John Kocinski corners his Nordica Yamaha in the AMA 250 Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in 1987. It was the first year of a three-year reign for Kocinski, who won the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1987, ’88 and ’89. During that time the Arkansas native won 17 of the 23 AMA 250 nationals and topped the likes of Rich Oliver, Kork Ballington, Randy Renfrow, Donny Greene, Thomas Stevens, Robbie Petersen and Alan Carter just to name a few. Kocinski even came out number one in America Roadracing’s popular Top 40 feature in 1989, being named the best road racer in America, even ahead of the best Superbike riders of the time. Of course Kocinski went on to become world champion, winning the 250 Grand Prix title in 1990.

John Kocinski corners his Nordica Yamaha in the AMA 250 Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in 1987. It was the first year of a three-year reign for Kocinski, who won the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1987, ’88 and ’89. (Larry Lawrence photo)