Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School - News

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Check out the latest stories below:

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Arai announces World Bike Stars for
2012 Isle of Man TT Races Parade Lap

Arai Helmet, The Official Helmet Partner of the 2012 Isle of Man TT Races, has announced a line up of six of the world's leading motorcycle racers past and present who will be taking part in a Parade Lap of the Mountain Course on Wednesday 6th June.

Topping the bill will be 1993 World 500cc Champion Kevin Schwantz. The American won a total of 25 races between 1988 and 1994 and stood on the podium in the world championships a further 26 times. He will be riding a Suzuki GSXR-1000. Read More >>>

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Down, Not Out: Blake Young Crashes, Charges Through Field To Win AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Race 1 at Road Atlanta

Blake Young scored one of the more improbable and remarkable victories in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike history on Saturday at Road Atlanta in the opening half of the Triumph Big Kahuna Atlanta presented by Dunlop Tire and LeoVince.

The opening 13 laps of the battle went exactly to script; title rivals Josh Hayes on the Monster Energy Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 and Young aboard the Yoshimura Racing Suzuki GSX-R1000 made a rapid escape from the field and once again settled in for what seemed likely to be a race-long showdown to the checkered flag. Read More >>>

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Schwantz School Goes Dunlop

Dunlop is pleased to announce the launch of a new sponsorship agreement with the Schwantz School. Established by GP racing champion Kevin Schwantz, the Schwantz School works with small groups of students to create safer, faster, more confident riders. Kevin instructs in the classroom and rides at every school, and his full fleet of Honda CBR600RR and Suzuki GSX-R600 sport bikes for students, as well as all instructor bikes, will be equipped with Dunlop tires. By teaming up with Dunlop, the Schwantz School expands the list of top riding schools that operate with Dunlop tires exclusively, including Keith Code's California Superbike School, Jason Pridmore's STAR Motorcycle School and Reg Pridmore's CLASS Motorcycle School, as well as many others.

"We are very happy to join forces with Dunlop tires for our school," said Kevin. "I raced on Dunlops during my Superbike days in 1985 and 1986, and also during my GP racing in 1991, and I have tons of faith in the quality of Dunlop products. I'm looking forward to checking out the whole range of Dunlop tires, especially the Sportmax Q2 tires, which we'll likely end up using at our schools. I understand they offer excellent grip and terrific tire life, and that should make them a really good match for a riding school setting. Also, as an additional learning incentive, at every school we will have the Dunlop Most Improved Student Award, which awards the most improved student a new set of Dunlop motorcycle tires of the student's choice. This award makes the schools all that much more fun for those who come to ride with us."

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Kevin Schwantz Signature Seat by Saddlemen

Saddlemen is pleased to announce the launch of the Kevin Schwantz Signature Seat for sportbikes. The Kevin Schwantz Signature Seat features Kevin's world famous #34 as well as his signature embroidered on the seat.

"We are very thrilled to be working with Kevin, not only is he a great ambassador for the sport, he knows exactly what's important when it comes to seating position on a motorcycle" says, Ron Benfield, Director of Sales and Marketing at Saddlemen, "Saddlemen will also partner with Kevin at his Schwantz Motorcycle Riding Schools, by fitting the school bikes with his signature seat."

When Kevin retired from professional competition in 1995, the FIM felt the loss to the sport was so significant that they retired his signature competition number 34. It was the first time in the history of the sport that a rider had been so honored, and his number 34 continues to be one of the most recognized symbols in racing. "I am excited to work with Saddlemen on the development of this seat and more", says Schwantz, "my students and racers to come will benefit from the relationship as we continue to develop hi tech sport bike seats."

Saddlemen has been crafting seats for racing for nearly 20 years, starting in Flat Track and now for sport bikes and Road Racing. Its patented channel design has set the standard for performance and design. www.Saddlemen.com The Schwantz School was started in 2001 with the goal of making better, safer and more confident riders. The Schwantz School holds the honor of being the only track-based school to be recognized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). www.SchwantzSchool.com Available at your Parts Unlimited Dealer. MSRP $299.

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VMCC FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKES 2012-SCHWANTZ
RETURNS TO MALLORY PARK!

