Kevin Schwantz

Kevin Schwantz is an American former professional motorcycle road racer who competed in the Grand Prix world championships from 1988 to 1995, most prominently for the Suzuki factory team. His parents owned a motorcycle shop and he learned to ride at four, starting in trials and motocross before a serious crash in qualifying for the 1983 Houston Supercross made him quit motocross. He signed with the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team, won the Daytona 200 in 1988 and the opening Japanese Grand Prix of that year in his first season in the 500cc class. He won his only 500cc World Championship in 1993, and his fierce rivalry with Wayne Rainey defined the period.