Schwantz, Mamola Do The TT
Cycle News Staff | June 7, 2012
Randy Mamola and Kevin Schwantz joined current TT, British Superbike and World Superbike riders Josh Brookes, Phillip McCallen, Ian Hutchinson and Neil Hodgson in this year’s Arai Parade lap today on the TT mountain course prior today’s racing at the Isle of Man TT races.
Mamola wore a Randy was wearing a newly designed Aldo Drudi Helmet – the RX-7 GP Arai in a distinctive ‘Randy’ livery – that had been presented to him earlier in the day by Michael Dunlop. The Northern Ireland man joined a number of riders including Ian Hutchinson, Josh Brookes, Philip McCallen and BSB and WSB Champion Neil Hodgson in lapping the famous TT Mountain Course in a parade lap.
Kevin Schwantz rode a Suzuki GSXR-1000 while Mamola, widely considered as one of the most talented riders never to have won a World Championship but who finished runner up four times, rode a Ducati Panigale.
Randy Mamola clearly enjoyed his first experience of the Mountain Course.
“This event epitomizes the spirit of motorcycling,” Mamola said. “It’s really in your blood. I really enjoyed the lap, but I think the British guys were trying to throw us by sending us straight. Phil [McCallen] came through perfectly. I did, however, learn that when there is a sign coming it’s an indication that there’s more of a corner.”
Schwantz was also thrilled at being involved with the event.
“I have more and more respect for what these guys do,” Schwantz said. “It is a completely different, skill and mindset and you need a memory like an elephant. It makes Grand Prix racing look easy.”
