I am not generally given to fawning over celebrities or chasing autographs, etc. However, I had the opportunity to meet Wayne Rainey over the weekend while attending the MotoAmerica race in New Jersey and could not pass it up. I came to awareness of motorcycle road racing during that time of US dominance in the late ‘70’s, ‘80’s, and early ‘90’s and can remember vividly hearing the news about his accident in Misano in ‘93. As a matter of fact, it took a little wind out of my sails in regards to following the championship at that time.
Wayne is now the president of MotoAmerica and the series’ focus is to get the US riders back to the top in world championship racing. He was very gracious, personable, and took the time to have a few words about racing and thanked the fans for supporting the effort. It was quite a thrill for me.
