Editor’s welcome

I wished I could have been there – but to all intents and purposes – it was an emotional event.

I’m talking about the return of Wayne Rainey to the UK and the first time in 30 years that he’s sat on and ridden a proper racing motorcycle.

The event was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and it proved to be a truly inspiring and unique sight: Wayne, back on his titlewinningyzr500yamaha, 29 years after his remarkable career was sadly cut short by tragedy at Misano.

Please, do an internet search if (like me) you couldn’t attend the event. There are a number of videos you can find where you can see Wayne – along with wife Shae, son Rex and good friend Kenny Roberts – enjoy the event alongside the likes of Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan.the effort that everyone involved had to put in to make this event happen should not be underestimated: much credit not just to Goodwood but alsoyamaha for converting Wayne’s 1992YZR.

Of course, Wayne dominated 500cc racing for a few seasons, before Doohan’s NSR500 Honda did and we take a good look under the fairing of this most successful 500cc competitor thanks to Phil Aynsley.

Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll find out ‘What happened to’ Alberto Pagani, learn how Kork Ballington made his way to Europe to become the amazing champion he was and hear from Shoichiro Irimajiri on how he battled with old man Honda, while coming up with a range of innovative race and road machines at Honda…

Please keep writing in to Classic Racer and tell us what you’d like to see in the magazine. Who knows, we may send you at-shirt for your troubles! We want to be told whatyou want in your favourite magazine. So do get in touch.