Schwantz returns to racing

Kevin Schwantz is returning to full time professional racing with the launch of the AMA Red Bull Supermoto championship.

The 1993 500 GP champion retired from professional racing in 1995 with an injured back, but is so keen on the cross discipline style of supermoto that he plans to race a Suzuki DRZ400 that he has prepared himself.

He said: ” I think supermoto’s an exciting type of racing. Its mix of dirt and pavement draws from three different types of competition. It’s been eight years since I have competed in a full series championship, and this time I am doing it just for fun. ”

The new series will follow the same format as the AMA Supercross series with five heats leading up to a main event, timed to coincide with the AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. Riders will only get to participate in the final championship event if they earn enough points in earlier rounds.

The series will consist of two classes, up to 450cc and unlimited, with the larger class being sponsored by KTM USA. It is based on the original Superbikers series from the ‘70s that was designed to find the best all round rider, drawing from road racing, flat track, and motocross disciplines.

The new series aims to replicate this with other confirmed riders including U.S. Flat Track Champion Chris Carr, freestyle motocross star Mike Metzger, and five-times Daytona 200 winner Scott Russell.

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