Schwantz celebrates 40th birthday with old friends

MotoGP Legend Kevin Schwantz was in Barcelona to enjoy the MotoGP action at the Circuit de Catalunya today and enjoyed an extra surprise when Team Suzuki organised an early party to celebrate his 40th birthday. ‘Revvin Kevin' won the premier-class title for the Japanese factory in 1993 and reminisced on days gone by with fellow greats, including Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan, Kenny Roberts and Randy Mamola.

Team Manager Garry Taylor presented Schwantz with an original watercolour artwork celebrating his distinguished Grand Prix career, painted by renowned French artist Laurent Mallejac.

A single copy of the picture is set to be made and will be autographed by Schwantz himself before being sold at the Riders for Health auction during the traditional ‘Day of Champions' on the eve of the Cinzano British Grand Prix at Donington Park in July.

Schwantz, whose number 34 was retired from MotoGP in recognition of his achievements, now runs a series of race schools in the USA and Germany.