MotoGP, Wayne Rainey back on the Yamaha 29 years after his terrible accident

The next edition of the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​is destined to revive a series of memories and emotions for all two-wheel enthusiasts. In fact, three-time world champion Wayne Rainey will make his debut at the Festival but the even more important news is that he will return to the saddle of his 1992 Yamaha YZR500, almost thirty years after the terrible accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

It will be the second time after Suzuka, when he was followed by Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson, that Rainey will get on a racing bike since the accident that ended his career in the 1993 Italian Grand Prix, and it follows his return to motorbike riding at the 2019 Sound of Engine Festival in Suzuka. The YZR500 has been reconfigured to be used by Rainey with only handlebar controls.

“I’m incredibly excited to not only be attending my first Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer, but to be riding my 1992 Yamaha YZR500 up the famous hillclimb – said Rainey enthusiastically - It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that I just couldn’t pass up. I want to thank the Yamaha Motor Company for preparing my 1992 YZR500 and adapting it for me to ride, MotoAmerica for helping make the entire project fly, and The Duke of Richmond for really making this a reality. I can’t wait to meet the fans who come from all over the world for the Goodwood Festival of Speed.”

“The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an amazing event that is a showcase for two and four-wheel motorsports legends – said Lin Jarvis - Wayne Rainey is a true motorcycle racing legend who achieved three 500cc World Titles with Yamaha before his career-ending accident and injury. The thought of Wayne riding the legendary 1992 Factory YZR500 bike that he rode to his final championship victory is something truly amazing that I for one never imagined could be possible. I know it will mean so much to Wayne, and it will be something truly special for all the fans at Goodwood and all around the world. We are proud to be able to support Wayne make his dream come true.”