Wayne Wesley Rainey is an American former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he won the 500cc World Championship three times and the Daytona 200 once. He was characterized by his smooth, calculating riding style, and for his intense rivalry with compatriot Kevin Schwantz, between 1987 and 1993.
Rainey on the Yamaha YZR500
Wayne Rainey on a Yamaha YZR500 in 1990
Mick Doohan (3) leads Kevin Schwantz (34), Rainey (1) and John Kocinski (19) at the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix. Schwantz would go on to win the race.
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the highest class of motorcycle road racing events held on road circuits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Independent motorcycle racing events have been held since the start of the twentieth century and large national events were often given the title Grand Prix. The foundation of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme as the international governing body for motorcycle sport in 1949 provided the opportunity to coordinate rules and regulations in order that selected events could count towards official World Championships. It is the oldest established motorsport world championship.
2021 German motorcycle Grand Prix
Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike (2006)
Valentino Rossi, riding a Yamaha YZR-M1, at Le Mans
Marc Márquez, riding a Honda RC213V, at Mugello