>>28497053
That slant eye bike was a critical moment in world super bike championships. Nicky Hayden took the 2000 championship effectively Dethroneing Rossi from victory.

Nicky Hayden was the American King Slayer.
It was extremely difficult for an American to compete in WSBK let alone a podium, let alone a 1st place win. It was massive for America in terms of moto-lore