Schwantz School News
Circa 2015

Kevin Schwantz is a Grand Prix World Champion racer. This site was created to promote his Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School.
Content is from the site's 2015 archived pages and other sources.

A notice on the Facebook page of the Kevin Schwantz School - Official Page states:
THE KEVIN SCHWANTZ MOTORCYCLE RIDING SCHOOL IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THIS OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE remains online to allow visitors to share stories and pictures from the Schwantz School!
However you can still check out the school's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KevinSchwantzSchool/  that  has stories, pictures and information on the Schwantz Schools. Posts are dated from 2014 or earlier.

For those who are fans of Kevin Schwantz and may have even attended a 2 day session at his school, it's a shame that it finally closed it's doors to the public

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A few thoughts:

I have a 3 year old daughter who is very verbal and social. Recently when I take her and her older brother for a walk to the playground she has taken to yelling out to random people, “Hey! I have something to tell you!” And then when they come over, she enthusiastically recounts to them what's on her mind. This week my daughter is now into race cars. Her brother was showing her pictures of the motorcycles that Kevin Schwantz raced. She was entranced by the videos of him racing and doing wheelies. See his Youtube video of the Macau Grand Prix in 1988. She points out all the motorcycles we passed on our walks, wanting to know if that was Kevin Schwantz's motor cycle and where was he? I think he has a new fan!

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In 2015 this notice appeared on the website:

The Schwantz School will not have scheduled school dates in 2015. For small group inquiries, please email info@schwantzschool.com

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The 2-Day course offers a comprehensive corner-by-corner look at the 16-turn 2.38 mile Barber Motorsports Park to specifically detail reference points, cornering lines and shift points on every section of racetrack. They take an in-depth look at body positioning, braking more effectively and building confidence at increased lean angles. In addition to on-bike video instruction and classroom review to enhance the student's learning experience, Kevin takes students on a track walk to show you the reference points close-up.

Schwantz School
3446 Winder Hwy Suite M234
Flowery Branch, GA. 30542
512-484-3493
877-221-6378 Fax

 

Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School

Kevin Schwantz at Indy

While the racetrack is our classroom, the Schwantz School is not a racing school. I like to think of it as a couple of miles of asphalt without cars and other distractions.

My ultimate goal at the Schwantz School is to create more confident, safer riders.

My ultimate goal at the Schwantz School is to create more confident, safer riders. Each class is divided into two groups, to allow for more personal attention by my championship winning instructors. Both groups are taught the basics of visual skills and body positioning, which sounds elementary, but if you approach my two-day riding school with the right mindset for even the basic things that we teach, you'll become a much better, more confident and safer rider. What makes me a world champion is performing the basics at near perfection. In other words, attending the Schwantz School with the right mindset, I guarantee you will learn a lot.

School Features

 
  • Limited Class Size
  • Top of the line Dainese leathers, boots and gloves along with Arai Schwantz Replica helmets are available for rent
  • Kevin instructs in the classroom and rides at every school

 

Schwantz School Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Press Release

 

 

About Kevin Schwantz

Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz raced only one way — he raced to win. When he made his move for a pass the world held its breath.

Schwantz showed levels of desire, determination and raw courage that 's never been equaled. His heart-stopping style and charismatic personality won him legions of loyal fans worldwide.

By the time he was done, Schwantz amassed 25 Grand Prix wins, 21 lap records, 29 pole positions and the 1993 World Championship. When he made his tearful retirement the world wept with him and the FIM felt the loss to the sport was so significant that they retired his signature competition number 34. It's the first time in the history of the sport that a rider had been so honored.

Throughout his professional career, Schwantz and never settled for second place. When it comes to choosing a riding school, we think you should do the same and come and experience the best, the Schwantz School.

