How a MotoGP legend is preparing for an unexpected comeback at Goodwood

Wayne Rainey, who’s paralysed from the chest down, will ride his 1992 500cc world championship-winning bike again at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The American motorcycle legend explains how he's preparing to thrill on his first visit to the famed hillclimb

Updated Jun 25, 2022, 8:40 AM

“Wayne, you’re basically f*****, but the best thing you can do is to get back out there and do what you love to do, and that’s racing.” These were the words the late Sir Frank Williams said to three-time 500cc world motorcycle champion Wayne Rainey in late 1993 when the American hero was in the early stages of recovery from the Misano accident that ended his career and left him paralysed from the chest down.

Rainey had dominated the premier class from 1990 to 1992, with three straight championships, and was battling arch-rival Kevin Schwantz for the 1993 title. Leading that fateful Misano race, Rainey crashed exiting the first corner and suffered life-changing spinal injuries.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.