Wayne Rainey Rides Again

History Made: 26 years after his accident in the Italian Grand Prix, Wayne Rainey got the chance to ride again when he took to the racetrack on a modified Yamaha YZF-R1 this week in California.
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[@nikosadie]

This man was my hero when I was a kid..... I am 45 now.... and he still is my hero!

[@joemeatball1080]

I’m a couple years older then you and yea, Wayne was the man. There was a tremendous amount of American pride when these guys went overseas to kick some euro ass. I too had a pretty nasty accident and just the summer I started riding again after 12 years. Got tired of my bike being a static display (and occasionally a place to hang the odd article of clothing) It’s great being out on 2... I hope he really enjoyed it as much as he could.

[@No27th]

I’m 47 he’s my hero too.. till now👍

[@aspjake123]

Right on! Nothing but a first class human that happened to be the fastest racer in the world.

[@hazriqhalim4902]

Still my idol too, dude!

[@snatt3866]

He was also my hero. I am also 45 like you.

[@fwg1961]

Seeing Wayne ride again just made my day, what an incredible legend he is!

[@robbiefrentz9427]

Im with you it was incredible

[@blakehairston9773]

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” Absolutely Legendary

[@ross5506]

"Made me feel young again" priceless quote!

[@jabold]

And a big hats off to Yamaha for putting these bikes together for him and Doug Henry

[@marcosdamota7926]

Wayne Rainey was (and will ALWAYS) be my Idol ... And we both ended up being paraplegic in September 1993 (me with an 1992 Yamaha FZR600cc)... He was the "Senna" of 2 wheels! I take this opportunity to send a huge hug to my Idol… Forever: WAYNE RAINEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💝

[@craigpavlich9212]

If motorcycling can make someone a hero, then Wayne Rainey is truly a hero.

[@JohnSmith-wf5xp]

Craig Pavlich Still No: 1

[@quadirbrown3800]

Absolutely.

[@1212sman]

I don't know why this choked me up. I was lucky enough to see him race in a couple of Grands Prix at Laguna Seca in the late '80's. He was the absolute best in the world for about 4 years.

[@64Pete]

Brilliant, just brilliant. That smile on his face is priceless.

[@leomiller5402]

I crashed April 2019, no serious injuries. now its January 2020 n due to the fact I thought I almost died without seeing my first daughter who was due to born November 2019, I have not been bk on a bike!!! n as I watched this. I thank Rainey and the team. I feel like I want to ride again.

[@64Pete]

@@leomiller5402 Look into doing a track day, they are a great way to help get your confidence back up. Riding is like a breath of fresh air for your soul.

[@darthvisor9289]

Saw his accident on TV in 1993 and remember how shocked i was when some hours later they announced what happened to him. His reaction and smile after the ride on the R1 is so touching and i would love to see him ride and smile more often in the future. Carry on champ!

[@fullborev8906]

I cried when I watched this. What a moving moment to give him another shot at his passion for riding. He was one of my childhood motorcycle heroes. Hats off to everyone to make this happen.

[@mikhailfong6234]

It brings back old memories. Wayne Rainey, Swantz, Lawson, Spencer, Gardner.... etc. Awesome tribute to Rainey. Great to see you on R1 bike again.

[@pkf355]

Old memories, yes certainly, but don't leave out Doohan too.

[@jalaldin3349]

And Randy Mamola

[@Mick_4591]

Gardner????. Mick Doohan 5 times better the gardner

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@pkf355 perfect time to relive during covid.

[@robbiefrentz9427]

Back when racing was great men on great machines

[@TheBlindingfast]

Emotional just to watch him sitting on the bike, then he rode into the sun and lord is this awesome! 🙏🙏👍👍

[@jryer1]

Amen brother!

[@oliverthaesler8001]

Totally! Had a lump in my throat watching this!

[@h200z]

Tears !!!