Fast Facts:

  • Birthdate: June 19, 1964
  • Hometown: Houston, Texas
  • Residence: Austin, Texas
  • Hobbies: Dirt bike riding, cycling, and golf
  • Hero: My Dad, Jim and Uncle, Darryl
  • Currently Owned Motorcycles: 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2007 Suzuki RMZ250, 2007 Gas Gas 280Pro
  • Motorcycles Raced: All of them Suzuki... except a Honda RS250, Kawasaki GPZ750 and Yamaha FJ600 and RZ350
  • Favorite Motorcycle Owned or Raced: My 1993 RGV500
  • First Motorcycle and at What Age: 1968 Bonanza mini-bike 3.5HP with a Briggs & Stratton engine, 3 years old
  • Favorite Track Ridden: Donington (England)
  • Favorite Thing about Racing: Winning
  • Favorite MotoGP Rider: Wayne Rainey
  • Favorite Olympic Sport: Cycling
  • Favorite Movie: Stripes
  • Favorite Food: Mexican
  • Favorite Musician: Lyle Lovett
  • Favorite Place on Earth: Home, wherever it might be!

 

 

"When I started road racing I just used to ride like I was on the dirt, it wasn't pretty. I just used to lock up the rear brake going into the corner trying to get it stopped with the bike hopping and skittering all over the place. That was the way I thought you did it."
— Kevin Schwantz

 

 

 

 

NEWS

 

Kevin Schwantz Named Grand Marshal for Superprestigio of the Americas

 
Created on October 30 2015

LAS VEGAS (OCT. 29, 2015) – SMI is proud to announce that one of motorcycling’s greatest legends, 1993 FIM 500cc Grand Prix (now MotoGP) World Champion Kevin Schwantz, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2015 Superprestigio of the Americas at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 21.

Schwantz is slated to be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs. Ever the racer, Schwantz is also scheduled to take a few hot laps of honor around the indoor short track at the Orleans Arena.

“We are greatly honored to have Kevin, one of the most iconic motorcycle racers in America, as part of the inaugural Superprestigio of the Americas,” said SMI President Steve McLaughlin. “We’re privileged to honor him as Grand Marshal and we think it will be a great opportunity for our fans to get an opportunity to interact with Kevin.”

Schwantz came out of Texas and quickly rocketed to prominence as one of America’s best road racers during the mid-1980s. By the late 1980s, Schwantz moved to international competition in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championships. He was a perennial top rider in that series and won the world championship in 1993. During his Grand Prix racing career, Schwantz racked up 25 career 500cc GP victories, putting him second all-time among American riders.

“I’m honored to be asked to be a part of the Superprestigio of the Americas,” Schwantz said. “I’ve always been a flat track fan and even had the opportunity to do a little flat track racing in my career. I can tell you these riders are some of the most talented motorcycle racers in the world and it’s great to bring together all these riders from different areas of motorcycling to compete together in this exciting and unique event.”

The Superprestigio of the Americas will bring together motorcycle racers from different disciplines to race on the same track that will host the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Final the night before in this exciting season-ending doubleheader. The Friday and Saturday night races will be the centerpiece of a full weekend of exiting activities in Las Vegas, including the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Awards Banquet scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Spots are still open for additional AMA Pro Grand National riders to qualify and some of those won’t be decided until the night before SOTA’15 during the AMA Pro Flat Track final on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, also at the Orleans Arena. The two riders who win the GNC1 and GNC2 class in the AMA Pro Flat Track final Friday night will also gain participation in the Superprestigio of the Americas. More details to come at www.superprestigio.com. The Superprestigio of the Americas (SOTA’15) will bring together leading motorcycle racers from various motorcycle-racing disciplines from around the world to compete head to head with the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track on a specially-designed indoor short track at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, 2015. The special race is part of the big Las Vegas doubleheader weekend with the AMA Pro Flat Track finale taking place the night before (Nov. 20, 2015) on the same track. #VegasFT For additional information go to www.superprestigio.com or call toll free 1-844-722-6453.

