Every year, the Goodwood Festival of Speed brings motorcycling legends closer to fans, and the 2022 edition will offer a unique moment: Wayne Rainey will be able to get back on the Yamaha YZR500 that crowned him champion.
The MotoGP legend suffered a life-changing accident at Misano in 1993, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Until then, Rainey had won three 500cc titles between 1990 and 1992 alongside Yamaha, and soon went on to manage a team for the Japanese brand before retiring in 1998.
Now, almost 30 years later, the rider will once again feel the sensation of getting on a 500cc, as the American will make his first appearance alongside the iconic Yamaha during the event, scheduled for June 23-26.
“I am incredibly excited, not only to be attending my first Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer, but also to be riding my 1992 Yamaha YZR500,” Rainey said.
“It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that I couldn’t pass up.”
“I want to thank the Yamaha Motor Company for preparing my 1992 YZR500 and getting it ready for me to ride. I can’t wait to meet the fans who come from all over the world for the Goodwood Festival of Speed.”
Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis added that seeing Rainey again on his 1992 YZR500 is something he “never imagined would be possible”.
“The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an incredible event, a showcase for the legends of two- and four-wheel motorsports,” added Jarvis.
“Wayne Rainey is a true motorcycle racing legend who claimed three 500cc world titles with Yamaha before the crash that ended his career.”
“The idea of Wayne riding the legendary 1992 YZR500 that he rode to his final championship victory is something truly amazing that I for one never imagined would be possible.”
“I know it will mean a lot to Wayne, and it will be something truly special for all the fans at Goodwood and around the world. We are proud to be able to help Wayne make his dream come true.”
