IRVINE, Calif. – Coinciding with his appearance as a speaker at the Pentagon for the third annual National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event last Friday, Kevin Schwantz was presented with official documentation commemorating the recognition of the Kevin Schwantz School by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). The recognition of the motorcycle track school, which was founded by 1993 500cc World Champion Schwantz, marks the first time an outside training curriculum has been awarded this distinction by the MSF. The school recently relocated to the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. The presentation was made to Schwantz by Managing Director of MSF Programs Al Hydeman, who said the Kevin Schwantz School earned the recognition by meeting MSF criteria to be considered a safe and responsible system of instruction for motorcycle track riding, and by being actively involved with the MSF and aligned with its key principles. The MSF further recognized the Kevin Schwantz School as complementary to the MSF philosophy and approach to motorcyclist training. “To be honored in this way, and to continue to work with the MSF and offer training opportunities that extend MSF safety programs, means the world to all of us at the Kevin Schwantz School,” said Schwantz. “And it means safer riders out there on the street.” The two-day Kevin Schwantz School offers a comprehensive corner-by-corner look at the 16-turn, 2.38 mile Barber Motorsports Park to specifically detail reference points, cornering lines, and shift points on every section of racetrack. The school takes an in-depth, safety-first approach to visual awareness, effective turning, body positioning, braking, cornering, and building confidence at increased lean angles. The course also includes on-bike video instruction, classroom review to enhance the student’s learning experience, and a track walk with Kevin to show students the reference points close-up. As part of its safety partner program, a Dainese Wave Back Protector is awarded to the “Dainese Safest Student” at every school. About Kevin Schwantz Kevin Schwantz has long been involved with rider training and safety, and founded his track-based Kevin Schwantz School in 2001. He is also one of the greatest American motorcycle racers of all time, and one of the most popular worldwide. The highlight of Schwantz’ career was winning the FIM 500cc World Championship in 1993. This Grand Prix series was the pinnacle of two-wheeled competition, motorcycling’s equivalent to Formula 1 auto racing, with the fastest, most exotic prototype machines and the best, most highly paid riders. It evolved into today’s current MotoGP World Championship. The Texan raced in the championship series for eight years and won 25 races. He was among a small group of American stars, from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, who almost completely dominated Grand Prix motorcycle racing. In 1995, he retired, and his longtime racing number, 34, was soon retired by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme sanctioning body. This was the first time since the series began, in 1949, that a rider had been honored in this way. About the MSF Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org .