After spending the last two weeks posting rumors that Max Biaggi would be making a sort of comeback, and in order they he would be racing at Monza as a wildcard, that he would become a Ducati test rider, and the latest from the Italian media is that he could developing Suzuki’s MotoGP bike, here’s the real comeback of combacks, former World champion and GP legend Kevin Schwantz, who will turn 49 in June, will be racing in the 2013 Suzuka 8 Hours.
After checking the calendar to make sure today is May 1st and not April 1st, here’s the news, Team Kagayama – owned by Yukio Kagayama officially announced that Schwantz will be the team’s third rider after previously confirming that Noriyuki Haga will also be part of the team.
Kagayama’s dream team will be riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the 36th annual iconic endurance race.
“Team KAGAYAMA will be racing at the Suzuka 8 Hours for the first time this year.
In order to achieve results, I thought I needed Noriyuki and Kevin whom I both deeply respect, and negotiated with them.
I am now happy to make this announcement of the Dream Team.
I thank them both that they have accepted my offer.
The motorcycle racing in Japan needs such big surprise! The last time I won at Suzuka 8 Hours was in 2007, and with the help of my teammates, I aim to win this year,” said Kagayama.
Noriyuki Haga added, “I made a promise with Yukio in the past, that I will race with him together at Suzuka, and now I am happy that I will be able to fulfill that promise.
Along with my teammates, we will aim to win the race, and take the best from the opportunity Team KAGAYAMA has given me.
I am looking forward to racing with Yukio and Kevin, to be on a Suzuki machine for the first time, and my first Dunlops in 11 years.
”“With two of the toughest and fastest riders, along with three riders who know Suzuka well, I believe that there is a big chance to win.
Although I have been retired from racing for awhile now, I have been riding very frequently as I organize a riding school, so there should not be any problem.
I can’t wait until this “Mid-summer Festival” starts.
I have been continuously saying that I have never won at Suzuka 8 Hours, and would like to post a new page in my racing career by winning the race”, said Schwantz.
Schwantz may have never won a Suzuka 8 Hours, but NitroNori has and so has Kagayama.
Haga won the race back in 1996 with Colin Edwards, and Kagayama did it in 2007 with Kousuke Akiyoshi.