motorcycle racer. He achieved the remarkable feat of becoming Germany’s first motorcycle world champion when he won the 1953 FIM 125 and 250 World Championship for NSU.
This was a remarkable accomplishment, and he followed it up the following year by successfully defending his 250 world championship title. Sadly, his career and life were cut short in 1956 when he was killed in a light plane accident in Germany.
This was a great tragedy, as Haas had already achieved more in his short career than most motorcyclists could ever hope to achieve. His legacy will forever be remembered as a great German motorcyclist and world champion.
21. Helga Steudel
Helga Heinrich-Steudel is a remarkable figure in motorsports history. She began her career as a motorcyclist and car racer in the DDR (German Democratic Republic).
She achieved a great deal of success in the racing world, becoming the only female motorcyclist to have ever won a race at the Sachsenring. In 1967, she decided to retire from racing but made a comeback in 1970 with her Melkus RS 1000 at the Lückendorfer Bergrennen.
Her determination to succeed and her courage to compete against all odds, despite the gender inequality of the time, is an inspiring example for any aspiring racer.
22. Ken Roczen
Ken Roczen is an impressive German professional motocross and supercross racer. He started his professional career in 2009 by competing in the Motocross World Championships.
From 2009 to 2011 he competed in this championship, and he was successful in achieving the title of 2011 MX2 World Champion.
Following his success in the Motocross World Championships, he went on to compete in the AMA Supercross Championships, which he has been competing in since 2011. In addition to his MX2 World Championship title, Ken Roczen is also a two-time 450cc AMA Motocross Champion and the 2013 AMA Supercross 250cc West Champion.
These titles are further proof of his skill and dedication to the sport of motocross and supercross racing. His impressive accomplishments are a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he continues to be a major competitor in the sport.
23. Ernst Loof
Ernst Loof was a man of many talents. He was an automotive engineer and a racing driver from Germany.
His contributions to the design of the BMW 328 sports car in the late 1930s are still remembered and appreciated today. Loof was born in Berlin in 1908 and attended the Technical University of Berlin, where he studied mechanical engineering.
After graduating, he worked for the Opel company as an engineer. Loof then joined the BMW engineering department in 1936, where he was a key figure in the development of the BMW 328 sports car. The BMW 328 was an iconic sports car of its time.
It was one of the first BMW cars to feature a light-alloy engine block and aluminum cylinder head. Loof’s expertise was invaluable in the development of the car’s engine. His design also featured elegant curves and an eye-catching design. The BMW 328 was a commercial success.
It won several races in Europe and America, setting speed records along the way. Ernst Loof was a key figure in the development of the car. He was an important part of the team that designed and tested the BMW 328.
The BMW 328 is still remembered today for its classic style and performance. Ernst Loof’s contributions to its design are still appreciated in the automotive world. His legacy will live on for years to come.
24. Reinhold Roth
Reinhold Roth was a successful German Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who achieved his greatest success in 1987. That year, he won the French Grand Prix and finished the season in second place behind Anton Mang, a fellow German racer.
Roth’s success in the 1987 season was just the beginning of his career in motorcycle road racing. He went on to be a top competitor in the sport for the next decade, competing in races all around the world.
Roth was known for his ability to stay focused and stay ahead of the competition, often finishing ahead of some of the biggest names in the sport.
His success in the sport was a testament to his skill and dedication, and he is remembered as one of the greatest German motorcycle road racers of all time.
25. Peter Öttl
Peter Öttl is a former German Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who had a successful career in the sport. In 1989, he achieved a great deal of success, winning two Grand Prix races and finishing third in the 80cc world championship, behind Manuel Herreros and Stefan Dörflinger.
Over the course of his career, Öttl was able to win a total of five Grand Prix races. Unfortunately, in 1991, Öttl was involved in a serious accident at the Brno circuit. Thankfully, Öttl was able to recover from his injuries and continue his racing career.
However, he was never able to reach the heights of success he achieved in 1989. Despite this, he remains a respected figure in the world of motorcycle racing and is held in high regard by his fellow racers.
