On the occasion of the second consecutive Grand Prix held on the asphalt of Misano, let's look at the story of a legendary driver eternally linked to this track. Indeed, it was here that Wayne Rainey suffered a serious accident during the 1993 season, forcing him to retire from the world championship for good. Here is the story of a hero.
Six and a half seasons. That's how long it took him to become an undisputed legend. But before the glory, the dirt track. That's how he started his career, like most Americans at the time. He then logically moved on to the national track championship, the AMA. So, there's no doubt about it: Wayne Rainey is a crack.
A golden generation. Can you identify them all? Photo: Rikita
On Kawasaki, he won the 1983 edition and, at the same time, was approached by Kenny roberts in person to join his new structure in Grand Prix, in 250cc. At 24, he joined the highest level through the front door. The season in question did not live up to expectations, but he still had time ahead of him. When you have the recipe, All that's left to do is to make it again and again in the hope of finding the perfect seasoning..
Rainey returned home to train in Superbike. He spent three years in the championship, and discovered another American who caused him some problems: Kevin Schwantz. "King Kenny", his mentor, offered him another deal for 1988, sure of the Californian's potential. He wasn't wrong. Except that this time, it was the 500cc that stood before him.
The decision to bring back Rainey is, in retrospect, one of the best in the history of the tuning fork company. A driving genius, led by another genius, could only succeed. Wayne Rainey was racing intelligence, purity in execution. The impression of not battling with the mount, while he is the fastest man on the track.
What a driver. Photo: Rikita
This braking always at the right time, never too hard. It’s a master watchmaker’s touch. That's also why Roberts paid so much attention to him, coming all the way from California to show his student how to operate a 250cc. He knew from the start. So in 1988, for his rookie season, Rainey was a star. Alongside Eddie Lawson, another riding magician, he made no mistakes and finished third in the world championship, scoring points in every race of the season. Not a single fall for him, not a single fall for "Steady Eddie". Suffice to say that Yamaha Roberts must have had spare parts to spare.
On his magnificent YZR500 OW98, he won a race at Donington, the very first with carbon discs. This was followed by another important victory at Suzuka, during the famous 8 Hours in the company of Kevin Magee. He was logically one of the favourites for the crown the following year. Ultimately, the 1989 season goes down as one of the greatest of all time. : Rainey, Christian Sarron, Kevin Schwantz and Eddie Lawson distinguished themselves, having fun every weekend.
But it was the last one on the list who managed to win the big prize. Lawson managed to win the title on Honda in his very first year with the Kanemoto team. Rainey could only applaud the astonishing performance of his former teammate. But in any case, it was only a delay. The Californian's talent is such that seeing him crowned seems logical.
He did not fail to confirm in 1990. It was one of those years when the rider seemed to be in a state of grace. He was close to perfection, had understood the science of riding. Apart from the Hungarian round, which he had to abandon due to a breakdown of his YZR500 OWC1, He finished every race on the podium. A real sporting feat.
Then 1991, and 1992. Two more years of extreme domination, near-perfect driving with an abnormally low retirement rate. However, there was no shortage of opponents: between the eternal rival Kevin Schwantz – probably faster, but less regular – Mick Doohan or his teammate John Kocinski, it was a tough fight. Besides, even if the 1992 title is well deserved, it is mainly due to the absence of Doohan during the season, after his huge crash at Assen.
Since then, he has been back on motorcycles – even very powerful ones – thanks to systems adapted to his disability. Photo: Rikita
Three years, three titles. A hat-trick that is reminiscent of the one his mentor Kenny Roberts achieved for Yamaha from 1978 to 1980. The year 1993 was looking good. A diminished Mick Doohan gave way to what everyone dreamed of seeing: a Rainey-Schwantz battle.. For so many years, the two had been trading blows, but California had dominated Texas every time. However, this year, the roles were reversed.
Yamaha had fallen behind in terms of performance; the YZR500 OWF2 was not up to the level of the rival Suzuki, and perhaps even the Honda. Rainey and Cadalora had to do more, to push themselves to make the machine work. Until one day it didn't.
In the gravel trap of the first turn at Misano, Wayne Rainey is on the ground, inert, paralyzedAn incomparable pain invaded him, as if his body had been pierced. On this September 5, 1993, the motorcycle world stopped. One of those black September 5ths, when memories come flooding back and life gives us a wake-up call. Regardless, Wayne Rainey is one of the stars of this beautiful, sometimes cruel, sport.
Cover photo: Rikita
