I'll eat my words now.

[Super Dave]

Motorcycle racing needs Rossi.

Seldom has there been a more enjoyable character that his reasonably humble and understated while still having way too much fun...and backing it all up with rides that server only to show how able he is to race a motorbike...rather than make lots of excuses for why he didn't win or he rode for "points"...

Without him, the paddock would be quite a bit more boring.

[cstem]

I agree with Dave- Rossi is the Travis Pastrana of road racing.  Both love to have fun, are very personable and seemingly approachable by the fans.  Both are young, have long careers ahead of them and interestingly enough have both logged time in Rally cars...Coincidence? I think not!