Kevin Schwantz

Racing 2014

Barber Motorsports Park in October is the pinnacle of any classic motorcyclist's schedule and the highlight of the US vintage racing calendar, but in turn feels a little bittersweet, simply because it punctuates the end of each racing season. The event itself is huge, with 65,000 spectators visiting over the weekend, each year growing more and more. And just when you think it can't get bigger, it does. NYC Norton's representation has also expanded over the years and this year we had 11 bikes under the NYC Norton canopy. And with all that's going on, we rarely get a chance to leave our compound and see all the sights. It's a black hole of laughing, swearing, and sweating. This year was no different. And the intensity that Barber brings started in the shop right after we got home from Miller. Three NYC Norton G50s up on the lifts getting [...]

Dinner of Champions

The 2011 Barber Vintage Festival was without question the biggest racing event I've ever taken part in. Supported by Jamie Waters and Bellmouth Racing, our paddock played host to a group of Kiwis that made their way around the world with their pukka 500 Premier bikes, headed up by legendary tuner Ken McIntosh, who provided a very fast Manx Norton with the familiar #34 emblazoned on the side for world-champion Kevin Schwantz to lead the way. Although it was a busy weekend for all, every once in a while I'd look up from what I was doing to have Kevin poking his head in, making comments, and being a good bloke. I've been around a few celebs, and he was the best of the best; so generous and sincere. We had some great chats, some good racing discussions, and best of all, we were able to spend a little quality [...]