Schwantz School moves to Barber
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.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact team@schwantzschool.com.
Details on Barber Motorsports Park can be found at www.barbermotorsports.com
News video: Kevin Schwantz on relocating his motorcycle school to Barber