Indianapolis Motor Speedway Schwantz School

By Garrett Kai

One week ago, Suzuki’s Garrett Kai was one of a lucky group of riders who got to experience the same track used for this weekend’s Red Bull Indianapolis GP, as pupils in Kevin Schwantz’s Schwantz School. He was kind enough to give us his impressions of the experience.

Attending a Kevin Schwantz School is always a good time. Excellent race tracks, world-class instructors, and the ’93 500cc world champion combine to create a fun and memorable experience. But what about taking the Schwantz School at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a week before the MotoGP boys take to the track? Come on, do you even have to think about it?

Driving in through the tunnel to the infield of the Brickyard, the sheer size of the facility will take your breath away, not many race tracks can boast a super speedway oval, an infield road racing circuit, and a golf course too!

The class begins on a Thursday evening with registration and a quick tour around the circuit in a bus driven by none other than Mr. Kevin Schwantz himself. Visions of the movie Speed come to mind, but this short tour is actually a great way to start learning the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit—much better than just a track map or even a game of MotoGP on PS3. Then back to the hotel to try and get a good night’s rest for the next two days of riding.

Classroom sessions begin bright and early on Friday at what will next week be MotoGP offices, and bikes are lined up beautifully, ready and waiting to go. After a brief introductory session, the first group of riders is sent out for the first riding session. The two groups alternate between classroom and riding sessions throughout the day, covering everything from visual awareness to braking and even breathing while riding.

At the end of the first day, Kevin grabs the key for the speedway bus and takes the entire group on the track-walk portion of the class. The students are brought to various points on the racetrack to learn about riding lines, gear selection, and braking points from Kevin while also watching Schwantz School instructors ride though, providing a visual example of the lesson at different speeds.

Having a night to think about the lessons from the first day and the track itself, the second day starts just like day one but with more confidence and excitement. Students continue to learn and progress, rotating between classroom sessions with on-track video critiques of riding style, body positioning, line selection, and on-track riding segments, followed by more helpful comments and tips from instructors immediately after coming off the track.

The second day ends with a smattering of rain in the last session, but the students don’t seem to mind. Smiles are on everyone’s faces as the Schwantz School diplomas and special student awards are handed out, and it seems as if everyone is just happy they got to experience a once-in-a-lifetime ride at the Brickyard.

The Kevin Schwantz School is an excellent learning environment that manages to help students learn how to improve their riding skills and confidence in an easygoing and comfortable style, much like Kevin’s own laid-back personality. Having the Schwantz School at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway created an unforgettable experience that a lucky few students will never forget.

For more information on the Schwantz School, visit www.schwantzschool.com.