I don't know that we'll ever know the answer to that "what if" question, but if I were to list the riders who I think were most talented (not "best" or "winningest"), it would look something like this (not in any particular order):
- Carol Resweber
- Jay Springsteen
- Ricky Graham
- Kenny Roberts
*disclaimer* I am only a very casual flat track fan, and my favorite AMA rider of all time, hands-down, without question is the late, great, Gary Nixon, but I don't think he's on that list
I can't decide who would be my fifth on that list. Every time I think about adding one more person, I find myself wondering, "was Brelsford more talented than Parker, more talented than Aldana, more talented Leonard, more talented than Carr?", so I'll leave it at 4. Flame away.