This photo in the classic Jim Greening Series shows Kenny Roberts leading a young up-and-coming Freddie Spencer at Oulton Park during the 1980 Transatlantic Match Races. Spencer, who at that point was unknown outside of AMA Superbike circles, became an instant international star when he came out of nowhere to win two rounds of the Match Races. Roberts and Spencer led the Americans to victory in that year’s Transatlantic and in Spencer a star was born.

Kenny Roberts leading a young up-and-coming Freddie Spencer at Oulton Park during the 1980 Transatlantic Match Races. Led by Roberts and Spencer the American’s won that year’s Match Races. (The Jim Greening Collection)