NEW ARAI KEVIN SCHWANTZ REPLICA HELMET NAMED OFFICIAL STUDENT HELMET OF THE SCHWANTZ SCHOOL

New Replica will be available on Arai’s Vector Model

(Daytona, FL) Arai Helmets has announced a new Kevin Schwantz “Restyle” Replica retro-graphic helmet as a mid-season addition to its 2009 Helmet Line.  Not surprisingly, the most immediate reaction came from the former World 500GP champion’s riding school. The Schwantz School, which now operates out of Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, said the new Arai will now be the official student helmet at the school.

Available on Arai’s popular Vector model, the new Schwantz replica is scheduled to reach North American retail dealers in the July-August timeframe. The helmet’s design reprises Schwantz’s most famous replica graphics and includes the large “34” on the back, his competition number for most of his career. “Drudi did a great job incorporating all my helmet designs into one,” Schwantz said. “The new design has elements of every helmet I ever raced, with the exception of the Camo helmet I wore at the USGP in 1991. “

The new Schwantz Replica will be available in sizes XS to XXL, at a suggested retail of $634.95.

The Arai Vector was introduced in 2007. It was created specifically as a less-is-more design for the rider “who doesn’t want or need all the bells and whistles, but who still wants that extra level of handmade comfort and fit that only an Arai can deliver,” said Brian M. Weston, Arai Americas’ Director of Operations.

The Vector’s shape follows Arai’s latest generation, hand-formed “organic” shell design philosophy. The helmet is shaped to conform more closely to the human head shape, thereby making it both look and feel more natural, and “flow” through the air with less turbulence. Arai’s distinctive Hyper-Ridge reinforcement band along the bottom of the Vector’s shell adds reinforcement and shell strength. The company says its experience also shows that strengthening the bottom also helps to significantly lower the helmet’s center of gravity, contributing to a better overall balance and making the helmet rest easier on the rider’s head.

Its shell uses Arai’s clc (Complex Laminate Construction) composite, employing its  aerospace fiberglass-based technology to achieve a strong, flexible shell in a lightweight package. In concert with the shell, Arai’s EPS liner, a hallmark of every Arai including the Vector, is made like no other in that it is comprised of multiple EPS densities molded into a single piece. Arai pioneered this technology over 20 years ago and, to their knowledge, they are still the only helmet offering a single-piece hybrid liner and its unique benefit: the direct-fused contact area that each EPS cell shares with it neighboring cells creates a mutual support - as one is crushed under impact, the surrounding cells assist with the energy absorption.

Ventilation is handled by four oversized vents: one intake, and three exhaust vents under the rear wing vent. The two vent controls front and rear are larger for easier gloved-hand operation, and each has three-position settings for better airflow control. The Vector also has a removable cheekpad design unique to the model. END

Kevin Schwantz Speaks Out on Rider Training at Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event

1993 500cc World Champion also Demonstrated Exercises from the MSF’s Military Sportbike RiderCourseSM

IRVINE, Calif., May 6, 2009 – Kevin Schwantz addressed an enthusiastic gathering of motorcyclists, congressional staff, and military commanders at the third annual National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event held Friday, May 1, 2009 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Schwantz is the 1993 500cc World Champion and founder of the track-based Kevin Schwantz School, located at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. His appearance at the Pentagon coincided with an announcement by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) that it has officially recognized the Kevin Schwantz School, making it thefirst outside training curriculum to receive this distinction.

Organized by the Department of Defense (DoD), the motorcycle safety event emphasized the critical need for service members to adopt safe riding habits. The military’s Joint Service Safety Council has identified motorcycle safety and training as the number one non-combat safety concern across the services.

Schwantz’ comments at the podium focused on the lessons that can be learned on the track and how they apply to making better judgments on the street. He referenced his experience in the 1987 AMA Superbike series, calling the competition with Wayne Rainey, “…definitely a battle. A battle he won, by the way.”

Schwantz continued, “But that’s a battle on the racetrack. It may look intense but it’s actually a vcontrolled environment. And that’s nothing like the battles our brave service personnel are fightinFor the military sportbike riders we’re talking about today, the real battleground is right here at home – on the streets.”

In addition to Schwantz, the roster of guest speakers included the Honorable Deputy Secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Mr. Addison (Tad) D. Davis, IV, Air Force Safety Headquarters Commander Major General Frederick F. Roggero, Navy Safety Center Commander Rear Admiral Arthur Johnson, and Army Safety Center Commander Brigadier General William T. Wolf.

“The feedback to Kevin’s participation at the event was very positive,” noted Managing Director of MSF Programs Al Hydeman. “Several of the military commanders expressed their appreciation to Kevin for assisting the military with its goal of decreasing accidents and fatalities among their forces through safety and training.”

