Barber Motorsports Park announced that 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz will be the grand marshal at the fifth annual Barber Vintage Festival, presented by Michelin, on October 9-11. Schwantz will also be the guest of honor and speak at Friday evening’s second annual Motorcycles by Moonlight dinner. “After having competed on a Norton Manx earlier this year in New Zealand, I have a newfound respect for vintage racing,” said Schwantz, who relocated his Honda- and Suzuki-backed riding school, the Schwantz School, from Road Atlanta to Barber Motorsports Park earlier this year. “It’s an honor to be named grand marshal for the Barber Vintage Festival. I’m looking forward to speaking at the dinner, meeting the fans and seeing all the vintage machinery.” Schwantz is scheduled to sign autographs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as participate in a paddock walk on Friday and Saturday. Furthermore, the Houston native will flag off the field for Saturday and Sunday’s vintage races. During his eight-year Grand Prix career, Schwantz amassed 21 lap records, 29 pole positions and 25 race wins. When he retired in 1995, the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, retired his racing number, 34. It was the first time in the history of the sport that an individual rider had been so honored. “Every vintage fan can identify with Kevin’s racing legacy, so we’re thrilled to have him as our grand marshal,” said Jeff Ray, Executive Director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “It’s not every day that a fan can spend a moment with a world champion, so we feel it’s going to be a special weekend for everyone.” To reserve a seat for the Motorcycles by Moonlight dinner, call 205/699-7275. A silent auction held that same evening will benefit the Barber Motorsports Museum. For more information about the Schwantz School or to sign up for one of its two-day courses, log on to www.schwantzschool.com or call 866/223-5649. Follow the Schwantz School on Twitter at @SchwantzSchool.