500cc American racing legend Wayne Rainey visits Yamaha headquarters during Misano GP – MotoGP news
Three-time 500cc world champion from Yamaha, Wayne Rainey paid a visit to his championship-winning team headquarters at Gerno di Lesmo on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.
The American veteran spent a day with the MotoGP Yamaha Factory Racing team, Yamaha Motor Italy and Yamaha Motor R&D Europe. Rainey was also given a recognition for his services when a boardroom was named after him. Following the ceremony, he visited the
site.
Rainey said, “It’s been a great experience spending some time here at the headquarters. It’s fascinating to get an insight into what happens away from the track and what it takes to run a successful modern team. I’ve been overwhelmed with the positive reception
from the all the people here.”
The former world champion said that the Misano raceday was very delightful. The American rider was pleased with the warm reception given by the Yamaha team and the workers at the site. He was honoured to meet some familiar faces from his racing era.
At the venue, he was joined by both the current Yamaha factory riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies. It was the first time Rainey returned to the MotoGP paddocks at the Misano World Circuit since his crash in 1993. The crash proved fatal for his motorcycle-racing
career, crippling him for the rest of his life.
Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis said, “2011 is a very important year for us, celebrating Yamaha’s 50th anniversary of Grand Prix racing. This weekend’s activity was truly unique. Wayne is not only one of the greatest Grand Prix riders in
our racing history, but also one the most respected Yamaha riders.”
Jarvis further commented on the occasion as he said that the company of Rainey and his wife was a wonderful moment for the Yamaha team. He said it reminded him of the racing era and some friends of Rainey.
On the race day, Rainey also joined the podium with Jorge Lorenzo on his win at the San Marino event. The American veteran also received the constructors’ trophy at the paddock on behalf of the Yamaha team.
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