Kevin Schwantz and Randy Mamola to headline Festival of 1000 Bikes

Kevin Schwantz on his works Suzuki RGV500 and Randy Mamola riding his 1980 XR31 RG500 will be two of the stars at this summer’s Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park.

The two ‘80s and ‘90s GP legends will both be riding in the classic event’s ‘Past Masters’ headline feature on the Sunday of the three day festival which takes place on the 6th-8th of July.

The Americans’ attendance at the event follows the headline appearance of three times 500GP world champion Kenny Roberts last year and that of twice champ Freddie Spencer in 2010. It’s the first time Schwantz has ridden at Mallory since the 1986 Race of The Year.

The 1993 world champion said: “Mallory Park was where I first raced a 500cc GP 2-stroke, it was not a GP, but it was the first time I actually competed on a 500, thanks to my late friend Barry Sheene.  It will be interesting to ride at Mallory Park after so many years!”

 Event organizer and CEO of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club, James Hewing , said: “Kevin has been the most requested rider to head up this year’s line-up and it’s is a huge privilege to make this dream come true.”

Schwantz will be joined by Randy Mamola aboard his original 1980 Suzuki XR31M1 who will also be appearing in his role as an ambassador for the Riders for Health.

Other racing greats scheduled to take to the track include Tepi Lansivuori, Mick Grant and Stan Woods all helping make the event what organisers claim to be the largest gathering of genuine ex-works RG500 Suzukis in the world.

In addition, Ducati World Champions Carl Fogarty, Neil Hodgson and other ex-works riders including Frankie Chiliare due to take to the track in an feature showcasing Ducati’s World Superbike heritage.
 
The VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes will be held at Mallory Park on 6/7/8 July 2012. More details www.vmcc.net/1000bikes