Suzuka 8 Hours: Schwantz, Haga and Kagayama finish third
The 1994 British Motorcycle Grand Prix held at Donington Park was a significant race. This, because it was the Kevin Schwantz's last race win in the 500cc category of Grand Prix Motorcycle racing. It would be Schwantz's last podium for close to 20 years.
Yukio Kagayama, Noriyuki Haga and Kevin Schwantz made up Team Kagayama
That's right, it's been the better part of two decades since Kevin Schwantz quit competitive racing, but he's clearly not lost his touch. The 49-year old racer was cajoled out of retirement by former grand prix racer Yukio Kagayama who convinced him to compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Together, with Noriyuki Haga, the trio proved to be a force to reckon with in the iconic event. Team Kagayama finished in third spot on the rostrum, behind Leon Haslam, Michael van der Mark, Takumi Takahashi who finished first and Josh Brookes, Takuya Tsuda, Nobuatsu Aoki who finished second.
Schwantz took to the track wearing a Wayne Rainey replica race helmet, to commemorate that famous 500cc rivalry
Just why did Kagayama want Schwantz specifically to be a part of their team? Well, other than the fact that it is Kevin Schwantz, there was the fact that he was Kagayama's motorcycling idol. Schwantz took to the track wearing a Wayne Rainey replica race helmet, to commemorate that famous 500cc rivalry. He might have only done one stint during the 8 hours, but it was a stint that he thoroughly enjoyed.
According to us three things happened at this event. Kagayama got to ride in the same team as his motorcycling hero, Schwantz got to stand on the podium again, and overall the three riders had a thoroughly good time. Which is why we think they should make it a regular affair! Are you listening, Schwantz?
Schwantz might have only done one stint during the 8 hours, but it was a stint that he thoroughly enjoyed
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