Isle of Man TT makes Grand Prix racing 'look easy' says World Champion
The Isle of Man TT makes Grand Prix racing look easy, according to World Champion Kevin Schwantz.
The 1993 World Champion, who won 25 GPs between 1988 and 1994, was speaking after taking part in Wednesday’s Arai Parade lap alongside fellow Arai ambassador Randy Mamola.
After spending the day at the races and lapping the 37.7-mile course, Schwantz said:
“I have more and more respect for what these guys do. It is a completely different, skill and mindset and you need a memory like an elephant.”
“It makes Grand Prix racing look easy.”
Four-times World Championship runner-up Mamola was equally impressed.
He said:
“This event epitomises the spirit of motorcycling. It’s really in your blood.”
The pair joined current TT, British and World Superbike riders in this year’s Arai Parade Lap.
Mamola was wearing a newly designed Aldo Drudi Helmet – the RX-7 GP Arai in a distinctive ‘Randy’ livery – that had been presented to him earlier in the day by Michael Dunlop.
Dunlop joined a number of riders including Ian Hutchinson, Josh Brookes, Philip McCallen and Neil Hodgson in lapping the famous TT Mountain Course in a parade lap.
Schwantz appeared on a Suzuki GSXR-1000 while Mamola rode a Ducati Panigale.
After his first experience of the course, Mamola said:
“I really enjoyed the lap, but I think the British guys were trying to throw us by sending us straight. Phil came through perfectly. I did however learn that when there is a sign coming it’s an indication that there’s more of a corner.”