[@JIMWSMITH]

@@oliverthaesler8001 me also

[@lazmandjik9368]

I remember reading a tiny little newspaper article in the sports section of Wayne's accident and paralysis at the Italian GP in '93. I cried then, and damn it ! I cried again today. Way to go Yamaha for making this happen. Loved the smile on Wayne's face after. You just know he loved it !

[@chocoball604]

I saw it live on tv....it was horrifying. Way to go Wayne!!!

[@Mr.Hollywood81]

This is the coolest thing ever. I watched him as a kid and he was amazing. The best to ever do it. So glad to see his smile again

[@telerover]

I can't tell you how emotional this made me to see Wayne get on board a road racer again. This was awesome. As a retired mechanical engineer I would love to be able to help design prosthetics for bikes and riders.

[@user-jh6yz1bm5q]

Ill never forget watching Wayne's accident on TV when I was a kid, so many years later its really cool to see him back on a bike. Great video. Very inspirational.

[@kamdigonzales9037]

means we are the same age, greetings from Indonesia

[@anthonyspanjich2772]

On Ya mate Wayne, from Oz. I got all misty there for a moment.... must be the humidity?

[@llewvirtue861]

I was watching the same time,so good to see him going again

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Yeah me too. Loved him as a kid.

[@6AL-4V]

I watched Wayne’s entire career from the beginning to the end. And yes, I got a tear or two. My hero forever.

[@elmonteslim3711]

Bloody hell... you just made a crusty old man cry. You have made my day. Life can be so unfair but you cant hold a superstar like Wayne down. Power to you brother. Howdy from Australia.

[@heardashot]

Man, I welled up like a baby watching this.......not embarrassed saying so. Oh boy!!...... Ireland and i guess all those who ride and race motorcycles on this little island sends our love to the legend Wayne Rainey and all those who made this possible. There is always hope!

[@blip98]

"When your smiling the whole world smiles with you" Best video i have watched in a very long time!

[@jamesstacey529]

Wayne was f---ing incredible to see you ride again!!👍🇺🇸 I fan of your racing since I seen you the first time in 1988

[@kevindalli3544]

I'm from Malta a small island in the Mediterranean used to watch Rainey every gp on Italian television as no internet those days,he is a legend and remains in our hearts and it was a pleasure seeing him ride again after all those years.

[@alescerha3519]

I am from Czech republic. I had his poster with Yamaha on my bad when I was 9 years old in 1992. He is number one of MotoGp Champions. I saw him during Grand Prix of Brno in 1991. And now I am very happy when he drives Yamaha again. Speciall thanks for all of peoples whoes help him for this great moment. It is fantastic !!!

[@brianmccallum6855]

So proud to be a motorcyclist and to see the courage after 26 yrs. Amazing. Way to to go Wayne!!!💪🏾👍🏽👏🏾

[@SirLoinofBeef235]

From all of us in GR- Salude!

[@josephclements3222]

Way to go Brother . Brings a tear to my eyes. That smile tells it all.

[@RichardASK]

Wonderful, just bloody wonderful. I used to see Wayne, Swantz and Lawson racing in the British GP. They took riding to another level. If bikes are in your blood, you'll never truly get them out!

[@anthonyprice5596]

What a brave guy, after all he's been through, down to earth and honest. A true veteran of his sport. Long may he continue.

[@jimcockburn3563]

It is so good to see Wayne Rainey back in the saddle.I am a lifetime rider who due to a spinal cord injury is now out of the wind and miss riding so much.Good on you Wayne, enjoy yourself and remember it's shiney side up.

[@Mudsuitable]

I'm sitting here crying like a baby watching my heroes finally get together for a ride Rainey and The R1 I'm extremely grateful to the Universe for making this happen

[@ericweber1969]

I was in tears watching this. I saw his crash happen live all those years ago, and never thought this day would come. Thanks for the memories, and here's to making new ones, Wayne!

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Yamaha, if you're reading this. Thank you! Thanks for doing this!

[@iParatroop]

Tears. Been riding for 20 years and can’t imagine having to go 26 without. Good for Wayne, nice to see him back up.

