Rainey back in the saddle – Moto

The news is of those that excite and move, above all the youngest enthusiasts who have seen this phenomenon in action live or on television. The three-time world champion in the 500 class, Wayne Rainey, he returned to riding a motorcycle. It happened last November 6th on the California circuit of Willow Spring, about 130 km from Los Angeles. Rainey rode for several laps Yamaha YZF-R1 specially modified.

I had the opportunity to ride a motorcycle yesterday for the first time in 26 years. And I had a blast. Big thanks to @YamahaMotorUSA and @alpinestars for helping make it happen. pic.twitter.com/PcgWjFQ0pG

– Wayne Rainey (@ WayneRainey60) November 7, 2019

For the 59-year-old American pilot, the one in his home country was something of a general test for what will happen next November 16th. Rainey in fact that day will be back on track for the Suzuka Sound of Engine, event hosted by the famous Japanese track that this year will have as guests of honor the three pilots who brought Iwata's home to the world title before the contemporary triumphs of the Rossi-Lorenzo era: the aforementioned Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson is Kenny Roberts.

The incident that broke Rainey's career goes back to the end of '93 season, when the American was leading the championship and launched towards the fourth title. In a serious fall suffered during the Italian Grand Prix at Misano, Rainey suffered a fractured spine and consequent paralysis of the legs. That title would then win his great rival Kevin Schwantz. In the following years the Californian would also become team manager for a few seasons of the Yamaha Marlboro team before being introduced in the two-wheeled Hall of Fame.