WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: Wayne Rainey’s return to the racetrack in Monterey after a 34-year hiatus headlined a jam-packed day of MotoAmerica racing action at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday.
In addition to memorable laps by the racing legend, the second day of MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest also featured five main events and a celebration of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Rainey, a three-time 500cc GP World Champion and three-time WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Grand Prix winner, returned to the saddle for the first time since being paralysed from the waist down after a racing accident in 1993. The MotoAmerica President rode a Yamaha XSR900 GP streetbike specially modified by Yamaha Europe with an automatic transmission and adaptive controls that enabled him to thrill the crowd with his surprising speed around the circuit that has a turn named “Rainey Curve” in his honour.
“It was amazing to get back out there on the track where I’ve had so much success and love to race,” said Rainey. “To just get out there and have fun and accelerate and to ride with all my buddies was a real thrill. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was surprised how fast it was.”
Rainey was joined by nine motorcycle racing legends for the Legends ride around the road course, including Kenny Roberts, Ben Spies, Doug Chandler, Eddie Lawson, Bubba Shobert and more.
Before the racing action kicked off, members of the CHP were honoured as Grand Marshal for the event. CHP motorcycle and patrol officers took part in a ceremonial parade lap around the track prior to the National Anthem and the start of Superbike Race 1.
There was plenty of racing action on track, with thrilling main events across five classes. Josh Herrin (Ducati) took the checkered flag in the Superbike class, besting Yamaha teammates Bobby Fong and Jake Gagne. Points leader and pole sitter Cameron Beaubier, the all-time Superbike race winner at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, went down on the Andretti Hairpin in a pitched battle with Herrin. Beaubier would climb his way through the grid, netting a sixth-place finish.
Points leader Kyle Wyman (Harley-Davidson) posted a dominating victory in the popular Mission King of the Baggers class, while Alessandro Di Mario (Aprilia) continued his reign in the SC-Project Twins Cup. Blake Davis (Yamaha) took home the Race 1 victory in Motovation Supersport and James Rispoli (Harley-Davidson) came out on top of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. For full race results, visit MotoAmerica.com.
Racing continues on Sunday with six main events, including two SuperBike races (noon and 3 p.m.). Fans will also enjoy a bustling vendor midway, rider autograph session and another CHP Salute lap. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit weathertechraceway.com.
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