7 Time US Superbike Champion Mat Mladin Inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame has announced the induction of Australian Superbike and 7 Time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin as a distinguished motorcyclist who will be honored during the 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, scheduled for October 10 in Pickerington, Ohio. Mat Mladin was chosen as someone who has significantly advanced the sport and lifestyle of motorcycling.
Rob Dingman, AMA President and CEO, expressed admiration acknowledging Mat’s crucial role in advancing the sport of motorcycling: “Without the contributions of these racers, ambassadors, and leaders, motorcycling would not be where it is today. We are excited to enshrine the legacies of these outstanding individuals.”
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Ceremony to Celebrate Motorcycling Greats
The ceremony will be the centerpiece of the AMA’s Hall of Fame Days from October 10-13. Festivities include an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night and an open house at the museum, culminating in the induction event at the Violet Township Event Center.
Mat Mladin stands out for his exceptional career in the AMA Superbike Championship. Over a remarkable decade from 1999 to 2009, Mladin secured seven AMA Superbike titles and won 82 nationals, more than any other rider in the history of the series. His record includes three wins at the prestigious Daytona 200, placing him third all-time behind fellow Hall of Famers Scott Russell and Miguel Duhamel. Mladin, who retired in 2009 after claiming his seventh championship, is celebrated by MotoAmerica as “the most dominant rider in the history of the AMA Superbike Championship.”
This year’s induction ceremony promises to be a memorable event, highlighting the achievements of individuals who have left a lasting impact on the world of motorcycling.
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MICHAEL’S SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Mat Mladin (born 10 March 1972 in Camden, New South Wales) is an Australian professional motorcycle racer who last competed in 2009, riding for Yoshimura Suzuki in the AMA Superbike series. He is a record-holder with seven titles—more than any other rider who has achieved a maximum of five. Mladin also holds the series records for the most wins (83), most pole positions (50), and most poles in a season (10).
Early Years (1992–1995)
Born in Camden, a suburb of Sydney, Mladin launched his professional racing career in 1992, clinching the Australian Superbike Championship in his debut year. He progressed to the 500cc World Championship class in 1993, finishing thirteenth, a result that left him disappointed with his treatment by the Cagiva factory team. A near-fatal ultralight crash in 1995 almost cost him his foot, yet he made a remarkable comeback to finish second in the Australian Superbike championship that year.
AMA Years (1996–2009)
Mladin joined the AMA Superbike series in 1996, riding for Yoshimura Suzuki, and finished fourth overall. He switched to Fast By Ferracci Ducati the following year, securing third place in the championship before returning to Suzuki in 1998, where he placed third once again. His breakthrough came in 1999 when he won his first championship. Staying with Suzuki until 2007, he continued his dominance with titles in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. He finished second behind Ben Spies in 2006 despite winning the final five races after adapting his riding style. Mladin was again the runner-up to Spies in 2007, this time losing by just one point.
Mladin is a three-time winner of the Daytona 200 (2000, 2001, 2004). He has also made wild card appearances in the Superbike World Championship races, notably taking pole position at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2003.
On 31 July 2009, Mladin announced his retirement from the AMA Superbike Championship at the season’s end. His decision was underscored by his refusal to participate in that weekend’s round at Heartland Park, Kansas, citing concerns over rider safety at the circuit. Known for his advocacy for improved rider safety and circuit conditions, Mladin concluded his career by winning the 2009 AMA Superbike Championship.
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