Valentino Rossi and relevance of number 46

[marcusjames]

Was watching Days of Thunder on TV tonight and noticed that Cruise's first car is in illuminous yellow with 46 on the side. Seeing as the film was released in 90 and Rossi started using the number around 93, perhaps this is the source ?

[mat205125]

His father used to race number 46, and Valantino took on the number when he started racing when he was young

Edited by mat205125 on Wednesday 17th October 21:29

[FourWheelDrift]

"He has always raced with the number #46 in his motorcycle grand prix career. Rossi has stated that the original inspiration for this choice of number was a Japanese "wild card" racer whom he saw on television speeding past much more seasoned riders in a wet race. He later found out that it was the number his father had raced with in the first of his 3 grand prix career wins, in 1979, in Yugoslavia, on a 250c Morbidelli. Typically, a World Championship winner (and also runner-up and third place) is awarded the #1 sticker for the next season. However, in a homage to Barry Sheene (who was the first rider of the modern era to keep the same number), Rossi has stayed with the now-famous #46 throughout his career."

[mateus]

mat205125 said:

His father used to race number 46, and Valantino took on the number when he started racing when he was young

Edited by mat205125 on Wednesday 17th October 21:29

I think you may have this confused with of Foggy.

[Hobbit123]

mateus said:

mat205125 said:

His father used to race number 46, and Valantino took on the number when he started racing when he was young

Edited by mat205125 on Wednesday 17th October 21:29

I think you may have this confused with of Foggy.

Don't think so. Graziano used to also race #46.

Not sure about Norifumi Abe using #46 though.

Wikipedia quote:

Valentino Rossi has had numerous nicknames during his racing career. His first prominent nickname was "Rossifumi." Rossi explained the etymology of this nickname as a reference and tribute to fellow rider Norifumi Abe.

[Gaffer]

I have Vale's autobiograpahy here at home somewhere, I will look it up if you want.

Claire

[FourWheelDrift]

Hobbit123 said:

Not sure about Norifumi Abe using #46 though.

If you mean on my post that I quoted from Wiki, it doesn't mention Abe, the race quoted was a wet race I don't know which one but I do recall that Abe's GP wildcard race at Suzuka was very dry. So it would have been someone else, earlier than 1994 too I would imagine if correct.

[kingb]

in his autobiography he says it was his dads number

seems to be very important to him too - hes fairly superstitious