The following is from the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School…
The Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School is moving from Road Atlanta to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
Since its inception in 2001, the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School has been based in the rolling hills of northeast Georgia at Road Atlanta. This year, the school with its all-star staff of instructors is moving its comprehensive, two-day riding program designed for motorcyclists of all skill levels to the 16-turn, 2.38-mile Barber facility. In addition, 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz has created a new program, the Kevin Schwantz Super School, with backing from the Motorcycle Industry Council, Suzuki and Honda.
“We at Barber Motorsports Park are pleased to add the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School and the Super School program to the park lineup. We now have two world-class schools here in Birmingham” Park representative Jeff Ray said. “Kevin’s program and the Porsche Sport Driving School make for first-class factory supported two and four-wheel operator education programs making Barber their home.”
“Barber is recognized as the motorcycling Mecca of the United States,” Schwantz said. “It’s more than a racetrack; it’s a destination. The museum has the largest collection of motorcycles anywhere in the world and the largest motorcycle library. Students will not only become better motorcycle riders, they will learn more about the sport, as well.
“Barber has a lot of different types of corners with decreasing radii and blind approaches,” he added. “Top speed is lower than on the back straightaway at Road Atlanta, and I think that’s going to make Barber an even better learning environment.”
“I want to thank Road Atlanta and its entire staff for eight great years,” Schwantz said. “It’s been an awesome place to conduct schools, and I have many friends there. My thanks go out to all who have been involved and supported us.”
Curriculum for both schools will be identical. Schwantz feels that the program currently in place benefits everyone from beginning riders to aspiring racers. Suzuki will supply motorcycles for both schools; Honda will support the Super School. Other brands may be involved in the future.
“Because of the current economy, some brands don’t have the ability to be involved in our program,” Schwantz explained. “But I would like to think that in the future we might have six, possibly eight, manufacturers involved and holding 10, 15 or maybe even 20 schools per year. We need to continue to push education and safety, and during times when budgets are tight, it makes sense for all of us to work together.”
Dates will be announced Friday, January 9, at 11:00 a.m. EST. More information, including pricing, can be found at www.SchwantzSchool.com. School For sponsorship opportunities, contact team@schwantzschool.com. Details on Barber Motorsports Park can be found at www.barbermotorsport.com
