FreeKevin34 Protest Is In Full Swing
In case you haven’t heard, at the recent MotoGP test at the new Circuit of the Americas (CotA) track, 1993 500cc world champion Kevin Schwantz was unceremoniously removed from the property. In protest to this rude (and in our opinion unwarranted) treatment of a motorcycling icon, a group of motorcycle racing enthusiasts have organized the FreeKevin34 movement, culminating in the FreeKevin34 weekend, April 19-21, the same weekend as the CotA round of MotoGP.
“Kevin Schwantz has been blocked from attending the Grand Prix race in his own home state due to pending litigation with the track,” say representatives from the FreeKevin34 movement. “We are disgusted by the fact that the track management cannot put aside their differences for the greater good of the sport that they are capitalizing on, and peacefully respect a weekend of “no comment on the matter”, so that Mr. Schwantz can attend the very race that he assisted in promoting and bringing to Texas.”
How can you be a part of the movement? Motorcycle racing fans all over the globe are encouraged to wear any Kevin Schwantz paraphernalia they may have during the race weekend (April 19-21). If you don’t have any, or would like more, an official “FreeKevin34” design is for sale at www.freekevin34.com, with all proceeds benefitting the Marco Simoncelli Foundation.
Additionally, those who will be in the Austin area wishing to enjoy the race away from the track may do so at the Gypsy Lounge at 1pm local time. Sponsors including Leo Vince Exhausts, PJ’s Parts and Motovation have all donated door prizes to also benefit the Marco Simoncelli Foundation and show support for Kevin and the sport of motorcycle racing. The Gypsy Lounge will feature motorcycle-only parking for the event and is the unofficial post-race hang-out with a motor-cycle friendly staff and owner. Click the link above for more information, including directions to the lounge.
This is an independent event, run by a volunteer group of motorcycle, MotoGP, motorcycle racing and Kevin Schwantz fans. All proceeds will be donated and all sponsorships will go towards the goal of raising funds for the Marco Simoncelli Foundation.
To stay updated in all the details, check the FreeKevin34 Facebook link, and use the Twitter hashtag #freekevin34. Help spread the word that motorcyclists are the first to step up for those who promote the sport, and that we feel “respect” is not a buzzword – it is an action.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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