The VMCC Ltd is proud to announce some very exciting news concerning this year's event which will be held at Mallory Park on 6/7/8 July 2012.

None other than 1993 500cc GP World Champion "Revvin" Kevin Schwantz will be riding an Ex-works Suzuki RGV 500 in our "Past Masters" track feature on Sunday 08th July. This will be the first time Kevin has returned to Mallory Park since the 1986 Race of The Year.
Kevin stated "Mallory Park was where I first raced a 500cc GP 2-stroke, it was not a GP, but it was the first time I actually competed on a 500, thanks to my late friend Barry Sheene. It will be interesting to ride at Mallory Park after so many years!" More >>>

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SCHWANTZ SCHOOL ANNOUNCES 2012 DATES

BRASELTON, GA, DEC 18 - Kevin Schwantz wants to make you a better motorcycle rider no matter what brand you ride.

For the first time ever, the 1993 500cc World Champion is welcoming riders of any make of motorcycle to the 12th year of the Schwantz School as it returns to its original home. Welcoming riders of all makes opens up the school to anyone who's ever ridden a motorcycle and wants to learn from the best.

"It'll be fun to ride with all these different brands, but I believe our Hondas and Suzukis will still show the best," Schwantz said, adding that students who didn't bring their own motorcycles will have the pick of the school's fleet of Suzukis and Hondas. More >>>

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Club Pont Grup Safety School Begins
With An Exceptional Partner

The World Champions Kevin Schwantz and Jorge Lorenzo and the American rider Ben Spies accompanied Ivan Dominguez, Grup Pont Commercial Director at the launch of an ambitious project in which Club Pont Grup continues to promote bike safety.

Presentation Club Pont Grup Safety School - Kevin Schwantz
The Club Pont Grup continues to support the motorcycle world and now does so by creating the Club Pont Grup Safety School. At the Club Pont Grup Safety School, attendees will have the opportunity to learn motorcycle maneuvers and advice necessary to make a motorcycle driving safer and enjoyable from a World Champion (Spanish version (PDF)). More >>>

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34x34: RIP Ciccio
by kevin schwantz
Monday, October 24, 2011

The first time I met Marco Simoncelli, it was with Valentino, and I think it was in '03 or '04. He was just getting started in Grand Prix and came to dinner with us after the Grand Prix in Barcelona. I was like, "Who is this kid? He's too big! He's never going to turn out to be anything." But Valentino's said, "No, he's really fast, really good." And of course Valentino was right.

Marco Simoncelli wasn't just a fast racer with a huge amount of talent and potential, he was also just a great kid. He just always had a smile on his face. He was happy to be racing. A lot of us—and I mean us, because it did get that way for me—it got to where racing was such a big job, it almost wasn't fun any more. You couldn't offset all the demands and the workload, for the hour of pleasure of trying to kick everybody's ass on Sunday. And Simoncelli, right to the very end, seemed to have the best grasp of anybody out there, on it.

Read Full Article on www.superbikeplanet.com

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WERA Barber National: Cobb Report
September 11

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the tragic events of 9/11, that left so much pain for so many. During the tribute at this years WERA Barber National, there were many of us who had a hard time not shedding a tear.

I had entered D Superbike and Clubman Expert on my Yamaha 450 motard and during the second round of lightweight practice, headed out right behind Palmer Kling. Palmer rides a Moriwaki MD250H, the same bike that is available in the Schwantz Lites School through support from American Honda. Palmer has taken every one of the Schwantz Lites Schools, so it was cool to get to practice on track with him during the WERA race weekend. His riding sure is developing nicely; smooth with lots of mid corner speed, Palmer is certainly on his way to bigger and better things! Full story >>>

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Flame On: Kevin Was Almost Revvin'
September 7

Imagine this: you're a Texas resident caught up in the raging wildfires that are tormenting the Lone Star State.

