GP greats Schwantz and Mamola for Arai TT Parade Lap
Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz says he is looking forward to experiencing the Mountain course at the 2012 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
The 1993 500cc World Champion has been invited by Arai Helmet, the Official Helmet Partner of the 2012 TT, to join a star-studded parade lap around the legendary Mountain course on June 6.
Although he has visited the Island before, it will be the first closed road lap for Schwantz, who won 25 World Championship races between 1988 and 1994.
He said:
“The Isle of Man is rightly considered a mecca for motorcycle racing and when I was offered the opportunity to experience a closed road parade lap I jumped at the chance.”
“The top TT racers are respected around the world and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the famous Mountain course first hand.”
The American, who will be riding a Suzuki GSXR-1000, will be joined by countryman and fellow GP veteran Randy Mamola, who will be on a Ducati Panigali.
Mamola, who during a 13-year career won 13 Grand Prix races and secured more than 40 podium finishes, is making his first TT visit.
The four-times World Championship runner-up said:
“I have a long connection with Arai and it will be a real honour to represent them in a parade lap around this iconic race circuit. I’ve met many TT racers over the course of my career and I’m pleased to get the chance to see the races live.”
TT legend Phillip McCallen is also riding the parade lap, the 11-times TT winner taking to the course on a Honda RC45, and former British and World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, who now lives in the Isle of Man will also be taking part on a Ducati Panigale.
Monster Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP star Cal Crutchlow, who took 4th in the opening MotoGP race of the season at Qatar, will be representing current GP riders. Swan Yamaha rider Ian Hutchinson, the eight-time TT winner who made history in 2010 with victory in all five solo TT races, is also due to take part in the lap ahead of the Monster Energy Supersport race which takes place later the same day.
Arai’s Olaf Van Schijndel said:
“Arai is delighted to be able to offer our riders past and present the chance to appear on a parade lap around the Mountain Course and we hope that the fans enjoy the sight of these Motorcycling legends appearing on the track.”