Schwantz Headlines 2012 Isle of Man TT Parade Lap

Former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz headlines a star-studded group of racers taking part in a parade lap during the 2012 Isle of Man TT.

Schwantz leads the group of six racers, past and present, selected by helmet-maker Arai to take part in the parade lap of the Isle of Man’s Mountain Course. Schwantz has visited the Isle of Man before, but this will mark his first closed lap of the circuit.

Joining the 1993 World Champion will be fellow American Randy Mamola, former TT racer Phillip McCallen, former British and World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, eight-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson, and MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow.

“The Isle of Man is rightly considered a mecca for motorcycle racing and when I was offered the opportunity to experience a closed road parade lap I jumped at the chance,” says Schwantz, who will ride a Suzuki GSX-R1000. “The top TT racers are respected around the world and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the famous Mountain Course first hand.”

Perhaps the most heralded Grand Prix racer never to win the World Championship, Mamola will ride the Ducati 1199 Panigale. A 13-time GP race winner, Mamola has finished second in the championship four times.

“I have a long connection with Arai and it will be a real honour to represent them in a parade lap around this iconic race circuit,” says Mamola. “I’ve met many TT racers over the course of my career and I’m pleased to get the chance to see the races live.”

Also riding the Panigale is Hodgson, the 2003 WSBK Champion who now lives on the Isle of Man. McCallen, fifth overall on the all-time TT wins list, will ride a Honda RC45. Crutchlow’s and Hutchinson’s rides have not been announced, but as they are both active Yamaha racers, they will likely be riding the R1.

[Source: IOMTT]

By Dennis Chung