The authorities have ordered you and your family to evacuate immediately. Jed Clampett-style, you've loaded up the Suburban with wife, children, and your irreplaceable possessions—including Granny in a rocking chair strapped to the roof. You're motoring away from the rapidly approaching conflagration, while wondering how this is all going to end when, out of the corner of your eye, you see something in the rearview mirror that leads you to believe you're either seriously dehydrated from the intense heat, going absolutely batsh*t-crazy, or possibly dying from dysentery—with portions of your memory being superimposed over the here and now. Visit Superbikeplanet.com for full story >>>

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Ride for Kids® returns to Birmingham on Sunday, Sept. 11

Every day, 11 more children in the United States are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest form of childhood cancer. Alabama motorcyclists can help them out by joining the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® Ride for Kids® on Sunday, Sept. 11, in Birmingham.

Click here for more information >>>

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Be a champion to kids with brain tumors at the Indianapolis GP
August 7

This month, you can ride with a racing legend while making a difference to children with a deadly disease.

Kevin Schwantz will lead the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® Lap of Champions on Saturday, Aug. 27 during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Sign up now to take a parade lap with him around the world-class Indianapolis Motor Speedway!

You’ll also get the chance to win some dream gear, starting with a custom-painted 2010 Honda CBR600RR, courtesy of Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. Other great drawing prizes include an AGV helmet, a set of Dunlop tires, a pair of SIDI Cobra boots, a Dainese riding jacket, an Olympia Moto Sports riding suit, Tourmaster luggage, and a Cardo Systems Scala Rider.

Register now for the Lap of Champions!

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Austin City Council: Endorse Efforts of Grand Prix Organizers

Sign the Petition for F1 USGP in Austin
Will you come to Austin next year to see Formula 1 return to the U.S. after a 5-year absence? How about in 2013 when MotoGP makes its debut at Austin’s new purpose-built track, Circuit of The Americas? We need to hear from you! More specifically, Austin’s City Council needs to know you are out there, getting ready to come here. More>>>

Dear Friends,

Construction on the Circuit of the Americas facility is progressing as planned. The facility is a several hundred million dollar project that is 100 percent privately financed.

Now, we need your help to get it over the finish line.

On June 23rd, the Austin City Council will continue the process of deciding if Austin will be the host community for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix race.

The race will generate an estimated $300 million per-year economic impact on the local economy for 10 years, that's $3 billion. It is creating more than 1,000 construction-related jobs right now. In addition to the jobs already created, this project is attracting businesses to the area in a variety of sectors. It is also creating substantial job-training opportunities for several area schools and universities.

Opponents to Formula 1 in Austin will certainly voice their opinions against the project. That's why we need you to voice your support for the project to the Austin City Council starting today. This can be done by emailing the Austin City Council. The council email addresses are below. One major mistruth that opponents are using is the blatant lie that the promoters are asking for a $4M annual subsidy from the city each year. That could not be more inaccurate! It's actually the reverse, promoters of the F1 USGP are putting up the City's portion of the projected incremental tax revenue increase produced by the event, meaning this action makes the F1 USGP completely risk free to the city of Austin. There is no subsidy, there is no mythical money that could be used for teachers and schools. The ONLY money there will ever be, is the money generated by the race.

We also have a second ask. If you are able to, please stop by City Hall before June 23rd to sign up in favor of the Council item to discuss the city's participation in the project. City Hall is located at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. The main goal is for the Council to see how much support there is for the project...your attendance on the 23rd is also welcomed.

Even if you do not reside in Austin or Texas, please take the time to show your support for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix project.

Thank you

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Schwantz School Lites heads to Roebling Road

The Schwantz School Lites is coming to Roebling Road Raceway on Friday June 3, just before Round 8 of the WERA Southeast Sportsman Series. This is an awesome opportunity for new racers to prepare for competition and qualify for a provisional novice license. These new racers will then be able to take advantage of a new WERA program offering free transponder rental for their two provisional-novice race weekends. Current racers also have an excellent chance to refocus on the fundamentals and continue to sharpen their skills. More >>>

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Register now for Lap of Champions with Kevin Schwantz

Racing great Kevin Schwantz will lead the Ride for Kids® Lap of Champions again this year at the 2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

Schwantz, the 1993 500cc World Champion, will lead a parade lap around the GP track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after final qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 27. The event benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF). More>>>

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CBR250R Coming To School

The exciting new Honda CBR250R is coming soon to the Schwantz School. This new addition to the CBR lineup is an awesome balance of performance and value. We are pleased to announce we will have this new lightweight available for rent on a first-come-first-serve basis at upcoming Schwantz School Lites events as well as our premier 2 and 3-day Schwantz Schools at Barber, Road Atlanta, and Indianapolis. Come see us for the combination of a great school and the ultimate test ride! Stay tuned to www.SchwantzSchool.com and www.Powersports.Honda.com for arrival confirmation.