[@maverickthebastard]

Watching Wayne ride again made me smile, but the comments below restored my faith in humanity....bravo!!!

[@nc6493]

Exciting! I'm 55 years old and I can't ride a motorcycle because of disability either. Rayney and Schwantz are my heroes! I have no more words now! Thanks for that, Yamaha!

[@jaggedlines2257]

I never missed watching a 500cc two-stroke race of the 70's and 80's. Wayne Rainey will always be a true champion, both on the track and off it. He has a heart as big as the USA. From an aussie, downunder.

[@neevesybikes]

Amazing. Was and still is a legend. Great to see.

[@jaws2858]

Saw Wayne with those leathers on and I got all choked up. Still one of my heroes. Ride on Mr. Rainey!!

[@angargoy7181]

I do not understand that some people in your comments despise this video sure that these people have never driven a motorcycle I am 67 years old and I still ride a motorcycle and I am proud to see Wayne Rainey on the motorcycle in this video. Very good Wayne Rainey a friend from Spain

[@robertomorales5347]

See Wayne wearing again on his red/white suit and his legendary helmet was epic, I'm 31 and I saw him race in 93, watch my hero again riding a bike was amazing, tears of happiness rolling on my eyes, thanks to yamaha engineers for making this possible

[@JLUnlimited]

That is SOO cool that Wayne got to ride again.. I would be so nervous for him.

[@marcoalbicocchi7719]

Wayne Reiney ,a legend after 26 years I dare not imagine the emotion that tried again on a Yamaha R1 with the wind on my face, a great one !!!

[@dannielamir689]

Tears, way to go Rainey. You re my fav rider all time!!!

[@steven4114]

This brought tears to my eyes, grew up idolising the man in MotoGP.

[@Razor1289]

Wayne it was so good to see you on a bike again , I can honestly say that you made a lot of us feel young again , What great a moment this really made my year World champion forever!

[@LTLT900]

World Champion forever. Yes.

[@leeberry3155]

A beautiful moment ,gave me tears of joj,and a great feeling of pride😎

[@samuelbrown1413]

To see my Wayne riding again is above and BEYOND AWESOME! The joy and freedom he must be feeling has to be OFF this planet!

[@bertraminc9412]

I grew up watching Wayne. The best time of my life just watching Wayne, Eddie and all the guys riding the GP500s. God bless you, Wayne and thank you for your sacrifice to entertain us.

[@Birky_41]

Amazing to watch that. To see Wayne's face when being interviewed you could see all the great memories coming back

[@grotesmurf1]

been 26 years since i have seen him on a bike, this brought tears to my eyes, i grew up with this guy beside Eddie Lawson he is my all time hero for the Marlboro Yamaha team...

[@mollygrubber]

I had a moment to speak with Wayne at a MotoGP race at Laguna a few years ago. I could tell he was busy, but I knew I'd never get another chance. He was so gracious and humble - and funny. I'm so glad this happened for you Wayne, and I hope you can get back into riding more and more.

[@madethisaccountfor65]

You were my race hero as a kid growing up. I watched you ride, win and crash. You are my riding hero. Don't wait so long to ride again.....poetry to watch.

[@normanjohnson712]

The burning desire and drive to do what doctors tell you can never do again. The love and passion that few will ever know or understand.

[@grahamt33]

I was happily shocked - I thought it would be a 3 wheeler at best. Yamaha did him proud -I saw him many times in GP and he was and and the records confirm he still is a Great racer. I am so happy for him and feel uplifted after watching this video

[@dennism1919]

For some reason it warmed my heart to see this piece. Mr. Rainey was and is a hero of mine, and to see that smile on his face, to watch him experience the joy of the ride again after so long, is truly priceless. I know others have said the same, but there is just no other word for it. Who knows, he just might become a regular track-day rider! Congratulations, Mr. Rainey. I'm happy for you. Welcome back to the wind...

