Schwantz Wins Again in Germany

Former world Grand Prix champion Kevin Schwantz remembers his pair of GP victories at the famed Nurburgring racetrack fondly, but for the thousands of fanatical German fans who turned out to welcome Schwantz’s return to the circuit this August, it was like he won them only yesterday. Suzuki Deutschland brought Schwantz and his Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School crew across the Atlantic to teach four of their world-renowned KSSS 2-Day schools in Germany, the final school (which sold out in less then four days) taking place as part of IDM Superbike weekend (Germany’s national championship series) at the Nurburgring circuit.

“ This was the first time at the Nurburgring for all my instructors,” said Schwantz, “and they were really excited as they rode a few laps around the old Nurburgring Nordschliefe (or north course, which is over 13 miles long with more than 90 corners) on their Suzuki SV650's and SV1000's. It was a fun weekend including some promotions for Suzuki signing autographs, riding a few parade laps and such.” The autograph lines stretched to over 100 people and often grew in length until after an hour of signing, Schwantz was forced to make a hasty retreat to rest his writer-cramped hand. Recalling the crowds, which brought not only photos, posters and t-shirts for the champ to sign, but several Lucky Strike-replica Suzuki's as well, Schwantz shakes his head and smiles, “It is amazing to me that what I did ten years ago, on Suzuki’s Grand Prix bikes, people still remember like it was yesterday.”

Schwantz and his KSSS crew also attended the Sachsenring Grand Prix. “It is always a joy going to a Grand Prix,” said Schwantz. “Of course, I wish the Suzuki Grand Prix effort was going better but it's great to see all the fans and sign autographs and see all the people I met throughout my racing career.” While there was a virtual sea of spectators in the stands wearing yellow Valentino Rossi shirts, there were still a surprising number of fans wearing Schwantz Lucky Strike Suzuki shirts and hats with his signature Number 34 on them – in fact, they are still being sold at the official Dorna souvenir stands alongside all the current GP stars.“The German students were really pleasant to work with and very dedicated learners, many of whom listened through translators,” said Schwantz. “My staff did a particularly good job -- especially my on-track instructors – working in a different environment, with different people and on different tracks. I think it takes extra dedication to teach people who don't understand every word you say and they all did a swell job. Our students varied from accomplished racers to a few new riders with less than a year of riding experience -- one of whom won the Michelin Most-Improved Student Award that we hand out at every school, earning the student a free set of Michelin motorcycle tires. Our curriculum is divided into Advanced and Street levels for all experience levels.”

“Mr. Poensgen and all the members of Suzuki Deutschland did an incredible job helping us make things run smoothly,” said Schwantz. “Our new friends from the Motorrad Action Team did an outstanding job for us as well, organizing the venues and providing us with three great German guest on-track instructors. After three weeks and eight school days in Germany I think our European KSSS experience was a winner and I hope we get the opportunity to go back again next year.”

For more information about Schwantz’s school schedule and future plans visit schwantzschool.com and kevin-schwantz.com.