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Motorcycle Racing World Champion Kevin Schwantz to Appear at Dallas Motorcycle Show

January 21 2015

 

Texas native and COTA Two-Wheel Ambassador will meet fans and participate in Q&A; sessions at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show Jan. 24th & 25th

AUSTIN, Texas (Jan. 21, 2015) – Circuit of The Americas (COTA)  Two-Wheel Ambassador Kevin Schwantz will meet with fans and sign autographs this weekend at the  Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Dallas, Texas. Saturday and Sunday, Schwantz will participate in a Q&A session at the show’s main stage and appear at Circuit of The Americas’  Show Us Your Lean booth, located near the Suzuki Giveaway and the Yamaha and Ducati displays.

Visitors to the  Show  Us Your Lean booth will have a chance to meet Schwantz and the COTA Girls, get an autograph and experience the extreme, 62-degree lean that MotoGP riders can achieve through corners.

"I look forward to attending the IMS show at Dallas this weekend as the Two-Wheel Ambassador to COTA!” Schwantz said. “Dallas IMS has always had a good turnout, and it is always good to see old friends and familiar motorcycling faces.  It will also be a great opportunity to share my excitement for MotoGP at COTA on April 10-12.  Having a Grand Prix in my hometown of Austin, at COTA which I helped design, is a dream come true!”

Schwantz’s schedule for Saturday and Sunday is given below.

Saturday, January 24 th
  • Fan Meet & Greet, Autographs, COTA’s  Show Us Your Lean Booth,  11 a.m. to noon
  • Q&A Session, Dallas Motorcycle Show Main Stage,  12:30 to 12:50 p.m. 
  • Fan Meet & Greet, Autographs, COTA’s  Show Us Your Lean Booth,  4 to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 25 th
  • Fan Meet & Greet, Autographs, COTA’s  Show Us Your Lean Booth,  noon to 1 p.m.
  • Q&A Session, Dallas Motorcycle Show Main Stage,  1:30 to 1:50 p.m. 

Media will also have opportunities to interview Schwantz on both days.

 

To schedule an interview, contact Marnie Lincoln at (512) 484-3493 or  mlincoln@schwantzschool.com
 
The Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas will be the second race of the 2015 MotoGP season, and the first of the season in the United States. Held at Circuit of The Americas on April 10 th through 12 th, the weekend will feature multiple classes of racing and the world’s most talented and daring riders pushing themselves and their machines to the limit.
 
Tickets for the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas are on sale now. Fans 15 and younger receive free general admission with a ticketed adult, and discounts are available for military members. Parking is free for fans arriving by motorcycle. Dry camping, RV spaces and private hospitality options for groups of 30 or more are available for purchase. To explore ticket options, visit  www.circuitoftheamericas.com,  www.ticketmaster.com or call  512.301.6600  ext. 1.
 

About Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, is the only purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for all classes of racing. The 3.4-mile racetrack hosts the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including Formula 1, MotoGP, Lone Star Le Mans and ESPN’s X Games. The 1,500-acre campus is also home of the Austin360 Amphitheater — PollStar’s 2013 “Best New Major Concert Venue” and a 2014 “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” nominee — impressive meeting and hospitality spaces, and a 25-story observation tower that offers panorama views of the circuit and downtown Austin. For more information and downloadable video and photos, visit  www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com and  www.Austin360Amphitheater.com. Follow COTA on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/CircuitofTheAmericas and Twitter @circuitamericas and @COTAmedia. For an experience as unique as Austin and a rush you’ll never forget, visit Circuit of The Americas, where exhilaration happens.

 

 

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Kevin Schwantz Confirmed to race in the Legends 500cc

February 23 2015

1993 500cc World Champion to race at Jerez in June aboard his iconic Suzuki RGV500 XR84, while Graeme Crosby also adds his name to the impressive line-up

Another true legend of grand prix motorcycle racing – Kevin Schwantz – is the latest confirmed rider at the upcoming World GP Bike Legends extravaganza. The 1993 500cc World Champion will be racing flat out alongside a host of fellow former titleholders at Jerez, Spain, on 19-21 June.