[@8ballout]

So beautiful to see the champ back on a bike in the red and white leathers. A legend never forgets how to ride. All the best, champion.

[@jeffpeters889]

As always, calm, cool and colleccted .A good man , a skillful rider and a great champion . May the good Lord bless you.. With love from Malaysia..

[@Thorsten_Kueppers]

Awww this is sooo great!!! Just Look at that smile during the last interview...

[@weejim48]

What a great human being Wayne Rainy is. To get back on a bike after all these years with his disability is marvellous. A real super hero. 👍👍👍👍

[@janvan5872]

I am 49 y.o. and Rainey is my favorite rider for my whole life, and he provide me with two of my key important moments on my life, the sadly moment when he crashed and now the most wanted moment when he ride again on a yamaha, really a great moment on my life. Greatings from Spain...

[@foolsgold953]

Loved the glint in his eyes in the pre-run interview, and the smile when the lid was closed and he took off. Anyone that gets back on a bike after what's he's been through is a Legend ✊🏽

[@themessenger5868]

I was watching that race when you were injured Wayne, one of the saddest days I remember in motorsport. I've never forgotten you, you are an inspiration to so many people around the world. God bless you ! Peace from Australia.

[@davidlyons8278]

So so happy for you Mr Rainey.... i have looked up to for ever...... it must feel so great to get back on the back...... Congratulations....

[@vincesantiago3736]

Wayne Rainey is really my idol. He inspired me to start dreaming about motorcycles. Seeing him ride a bike again just gives me tears in my eyes. It's like if he can do it....then I can do anything that I want and achieve success in the end. I may fall, I may be beaten down but my spirit will still soar.

[@MarkSmith-dw1zd]

What an amazing sight to see the legend that is Wayne Rainey back on a bike..bought a tear to my eyes.

[@biturbo]

I'm crying. Much love

[@jathug54]

Most inspirational video I've seen today. Watching this Legend get back on a bike and ride after 26 years in a wheelchair is just simply amazing.

[@tonye2695]

Wayne Rainey was my hero when I was young with his flowing precision style and way he would systematically work his way through the pack and dominate. He was the inspiration while i learnt to ride, that hasn't changed. Legend.

[@MrCpolzin]

Wayne Rainey and Wayne Gardner were mine

[@AnythingButRnB]

Never thought I'd ever see that again. quite emotional seeing him on two wheels again,

[@chucknance1290]

I am crying right now ! Love you , Wayne . Great to see you ride 🙂

[@thehighlandhamster]

Amazing! What a story. I grow up worshiping this guy and what a thrill to see him riding again.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Long live Wayne Rainey ! One of the nicest guys in motorcycle road racing .

[@stevewade2535]

The Mrs; Steve, why are you crying? Me; Er, I have been chopping onions dear. The Mrs; But aren't we eating poached eggs on toast tonight? Me; Bugger. You made my day today Wayne.... Even if you did make me shed a tear 😊

[@alexmay2782]

ditto

[@4Hawkwind]

Me too, so emotional that I had to wait a few minutes before I could see clearly to type this

[@Bajker4ever]

Me too, I'm so happy about him.

[@johnnyachillesjelinek6765]

I think how you can stay all those years so kind and humble, wish you best

[@tonyd7164]

yup, dusty in here...

[@Astute_white]

God bless Wayne Rainey! 🏆👏

[@jean-claudetravers8646]

Thank you so much to the professionals who got the idea, the ones who prepared the bike, and to Mr. Wayne Rainey for riding after almost 3 decades. I saw live his fall when he became paralyzed and follow as much as possible about his life later on, notably with the 250cc kart, and more. Over 63 today and all those 500cc GP bikes and Roberts, Rainey, Lawson, Sheene, Mamola, and so many more, plus all the ones who left us far too early ... Mr. Wayne Rainey, you are a gentleman, a true fighter, and a noble soul. Thank you very much. Live a long life of passion.

