Colin Edwards

A World Superbike Champion and Yamaha MotoGP veteran, Colin Edwards has been dubbed by many as the "Texas Tornado."

Colin Edwards was one of the most dominant amateur riders to ever ride in the U.S. After setting numerous records in WERA & CCS he moved to the pro level in the AMA 250 class in 1992. The Texas Tornado raced his way through the AMA series before earning his WSBK ride with Yamaha in 1995. After several years learning the European circuits, he took the ride with Castrol Honda aboard the RC45, a decision which may have been the biggest move of his career. The arrival of the long awaited RC51 V-Twin rewarded the young Texan with his first ever world championship in 2000. His title defense did not go as well, yet he still finished second and could very well have held onto the title if not for a few costly mistakes.

In 2002 Colin Edwards overcame 14 victories by rival, Troy Bayliss, and took a one point lead going into the finale at Imola. Edwards won both races after epic battles with the Aussie, and once again reclaimed his title as World Superbike Champion.

After being spurned by Honda for a GP ride, Edwards was hired by Aprilia to campaign the 2003 MotoGP series on the three-cylinder Cube. He only spent a season with Aprilia before jumping to the Movistar Honda squad in 2004. Back on a Honda, the Texas Tornado scored his first MotoGP podium at the British GP, but didn't seem comfortable on the RC211V throughout the year. In 2005, Edwards joined Rossi on the Yamaha M1 and had his best season to date, landing fourth overall in the series. In 2006 the Texas Tornado suffered a heartbreaking crash at Assen while in the lead and within sight of the finish line. Overall, '06 was a bit of a setback for Edwards with just one podium finish to his credit.

Heading into 2007 Edwards was looking to break out, but it was a rough season for all the Yamahas and their Michelin tires. In 2008 he joined the satellite Tech 3 Yamaha team alongside James Toseland. He initially had better success, but suffered toward the end of the year. For 2009 the laid-back Texan was scrapping for points on the satellite Yamaha Tech 3 squad, again alongside teammate and fellow World Superbike Champion Toseland.

Edwards went on to match his career best in 2009 with a fifth-place finish in MotoGP. The following year, the 36-year-old again contested the MotoGP Championship aboard Tech 3 Yamaha, this time finishing 11th. Once again Edwards was teamed with another World Superbike champ, this time fellow Texan Ben Spies.

For 2011 Edwards will return aboard Tech 3 Yamaha alongside new recruit, Cal Crutchlow.