Legends recognize each other, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the perfect occasion to bring together great icons, as has happened in this 2022 edition. The estate located in the small town of Chichester witnessed a historic meeting between myths of motorcycling, none other than Mick Doohan , Kevin Schwantz , Kenny Roberts , Dani Pedrosa and the absolute protagonist, Wayne Rainey .
The five riders from the top two-wheel category were riding legendary bikes in the British hills of West Sussex, the Yamaha YZR500 that won the 500cc world titles between the 1990 and 1992 seasons, and the one that later left the rider paraplegic American in 1993 after an accident at the Italian Grand Prix in Misano when he was leading the race.
The tuning fork brand would have adapted the bike so that the Los Angeles rider could get on it and enjoy an emotional reunion with his Yamaha. Everyone was impressed to see Rainey back on the back of his #1 on English soil, guarded by the rest of the great champions in motorcycling history.
With all the fans on their feet as the Yamaha YZR500s passed by, someone in the stands was sure to shed a tear of emotion, and it is no wonder after Goodwood has managed to bring together these legends of the premier class.
Rainey became world champion three times in 500cc, after his debut in South Africa in 1984 , although he had to wait four seasons before reaching the top of the podium for the first time, at the 1988 British Grand Prix. Throughout his 95 participations, the American had a total of 24 wins and 65 podiums, although one of them came in 250cc.
Spinal cord injury cut short the career of one of the greatest riders motorcycling fans have ever seen, and we will forever be left wondering what would have happened between duels with Kevin Schwantz until his compatriot’s retirement in 1995 .
