Arai announces World Bike Stars for 2012 Isle of Man TT Races Parade Lap

Arai Helmet, The Official Helmet Partner of the 2012 Isle of Man TT Races, has announced a line up of six of the world’s leading motorcycle racers past and present who will be taking part in a Parade Lap of the Mountain Course on Wednesday 6th June.

Topping the bill will be 1993 World 500cc Champion Kevin Schwantz. The American won a total of 25 races between 1988 and 1994 and stood on the podium in the world championships a further 26 times. He will be riding a Suzuki GSXR-1000.

Also appearing in the lap will be fellow American Randy Mamola on the Ducati Panigali. Mamola is widely considered to be one of the most talented riders never to have won a world championship. In a thirteen-year career, the Californian won a total of thirteen Grand Prix Races, and recorded a further 44 podiums. He finished second in the World championship four times in 1980, 1981, 1984 and 1987.

One man who needs no introduction to the Mountain Course is Phillip McCallen. The popular Northern Ireland rider, who will be riding a Honda RC45, stands 5th on the overall list of TT winners with 11 victories including his memorable four in a week in 1996. Former British and World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, who now lives on the Island, will also be familiar with the circuit. The Lancastrian, who won the British Championship in 2000 and the World Superbike title in 2003, will take part in the lap on a Ducati Panigale.

Monster Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP star Cal Crutchlow, who has already made his mark with a fourth placed finish at the opening MotoGP race of the season at Qatar, will be representing the current riders. The Coventry born rider is a former World Superbike star and finished as the top rookie in 12th place in his debut MotoGP season last year.

Swan Yamaha rider Ian Hutchinson will also be representing Arai on the lap. The eight time TT winner, who hasn’t appeared in a competitive race on the Mountain Course since his record breaking five victories at the 2010 meeting, will be making a welcome return to racing on the Isle of Man. The Bingley rider will be appearing ahead of the Monster Energy Supersport race that takes place later on the same day.

Olaf Van Schijndel Arai commented:

“Arai is delighted to be able to offer our riders past and present the chance to appear on a parade lap around the Mountain Course and we hope that the fans enjoy the sight of these Motorcycling legends appearing on the track.”

Kevin Schwantz is clearly looking forward to his lap and commented:

“The Isle of Man is rightly considered a mecca for Motorcycle Racing and when I was offered the opportunity to experience a closed road parade lap I jumped at the chance. The top TT racers are respected around the world and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the famous Mountain Course first hand.”

Randy Mamola will be making his first trip to the TT Races and commented:

“I have a long connection with Arai and it will be a real honour to represent them in a parade lap around this iconic race circuit. I’ve met many TT racers over the course of my career and I’m pleased to get the chance to see the races live.”