Immediately following the speaker portion of the event, the MSF staged several riding demonstrations of exercises from the Military Sportbike RiderCourseSM, which was developed in close collaboration with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Safety Center and is now available to all branches of the Department of Defense.

“The entire crowd was riveted by Kevin’s riding demo,” Hydeman said. “He executed the skills – quick stops and cornering – smoothly, at an appropriate speed, with precision and control; characteristics of riding that are emphasized in both the MSF Military Sportbike RiderCourse and the Kevin Schwantz School.”

“The purpose of the demo,” Hydeman continued, “was to emphasize risk management and visual awareness as much as riding skills. Mental preparedness plays a vital role in the training equation – it gives you the tools you need to make better judgments and respond, rather than react, to any situation you might encounter in the real world.”
 
During the demo, Schwantz also pointed out that mastering your technique, knowing your equipment and being mentally prepared will “make riding much more fun, which is why we do it in the first place.”

The MSF attracted event attendees to the booth they shared with the Army CRC (Combat Readiness Center), where the center of attention was the Honda SMARTrainer (Safe Motorcyclist Awareness & Recognition Trainer), a traffic simulator on a special frame with actual motorcycle controls for the user interface. Of 11 new RETS (Rider Training and Education System) courses the MSF is scheduled to roll out in 2009, two will integrate the technological capabilities of the SMARTrainer.

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit
http://www.msf-usa.org/.

THE PENTAGON, Washington, DC, May 1, 2009 – Following his participation as a guest speaker at the National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event, Kevin Schwantz demonstrated skills like quick stops and cornering with precision and control, characteristics of riding that are emphasized in both the MSF Military Sportbike RiderCourse and the Kevin Schwantz School. Schwantz rode a Suzuki GSX-R600 for the training exercises.

THE PENTAGON, Washington, DC,
May 1, 2009 – Coinciding with his appearance as a guest speaker at the third annual National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event, Kevin Schwantz accepted the official recognition from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for the Kevin Schwantz School, marking the first time an outside training curriculum has been awarded this distinction by the MSF. Pictured left to right, Al Hydeman, Managing Director of MSF Programs: Kevin Schwantz, founder of the Kevin Schwantz School and 1993 500cc World Champion; and Jeff Ray, Executive Director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Park.

More pictures here

Kevin Schwantz Accepts Recognition from MSF for the Kevin Schwantz School at Pentagon Safety Event

Marks First Track Course to Receive MSF Recognition

IRVINE, Calif., May 6, 2009 – Coinciding with his appearance as a speaker at the Pentagon for the third annual National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event last Friday, Kevin Schwantz was presented with official documentation commemorating the recognition of the Kevin Schwantz School by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The recognition of the motorcycle track school, which was founded by 1993 500cc World Champion Schwantz, marks the first time an outside training curriculum has been awarded this distinction by the MSF. The school recently relocated to the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

The presentation was made to Schwantz by Managing Director of MSF Programs Al Hydeman, who said the Kevin Schwantz School earned the recognition by meeting MSF criteria to be considered a safe and responsible system of instruction for motorcycle track riding, and by being actively involved with the MSF and aligned with its key principles. The MSF further recognized the Kevin Schwantz School as complementary to the MSF philosophy and approach to motorcyclist training.

“To be honored in this way, and to continue to work with the MSF and offer training opportunities that extend MSF safety programs, means the world to all of us at the Kevin Schwantz School,” said Schwantz. “And it means safer riders out there on the street.”

The two-day Kevin Schwantz School offers a comprehensive corner-by-corner look at the 16-turn, 2.38 mile Barber Motorsports Park to specifically detail reference points, cornering lines, and shift points on every section of racetrack. The school takes an in-depth, safety-first approach to visual awareness, effective turning, body positioning, braking, cornering, and building confidence at increased lean angles.

The course also includes on-bike video instruction, classroom review to enhance the student's learning experience, and a track walk with Kevin to show students the reference points close-up. As part of its safety partner program, a Dainese Wave Back Protector is awarded to the “Dainese Safest Student” at every school.

About Kevin Schwantz
Kevin Schwantz has long been involved with rider training and safety, and founded his track-based Kevin Schwantz School in 2001. He is also one of the greatest American motorcycle racers of all time, and one of the most popular worldwide. The highlight of Schwantz’ career was winning the FIM 500cc World Championship in 1993. This Grand Prix series was the pinnacle of two-wheeled competition, motorcycling’s equivalent to Formula 1 auto racing, with the fastest, most exotic prototype machines and the best, most highly paid riders. It evolved into today’s current MotoGP World Championship. The Texan raced in the championship series for eight years and won 25 races. He was among a small group of American stars, from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, who almost completely dominated Grand Prix motorcycle racing. In 1995, he retired, and his longtime racing number, 34, was soon retired by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme sanctioning body. This was the first time since the series began, in 1949, that a rider had been honored in this way.