The American ace will be reunited with the very Suzuki RGV500 XR84 that carried the #1 plate during his 1994 season as World Champion (see fact file below). Schwantz will be part of the ‘Race of Legends’ features taking place on all three days, in which he will clash fairings with a huge host of fellow racing icons. Kevin joins Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardner and Christian Sarron who are all former champions already confirmed for World GP Bike Legends as well as multiple race winner Didier de Radiguès.

 

 

More Background on SchwantzSchoolNews.com

SchwantzSchoolNews.com is a website dedicated to the legacy and activities of the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School, an institution founded by legendary Grand Prix motorcycle racer Kevin Schwantz. While the site itself is no longer actively updated, it remains a valuable resource for motorcycle enthusiasts, former students, and fans of Kevin Schwantz, providing insights into the school's history, philosophy, and cultural significance. This article provides a detailed exploration of SchwantzSchoolNews.com, drawing on publicly available information from external sources, and covers its ownership, popularity, location, educational goals, reviews, history, media coverage, audience, and broader impact.

Ownership and Founding

SchwantzSchoolNews.com was created as the primary online presence for the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School, which was founded and operated by Kevin Schwantz. Schwantz, a 1993 500cc Grand Prix World Champion, is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic and talented riders in motorcycle racing history. His transition from professional racing to motorcycle education was a natural progression, leveraging his expertise and reputation to promote rider safety and skill development.

The school and its website were owned and managed directly by Schwantz and his team. The school itself operated in partnership with prominent motorcycle brands, most notably Suzuki, which provided motorcycles for student training. The online platform served as both a promotional tool and an informational hub for prospective students and fans.

Location and Facilities

The Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School was initially based at Road Atlanta, a renowned motorsports facility in Georgia. In a significant move, the school later relocated to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, a venue often described as the "motorcycling Mecca of the United States." Barber Motorsports Park is celebrated for its world-class track, diverse corner types, and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which houses the largest collection of motorcycles and related memorabilia globally.

This move was strategic, as Barber's technical track layout and facilities provided an ideal environment for rider education. The proximity to the museum also enriched the educational experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of motorcycling.

Popularity and Audience

The Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier motorcycle training programs in the United States. Its popularity was driven by Kevin Schwantz's celebrity status and the school's focus on safety, skill, and confidence-building for riders of all levels. The audience for SchwantzSchoolNews.com and the school itself included:

  • Motorcycle enthusiasts seeking to improve their riding skills

  • Amateur and aspiring professional racers

  • Fans of Kevin Schwantz and MotoGP

  • Individuals interested in advanced rider safety

The school's limited class sizes and hands-on instruction from championship-level coaches set it apart, attracting students from across the country and even internationally.

Educational Goals and Curriculum

The primary goal of the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School, as reflected on SchwantzSchoolNews.com, was to create more confident and safer riders. The curriculum was carefully designed to address both fundamental and advanced riding techniques, including:

  • Visual skills and body positioning

  • Braking techniques

  • Cornering lines and reference points

  • Building confidence at increased lean angles

  • On-track and classroom instruction

  • Video analysis and feedback

Kevin Schwantz himself was actively involved in both classroom and on-track sessions, providing students with direct access to his expertise and racing philosophy. The program emphasized the importance of mastering the basics, with Schwantz famously stating that performing the basics at near perfection is what made him a world champion.

Menu of Offerings and Features

The school offered a two-day course that provided a comprehensive, corner-by-corner analysis of the Barber Motorsports Park track. Key features included:

  • Limited class sizes for personalized instruction

  • Rental of top-of-the-line Dainese leathers, boots, gloves, and Arai Schwantz Replica helmets

  • Track walks with Kevin Schwantz to review reference points up close

  • On-bike video instruction and classroom review

  • Direct interaction with championship-winning instructors

These offerings were designed to maximize learning and ensure that each student received individual attention and feedback.