26. Helmut Fath
Helmut Fath was an accomplished German sidecar racer and engineer who achieved remarkable success on the track.
Fath won the Sidecar World Championship in 1960 and again in 1968, making him a double champion. Fath’s early career was based around racing on BMW R50 sidecars, which he designed himself.
However, in 1961, he was involved in a serious accident which led him to take a break from racing. After a period of rest and recovery, Fath returned to the track in 1968 with a new, four-cylinder URS machine.
This machine was also of his own design, and it enabled him to regain the Sidecar World Championship title. Helmut Fath’s story is one of remarkable dedication and perseverance.
His success on the track was a result of his commitment to engineering and design, as well as his skill as a driver. His achievements in the sport are a testament to his determination and ambition and have earned him a place as one of the greats of sidecar racing.
27. Philipp Öttl
Philipp Öttl is a talented German motorcycle racer from Salzburg, Austria. He is the son of former motorcycle racer Peter Öttl, who was well-known in his own right. Philipp has had a successful career in competitive motorcycle racing.
He was a runner-up in the ADAC Junior Cup and has competed in many other prestigious races, such as the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the German IDM 125GP Championship, and the Spanish Moto3 Championship.
He is a talented rider and has been able to take his career to the next level with his dedication to the sport. Philipp is definitely someone to watch out for in the future and will likely continue to make a name for himself in the world of professional motorcycle racing.
28. Stephan Katt
Stephan Katt is a former motorcycle racer from Germany. He was a competitor in the sport of Grasstrack, Longtrack and speedway racing.
Grasstrack racing involves racing motorcycles on a grass track, with the goal of completing the required number of laps in the fastest time possible. Longtrack racing is a form of speedway racing but on a longer track of up to one mile in length.
Speedway racing involves racing motorcycles around an oval track in a set number of laps, with the goal of completing the laps in the fastest time. Katt was a successful racer in all three disciplines, competing in major races in Europe and gaining recognition for his skill and dedication to the sport.
He won several championships and was known for his determination and commitment to the sport. He was a respected racer among his peers and was admired for his commitment to the sport. Katt retired from racing in 2015, but his legacy in the sport of motorcycle racing lives on.
His skill and dedication to the sport will never be forgotten, and he is remembered as one of the greats of the sport.
29. Katja Poensgen
Katja Poensgen is a German former professional motorcycle racer and a pioneer in the sport. She made history in the world of motorcycling when she became the first female rider to qualify for a 250cc Grand Prix race.
This was a major milestone and her talent and determination to compete at the highest level of the sport was recognized by the FIM in 2011 when she was inducted into the FIM Hall of Fame. Poensgen’s career in the sport of motorcycle racing was one of hard work and dedication.
She trained hard and raced in a number of Grand Prix races, pushing the boundaries of what was possible for female riders.
Her achievements in the sport can be an inspiration to any aspiring female rider and her induction into the FIM Hall of Fame serves as an acknowledgment of her great contributions to the sport.
30. Georg Meier
Georg “Schorsch” Meier was a renowned German motorcycle racer that made history in 1939. He was the first foreign winner of the Senior TT, which is the Blue Riband race of the Isle of Man TT Races. This victory was accomplished while riding for the BMW factory team.
Not only that, but he was the first motorcycle racer to lap a Grand Prix course at over 100 mph. His success was a milestone moment for the motorcycling community and he will be remembered for his accomplishments.
Meier’s journey to becoming a motorcycle racer began back in his homeland, Germany. He was a well-known competitor in the German Grand Prix races. His skills and determination led him to the Isle of Man TT Races in 1939.
He was determined to win the Senior TT race and prove that a foreign rider could be successful on the track. Miraculously, Meier achieved the impossible and won the Senior TT race. This was an incredible feat, as it set a precedent for foreign riders.
He was the first rider to lap a Grand Prix course at over 100 mph, making him a motorcycling legend. His success during this race inspired other riders to strive for similar accomplishments and changed the motorcycling landscape forever. Meier’s legacy still lives on today.
His accomplishments are remembered with awe and admiration by motorcycling enthusiasts and racers alike. His victory at the Senior TT race is an example of the power of determination and skill.
