Wayne Rainey
American Motorcycle Racer Paralysed at 1993 Italian GP
Wayne Rainey’s story is one of multiple World Championships, fierce on-track battles and, ultimately, triumph over terrible adversity away from the racing circuit. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest riders of his era.
Early Career and an AMA Superbike Title
Born in California on October 23rd, 1960, Rainey hones his riding skills in the American Grand National Divison, which included racing on both tarmac and dirt. His performances caught the eye of Kawasaki, the Japanese firm hiring Rainey to compete in the 1982 AMA Superbike Championship. After his team-mate Eddie Lawson left for Grand Prix racing in 1983, Rainey swept to the title.
Grand Prix debut for Kenny Roberts Yamaha
Rainey made his Grand Prix debut in 1984, competing on a Kenny Roberts Yamaha in the 250cc class, but the season was hugely disappointing. Rainey struggled to get the bike off the line and managed just a single podium appearance.
Rainey's Rivalry with Schwantz and Three World Titles
For the next three years Rainey competed domestically in the USA, including a titanic struggle with Kevin Schwantz for the 1987 Superbike title. Rainey eventually prevailed and the rivalry with Schwantz was to become an integral part of his career. That season also brought Rainey his one and only victory in the Daytona 200 classic.
In 1988 Rainey made his debut in the big Grand Prix class, on a 500c Kenny Roberts Yamaha. The year also brought a significant victory in the Suzuka Eight Hours endurance race, a highly prestigious event.
By 1989 Rainey was truly getting to grips with the big bikes and finished the year second in the championship. His promise was fulfilled in spectacular fashion as he went on to win the title in the next three seasons. A fourth championship looked likely in 1993 but, during the Italian Grand Prix at Misano, Rainey suffered an accident with devastating consequences. After falling from his bike, Rainey slid into a gravel trap, the end result being a broken spine which left him paralysed from the chest down.
Rainey's Recovery and a Life After Racing
Despite his horrendous injuries Rainey did not let the accident keep him away from motorcycle racing. For a time he was the team manager for the Marlboro Yamaha Grand Prix team. He even continued to indulge his passion for racing in a specially modified kart.
Wayne Rainey still lives in California, next to the panoramicLaguna Seca circuit. He remains as popular as ever with motorcycle racing fans who remember his greatest years during the late eighties and early nineties. In 2007 he was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Wayne Rainey
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