About the MSF
Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit http://www.msf-usa.org/.

THE PENTAGON, Washington, DC, May 1, 2009 – Coinciding with his appearance as a guest speaker at the third annual National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event, Kevin Schwantz accepts the official recognition from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for the Kevin Schwantz School, marking the first time an outside training curriculum has been awarded this distinction by the MSF. Pictured left to right, Al Hydeman, Managing Director of MSF Programs: Kevin Schwantz, founder of the Kevin Schwantz School and 1993 500cc World Champion; and Jeff Ray, Executive Director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Park.

More pictures here

A BIG thank you to Kevin Schwantz and his father Jim from all of us at McIntosh Racing, for being the perfect guests during their visit to New Zealand.

Kevin came to New Zealand not really knowing what he was in for, but he immediately impressed everybody with his enthusiasm for racing motorcycles, and his good natured humor.

His attitude to racing a Featherbed Manx Norton which was originally designed nearly 60 years ago was incredible, and with only one days practice the pressure was on to adapt.

To complicate matters, the major competition came from the multi Australian and NZ Classic Champion, Dave Cole, who had raced against fellow GP Champion Wayne Gardner at Phillip Island in 2008 and won. This seemed to spur Kevin on even more!

Kevin had to adapt to racing with drum brakes and on tires he had never used before although he soon gained enough confidence to win all his races and get the lap record.

With the temperature being hotter than normal for February in NZ (over 30 degrees Celsius) the fork damping was too light and some overnight modification to the internals bought a useful improvement and an immediate drop in lap times. Kevin’s friend Darryl Beatie was on hand to offer advice along with Jim Schwantz and after watching at different point on the circuit came up with suggestions that all helped get the set-up better and better for Pukekohe fast and bumpy corners.

I wrongly expected Kevin to find it hard to adapt to a bike so different to anything he had raced before, but I guess it helped that Manx Norton’s were ridden at the top level by previous World Champions like Geoff Duke, Ray Amm, John Surtees, Jim Redman and Mike Hailwood, the top riders of the time who were all involved in its evolution.

When we first talked I said the purpose of the visit to NZ was to have fun and he could go as fast (or slow) as he liked. Kevin explained to one of the interviewers that for him the fun is proportional to the finishing result! Kevin finished the weekend with the promise of “there’s more to come yet!” Over a couple of beers asked him what was the worst thing about the bike and he showed me a blister on his gear changing toe. I told him he has got to “harden-up, mate”

The New Zealand crowds were totally blown away by just how fast Kevin actually was and how good he looked on a classic race bike. Unusually for a Pukekohe Classic Festival when Kevin was racing everybody in the large crowd stopped what they were doing to watch and Kevin got a huge cheer with each win.

It was also a pleasure to meet Jim Schwantz who rode my 1951 Featherbed Manx “Long-stroke” in the “Regularity Parades” and he said he enjoyed every minute of it. Jim has owned a Manx since Kevin bought it for him after winning the World Championship, but he has yet to ride it himself.

We would all love to have Kevin come back again next year for more racing and also to bring his World Championship winning Suzuki 500 GP bike to demonstrate.

Ken McIntosh

More of Ken's pictures can be found here

Check out a few photographs from Kevin's recent trip to the Indy Show.  Kevin took part in an autograph session for Motul.

More pictures can be found here

Click here for more.

See picture from Bryan Mawhinney here

Bryan Mawhinney kindly sent in some of his photographs from the New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Festival at Pukekohe. Thanks Bryan.

Click here for more pictures.

Kevin won all 6 races.  Click here

To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, the New Zealand Classic Motorcycle Festival has a draw card which may well produce its biggest crowd yet with the first appearance in New Zealand of Grand Prix legend Kevin Schwantz on February 7, 2009.

Kevin Schwantz was often called the most spectacular rider to ever race in motorcycle Grand Prix, and with 25 Premier Class wins and 21 lap records was one of the most successful.

When Schwantz made a passing move the world held its breath. He only raced one way - to win!

The Texan won the 500cc World Championship on a Suzuki in 1993 and retired from professional racing in 1995.

When Schwantz retired, his signature racing number '34' was retired from future GP use, the only time in history this honour has been bestowed.

New Zealanders have had a long wait to see Schwantz ride, although many fans followed his career through the coverage of the motorcycle GPs on New Zealand television.

The festival is known internationally as one of the best classic motorcycle events in the world, with a long list of the rarest bikes and the most famous riders attending the event which has been run at Pukekohe continuously since 1980. Up to 350 bikes compete in over 40 races.

3 News caught up with Schwantz this afternoon. Click here for the video