Georg “Schorsch” Meier will always be remembered as a pioneer in the motorcycling world.
31. Hans-Georg Anscheidt
Hans-Georg Anscheidt is a German motorcycle road racing champion who has achieved great success over the course of his career. He was a part of the Suzuki factory racing team and was able to win three consecutive FIM 50 cc world championships from 1966 to 1968.
His accomplishments have been recognized as he was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame on 15 June 2023 as a MotoGP Legend. Anscheidt has made an incredible impact on the sport of motorcycle road racing and has set the standard for other riders to follow.
He was able to win three world championships in a row and showed an unwavering dedication to the sport. His induction into the MotoGP Hall of Fame is a testament to his hard work and success.
The MotoGP Hall of Fame is an honor reserved for only the most elite riders in the sport. It is a recognition of their accomplishments and a testament to their skills. It is a great honor for Anscheidt to be inducted and it will surely be remembered for years to come.
Hans-Georg Anscheidt is a true champion in the sport of motorcycle road racing and his achievements will not soon be forgotten.
He has set a high bar for future riders to aspire to and his induction into the MotoGP Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his talent and dedication. His hard work and success have been rewarded and he will forever be remembered as a great champion.
32. Edgar Barth
Wilfried Edgar Barth was a German racing driver who competed in both Formula One and sports car racing. He was born in Erfurt, Germany, in 1933 and began his racing career in 1958.
He competed in the German Formula Junior Championship in the 1960s, and in 1962 he won the Formula Junior Championship. He then moved up to the Formula One World Championship, where he raced for Team Lotus in 1965 and 1966.
He scored several good results in his Formula One career, including a third-place finish in the 1966 German Grand Prix. Barth also raced in sports car racing, competing in the World Sportscar Championship from 1965 to 1969.
He had considerable success in this category, winning the overall championship in 1967 and 1968. He also had some success in endurance racing, finishing second in the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans. In all, he competed in more than 100 races in his career.
Wilfried Edgar Barth was an incredibly talented and successful racing driver, and his legacy lives on in the world of motorsports today. He will always be remembered as one of the greats of German racing.
33. Ernst Jakob Henne
Ernst Jakob Henne was a renowned German motorcycle and racecar driver. He was born to a saddlemaker in the village of Weiler near Wangen im Allgäu. After leaving school, Henne was apprenticed to become a motor vehicle mechanic in 1919.
This was the beginning of his career as a racer, as he made his racing debut in 1923 in Mühldorf, where he finished in third place riding a Megola. Henne’s career as a racer was one of great success.
He was a two-time winner of the German Grand Prix, and a three-time winner of the Isle of Man TT, the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. He was also successful in racing cars, winning the German Hillclimb Championship in 1930.
His success earned him the nickname “King of the Mountains”. Henne also made a name for himself as a motorcycle manufacturer. He founded the Henne Motorcycle Company in 1927, and his bikes were renowned for their quality and performance.
His company was the first to produce a two-stroke engine, a design which was later adopted by many other manufacturers. Henne was an innovator and pioneer of motorsport. He was a driving force behind the development of the sport in Germany, and his influence is still felt today.
He will always be remembered as one of the greatest racers of all time.
34. Jutta Kleinschmidt
Jutta Kleinschmidt is a renowned German offroad automotive racer. She is well known for her many appearances in the prestigious Paris Dakar Rally and is especially noted for winning the event in 2001.
This extraordinary feat made her the only woman driver to have won the race and the only German to win the car category. Kleinschmidt’s success is a result of her hard work and dedication to the sport.
She developed a deep understanding of the challenging terrain and conditions that come with offroad racing. She also developed a strong mental and physical toughness to push through the long, grueling stages of the Paris Dakar Rally.
Her expertise and commitment to the sport have been crucial to her success. Her win in 2001 was a milestone for female drivers and German drivers alike.
She was the first woman to break the gender barrier in the Paris Dakar Rally and the first German racer to win the car category.
