Racing legend - Kevin Schwantz

Racing legend - Kevin Schwantz
02/18/2008

Date of birth : 06/04/1964
Place of birth : Paige (USA)

Marital status : single

Website : http://www.kevinschwantz.com

1995 : 15th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 3 starts
1994 : 4th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 2 wins, 1 poles
1993 : 500 cc World champion (Suzuki) - 4 wins, 6 poles
1992 : 4th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 1 win, 1 pole
1991 : 3rd 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 5 wins, 5 poles
1990 : 2nd 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 5 wins, 7 poles
1989 : 4th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 6 wins, 9 poles
1988 : 4th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki) - 2 wins
1987 : 16th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki)
1986 : 22th 500 cc world championship (Suzuki)

Kevin Schwantz became a professional rider in 1985 with the Yoshimura team and took part in the US Superbike championship and some races in Japan. Thanks to Barry Sheene and Heron Suzuki, he also made his Grand Prix debut. 1988 started the best way. After his victory at Daytona, he won the opening round at Suzuka for the official return of Suzuki in 500 cc Grand Prix. 8th for his first full season, with two wins, Kevin Schwantz won the Japanese GP for the second time in a row. But the 1989 season was contrasting like the rest of his career : many pole positions, wins and lap records but crashes, injuries and bad luck too. Kevin Schwantz was perhaps the most talented rider of his generation but he often paid a high price his lack of concentration. In 1990, he battled out for the title with Wayne Rainey when he lost all chances of victory after two crashes. In 1991, Mick Doohan joined the two americans in the battle for victory. In 1992, Kevin Schwantz stopped Mick Doohan in his successful season star. As he could have taken advantage of the absence of Mick Doohan, he was struck by bad luck and crashed at Assen and Donington. Courageous, he never gave up, even when he was phisically diminished. In 1993, Kevin Schwantz, more reflected, decided to get points as often as possible instead of chasing victory at any price. As he was leading the championship, he was hit by Mick Doohan at British GP but never showed he was injured again. At Misano, Wayne Rainey had an accident which left him paraplegic. Kevin Schwantz was crowned but this title, deserved, had a bitter taste. Nothing remained the same. Mick Doohan dominated the year 1994 as the motivation of Kevin Schwantz was dulling. Each crash was unermining the champion's confidence. In 1995, Kevin Schwantz decided to retire after three rounds, after having scored 34 points. The Dorna paid tribute to Kevin Schwantz by removing the number 34 from the available numbers in the premier class.

1995

34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki)
India ink and water on 106 lbs paper,
5,5 x 5,5"
December 2000

1994

1 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki)
India ink and water on 106 lbs paper,
7,4 x 7,4"
December 2000

1993

34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki), 500 cc World champion
India ink and water on 106 lbs paper,
6,6 x 8,9"
December 2000

1992

	34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) India ink and water on 106 lbs paper, 8,9 x 11,1" December 2000
	Autographed photograph, 1992 Winter tests in Eastern Creek (Australia)

1991

	34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) India ink and water on 106 lbs paper, 4,4 x 9,2" March2001
	Le Mans Grand Prix

1990

34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki)
India ink and water on 106 lbs paper,
7,8 x 11,1"
March 2001

1989

	34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) India ink and water on 106 lbs paper, 6,6 x 8,9" December 2000
	34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) India ink and water on 106 lbs paper, 6,6 x 8,9" December 2000
	34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) Gouache on 140 lbs paper, 6,6 x 8,9" April 2001
	34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) India ink and water on 106 lbs paper, 6,6 x 8,9" December 2000

1988

34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki)
India ink on 106 lbs paper,
7,8 x 11,1"
November 2000

1987

34 - Kevin Schwantz (USA, Suzuki) - 1987
India ink and water on 106 lbs paper,
6,6 x 8,9"
February 2001

Kevin Schwantz and his all-time rival Wayne Rainey battle out for victory in the last lap of the '1991 German Grand Prix in Hockenheim. Just enjoy...

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