Reviews and Testimonials

The Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School received overwhelmingly positive reviews from students and motorcycle publications. Alumni praised the school's ability to blend technical instruction with real-world riding scenarios, as well as the unique opportunity to learn directly from a world champion. Reviews often highlighted:

  • The professionalism and expertise of the instructors

  • The quality of the curriculum and facilities

  • The supportive and encouraging learning environment

  • The tangible improvements in students' riding skills and confidence

Many students described the experience as transformative, noting that the lessons learned at the school had a lasting impact on their approach to motorcycling.

History and Evolution

The Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School was established in the early 2000s, following Kevin Schwantz's retirement from professional racing. The school initially operated at Road Atlanta before relocating to Barber Motorsports Park, where it continued to grow in stature and reputation. Over the years, the school adapted its curriculum to reflect advances in motorcycle technology and changes in rider demographics.

Despite its success, the school eventually ceased regular operations. However, SchwantzSchoolNews.com remains as an archival resource, preserving the legacy of the school and its impact on motorcycle education.

Press and Media Coverage

The Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School and its website received significant coverage in motorcycle magazines, sports media, and local news outlets. Articles and features often focused on:

  • Kevin Schwantz's transition from racer to educator

  • The school's innovative approach to rider training

  • Testimonials from students and industry professionals

  • The cultural significance of the school within the motorcycling community

The school's association with high-profile events, such as MotoGP races and motorcycle shows, further increased its visibility and prestige.

Awards and Recognition

While there is no record of formal awards specifically for SchwantzSchoolNews.com, the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School was widely recognized within the industry as a benchmark for quality rider education. Kevin Schwantz's status as a Grand Prix World Champion and his contributions to motorcycle safety and skill development were frequently acknowledged in media coverage and by industry organizations.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School, as represented by SchwantzSchoolNews.com, played a pivotal role in promoting motorcycle safety and skill development in the United States. Its emphasis on confidence-building and mastery of fundamentals resonated with riders of all backgrounds. The school's legacy is reflected in the continued admiration for Kevin Schwantz and the enduring impact of his educational philosophy.

The school's presence at Barber Motorsports Park also contributed to the cultural fabric of American motorcycling, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts and serving as a bridge between the sport's past and future.

Notable Examples and Specifics

  • Direct Instruction from a World Champion: Few riding schools offered the opportunity to learn directly from a Grand Prix World Champion. Kevin Schwantz's hands-on approach set the school apart.

  • Integration with Major Motorcycle Events: The school's involvement in events at Barber Motorsports Park and partnerships with manufacturers like Suzuki enhanced its profile.

  • Alumni Network: Graduates of the school often formed lasting connections, sharing their experiences and supporting each other's growth as riders.

Audience and Demographics

The primary audience for SchwantzSchoolNews.com and the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School included:

  • Adult motorcycle enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced riders

  • Aspiring racers seeking to develop their skills

  • Fans of Kevin Schwantz and motorcycle racing history

  • Individuals interested in motorcycle safety and education

The school's inclusive approach welcomed riders of all skill levels, fostering a diverse and supportive learning environment.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School is no longer in operation, SchwantzSchoolNews.com continues to serve as a testament to its enduring influence. The website preserves the school's history, philosophy, and educational materials, ensuring that future generations of riders can benefit from Kevin Schwantz's expertise.

The school's emphasis on safety, confidence, and mastery of fundamentals remains relevant, and its legacy is evident in the continued popularity of advanced rider training programs inspired by Schwantz's approach.

 

SchwantzSchoolNews.com stands as a lasting tribute to the Schwantz Motorcycle Riding School and its founder, Kevin Schwantz. Through its detailed documentation of the school's history, curriculum, and community impact, the website offers valuable insights for motorcycle enthusiasts, educators, and fans of the sport. The school's legacy of excellence in rider education and its cultural significance within the motorcycling world ensure that its influence will endure for years to come.

 

SchwantzSchoolNews.com