This momentous achievement made her a role model for aspiring female racers and demonstrated that German drivers have the potential to succeed in extreme conditions. Kleinschmidt’s victory is a testament to the power of determination and hard work.
Her success is an inspiration for anyone to pursue their dreams and prove that anything is possible. Her legacy continues to live on and will continue to inspire future generations of racers.
35. Ralf Waldmann
Ralf Waldmann was a German Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who was active in the sport from 1985 to 2000. During this time, he achieved a number of notable successes, including three World Championship victories in the 500cc class.
He began his career as a privateer, riding for his own self-funded team and achieving modest success, but eventually made the jump to the factory-backed teams of Honda and Yamaha.
While riding for these teams, he won the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1995 and the Czech Grand Prix in 1998, both in the 500cc class.
He also claimed the World Superbike Championship in 1996 and had a total of eight podium finishes in the World Superbike Championship, including a win at the Assen Superbike race in 1999.
In the World Grand Prix Championship, he was a consistent podium finisher, with a total of 13 podium finishes throughout his career.
Although he retired from racing in 2000, he continued to be involved in the sport as a test rider for Yamaha, and then later as a race team manager for the Moto2 team. His career highlights demonstrate his ability as a skillful and successful racer.
36. Rudolf Caracciola
Otto Wilhelm Rudolf Caracciola was a legendary racing driver from the small town of Remagen, Germany. He is best known for his incredible success in the European Drivers’ Championship, which was the predecessor of the modern Formula One World Championship.
Caracciola is the only driver in history to have won the European Drivers’ Championship an impressive three times. His first win came in 1935, and he went on to successfully defend his title in 1937 and 1938.
Caracciola was renowned for his skillful driving and his ability to get the most out of any car he drove. He was also an innovator in the sport and is credited with popularizing the technique of drifting around corners.
Despite his relatively small stature, he was known as a fierce competitor who had a knack for finding the fastest line around a track. Caracciola’s success in the European Drivers’ Championship earned him widespread respect and recognition in the racing world.
He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2000, and his name continues to be held in high regard to this day.
37. Adolf Brudes
Adolf Brudes von Breslau was a German Formula One driver and a member of German nobility. He was born in Germany and had a passion for racing from a young age. In 1919, he began racing motorcycles and soon after, in 1928, he began racing cars.
Brudes von Breslau owned a BMW and Auto Union dealership in Breslau, which gave him the opportunity to race cars. Initially, he began racing in hillclimbs, which is a type of motor racing where cars race up and down a steep and winding course.
Brudes von Breslau was known for his skill as a driver, and for his passion for racing. He continued to race for many years and achieved success in the Formula One circuit.
His legacy lives on to this day and he is remembered as one of the most talented drivers to ever race in Formula One.
38. Stefan Dörflinger
Stefan Dörflinger is a Swiss former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who achieved worldwide fame for his incredible success in the sport. Dörflinger won four consecutive FIM road racing world championships, an impressive feat that has been unmatched by any other competitor.
In 1982 and 1983, he was the 50 cc world champion, but in 1984, the FIM increased the displacement capacity to 80 cc.
With this new challenge, Dörflinger rose to the occasion and became the first ever 80 cc world champion, demonstrating his immense skill and prowess on the track.
Dörflinger’s legacy as one of the most successful Grand Prix motorcycle road racers in history is one that will never be forgotten.
39. Dale Earnhardt
Ralph Dale Earnhardt was an iconic figure in American auto racing. He started his racing career in 1975 and continued until his untimely death in 2001. He was one of the most successful drivers in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series, with 76 wins over his career.
Earnhardt was best known for driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. He won the Winston Cup seven times over his career and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. He also had success as a team owner, with his team, Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
winning the Daytona 500 in 1998. Earnhardt was known for his hard-nosed racing style, which earned him the nickname “The Intimidator”. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.
Conclusion
The best motorcycle racers in Germany are those who have consistently shown their skills, determination, and commitment to the sport.
They have achieved success in a variety of disciplines, including road racing, motocross, and track racing. The top riders in Germany include Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, and Andrea Dovizioso.
These riders have earned their place in the pantheon of German motorcycle racers, and their success will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
