No. 8 Valentino Rossi
"The Doctor" of motorcycle racing has dominated his sport for the better part of the decade. He won the first four titles since the MotoGP division was created in 2002 and took the title again last year after a two-year drought, and is again leading in the standings this year. The Italian has amassed over 100 victories in his career and eight Grand Prix world championships. He jumped ship from Honda to Yamaha after 2003 by signing a record $12 million deal. Rossi is one of the highest paid athletes anywhere, earning an estimated $35 million last year.
