Ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix of the Americas in Texas, rising MotoGP star Pedro Acosta expressed his admiration for local racing legend Kevin Schwantz. Acosta, who has made a remarkable start to his MotoGP career, believes that Schwantz embodies the qualities that the sport needs to increase its popularity. Acosta emphasized the importance of having individuals like Schwantz who bring a natural and authentic approach to the sport, reminiscent of the past days of grand prix racing. He mentioned the likes of Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa as examples of charismatic riders who added character to the sport. Acosta acknowledged that replicating Schwantz’s impact would not be easy, but he believes that MotoGP could benefit from more personalities like him.
Schwantz, a one-time world champion whose career was cut short by injuries, has had a significant impact on the sport beyond his on-track achievements. His outgoing personality and fierce competitiveness during a highly competitive era helped him gain immense popularity. Schwantz’s riding style, famously described as “see God, then brake,” became iconic and further contributed to his fan-favorite status. Additionally, Schwantz’s willingness to engage with fans and the media off the track played a crucial role in solidifying his reputation as one of the most beloved MotoGP riders of the modern era.
Acosta’s remarks about the need for more authenticity and showmanship among MotoGP riders align with Schwantz’s own sentiments. Schwantz expressed his frustration with the predictable and politically correct nature of riders’ responses in interviews, highlighting the importance of creating animosity and excitement between competitors. He believes that fostering rivalries and allowing for more individuality among riders would make the racing more thrilling and engaging for fans. Schwantz praised the current crop of MotoGP riders but noted that they tend to be generic in their approach, making Acosta’s presence in the sport all the more refreshing.
Acosta himself has already demonstrated his commitment to bringing Schwantz’s vision to life. For instance, he made headlines when he playfully “delivered” a pizza to the mechanics of his title rival’s team as part of his victory celebrations in Moto2 at Mugello. Acosta understands the importance of adding a touch of showbiz and creating excitement both on and off the track, just like Schwantz advocated.
In conclusion, Pedro Acosta’s admiration for Kevin Schwantz and his call for more authenticity and showmanship in MotoGP reflect the sentiments shared by the legendary racer himself. Both Acosta and Schwantz believe that the sport can benefit from riders who bring a natural and unfiltered approach to their interactions with fans and the media. By embracing individuality and fostering rivalries, MotoGP has the potential to captivate audiences and create a more thrilling racing experience. Acosta’s actions, such as his playful pizza delivery, demonstrate his commitment to embodying Schwantz’s vision and adding excitement to the sport.