[@twoweeledsoto6072]

Wayne Rainey is definitely a name I've heard many times in my many years. Hats off to this man! No doubt.

[@franklinwilkerson2061]

Maybe the best video I’ve ever seen. Watching him and Kevin Schwantz race back in the late 80’s is what got me hooked on this sport. I get so bummed out every time I see him trackside at some race not because he can’t walk but that he couldn’t ride. Can’t wait till Suzuka!!!

[@VentureTex]

This is the coolest thing I have seen in a while. Props to Wayne Rainey for getting back out there. Thought there would be some gyro stabilizers or something, but just guts.

[@oliverrumpf7240]

Sorry..... But I was sooo much crying when I saw this Episode from Wayne R..... It hurts me a lot..... This my Superstar of the 89/90 - 93.....The best of all.... My Hero.... My Champion... My Legend.... I bought his Helmet Replica and was so proud to drive with it on the Road..... WAYNE RAINEY You are unforgetable in my Life.... Oliver Rumpf from Hamburg/Germany

[@antoniotaveira6522]

I've allways been a big fan of Wayne Rainey and he deserves being able to feel again what is it like riding a bike. Big👏 to Yamaha USA for making it happen.

[@plu5five]

If Anyone Deserves to Ride Again, its Wayne Rainey🙌🙏Cool video

[@otosang]

watching this made me cry. he deserved it. having fun one more time

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

I complain that I sprained my ankle and I look at this and now seems so small. We take these things for granted. So brave and sad much dedication. I salute you.

[@pangjeffrey7808]

I am very touch and happy to see Wayne Rainey ride again after 26 years ago, flash back all my memories of him riding the 500cc Yamaha Marlboro bike. Really happy for him!

[@robertrobb2367]

With tears of joy flowing down my face. Welcome home Wayne!

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

That was great. I'm a little choked up here. What an amazing feeling that must have for Wayne.

[@ErwinWernerTeichmann]

Great pilot and a very Brave man with a capital “B”. Congrats and thank you Wayne and the whole team for putting this together. Thank you for all the joy and happiness now and in the amazing 80 and 90's wins and championships.

[@rokkitman59]

I’m letting the tears roll down my cheeks....to see one of my hero’s riding a bike again makes my heart soar ....never ever thought I’d see him don leathers and a helmet again. For a minute the world seems right again!!

[@blackjaminboy]

This had me all smiles, I can't imagine the emotions going on to ride again after being out of the saddle for 26 years. Just wow!

[@lesteraizlewood8457]

What a heartwarming story of a great champion getting back on a motorcycle. Go Wayne.

[@simon7johan]

Seeing the smile in his face give me a new inspiration for today. Thx u Mr Rainey for this inspiring ride...

[@rachmadanirachmadani1548]

Tears in my eyes when i saw him ride again. What a legend..! Stay healthy, Wayne..💪👍👍

[@Greg-sc7zk]

I remember all those years ago sitting watching the race and watching Wayne crash and shedding a tear at the news of his injuries. 26 years later I sit watching this video and tearing up again. It's been said thousands of times that Legend to describe someone is used to often, but this guy is definitely in that category. A genuine CHAMPION and genuine LEGEND!

[@gregmorris2022]

Best video I’ve seen all year. So cool to see him ride again.

[@alexandernoble8447]

God bless him, just watched this before my shift at work...I am beaming now. ..how fantastic..

[@wiz601]

I've always been a Rainey fan. This brought moisture to my eyes. I'm really happy for him!

[@funnysods]

It was a privilege to watch him then, and its still a privilege to see him now. A lovely man.

[@hawkrider88]

Wow, fantastic and so inspirational. Once a racer, always a racer. Congratulations and God bless Mr. Rainey!! And thanks for the killer job you're doing with MotoAmerica!

[@suitinaute]

What an absolute champion of a person Wayne Rainey is. Well done to all of the people who put this together.

[@jasona9393]

I nearly cried at this. He was my role model when I was racing (same era). Wonderful to see.