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34X34: The Story On Estoril
by Kevin Schwantz
Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Riders, especially good ones, as in World Champions, have an uncanny ability to recount racing details with near-photographic accuracy. Kevin Schwantz has always done that—and he's still doing it. In his latest column, Kevin gives us his perspective on the Grand Prix of Portugal.

The 125 race used to be the best race anywhere in the Grand Prix series. And now? Whether it's the one guy at the front, Terol, who's managed to make it boring, or whether it's just that everybody's started to drop their guns a little bit and prepare for Moto3, I'm not sure. But Terol's won all three races so far this year, and he's made it look easy. Four or five seconds in five laps, and he maintained that lead. Everybody else chases around and tries to get to him the best they can. More >>>

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Houston, Triangle Area Ride for Kids® events close in on $445,000
May 2

Motorcyclists in Texas and North Carolina combined to raise $444,967 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) on May 1.

Houston heats up the season
The 19th Houston Ride for Kids® set a fundraising record this year, beating its previous totals with $335,043 in donations for the PBTF.

With MotoGP champion Kevin Schwantz in the lead, the riders traveled from the civic center in Humble through rural areas, making two sweeping U-turns that gave them a chance to see long columns of bikes. More >>>

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Texas 'won’t be a normal Tilke circuit'
April 20

Former 500cc world champion Kevin Schwantz promises drama from the new home of both the American Grand Prix and a new MotoGP race on Texas soil

Kevin Schwantz, the former 500cc world champion, has told race fans that the new Circuit of the Americas venue in Austin, Texas will be different to 'everything else that is out there right now'.

Schwantz has worked alongside Tavo Hellmund on the project to create the new circuit and played a key part in the announcement last week that MotoGP will join F1 in competing at the venue - which is due to be completed in mid-2012 ahead of the first Formula 1 event.

Speaking to Crash.net about the signing of a ten-year MotoGP deal, Schwantz was asked about circuit design and said that the people behind the venture were keen to make sure it wasn't too similar to other venues designed by Hermann Tilke. More >>>

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Blog: Student Shares KSS Experience
April 14

I consider myself a good bike rider, not great, but good. I am safe, conscientious, and aware. I feel confident on the road and comfortable, but I ride warily, always looking out for the other guy.

I ride quickly, not terribly fast, but faster generally than the posted limit when conditions allow. I prefer sportbikes and the type of riding they are designed for. That being said, after 25 year on the road, I have yet to take a bike to the track for more than 1 lap. I have drag raced many times, but never really driven on a road-race track.

I don't consider myself green to the subject, far be it. I can tell the difference between a bike that handles well and a bike that doesn't, between a bike that needs suspension work and one that doesn't, and between a bike with appropriate tires and one without. More >>>

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Texas Lands MotoGP for 2013
April 12

10-year Deal Signed for Austin's Circuit of the AmericasTM Includes All Three Classes of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix

AUSTIN, Texas – April 12, 2011 – Dorna Sports, S.L., 3FourTexasMGP, L.L.C. and Full Throttle Productions, L.P. have signed a 10-year contract to bring MotoGP to the new Circuit of the Americas beginning in 2013. The agreement includes the three categories of the Championship, the MotoGP class - the pinnacle of motorcycling, Moto2 and Moto3. The 10-year MotoGP deal is coupled with the already scheduled ten-year deal to host the Formula 1 United States Grand PrixTM, for which the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas is currently under construction. More >>>

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D-STORE CHICAGO GRAND OPENING
April 6

Dainese, the world’s leader in protective apparel for motorcycling, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, celebrates the Grand Opening of its third D-Store and first franchise in the USA on April 10th starting from 11am. More >>>

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Kevin Schwantz sends his class to the races.
March 12

1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz is proud to introduce the Schwantz School Lites. This exciting new traveling school will deliver the world-class Schwantz School curriculum to select WERA Southeast race events in 2011. More >>>

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