Happenings in Motorcycling
Rossi's Skins -
During the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at laguna Seca, there was a multitude of
activity. The hype surrounding the event drew vendors from all comers of the
motorcycle spectrum. Dainese was no exception, taking the opportunity not only
to announce its official presence in the country with its flagship Costa Mesa, California, store but also its expanded push into the U.S. market.
This was the first presentation of its type in the U.S. market for the Italian company despite having a presence for years. In an effort to make the presentation special
and memorable, Dainese invited Kevin Schwana, who has been associated with the
apparel company for quite some time now. Schwana even admitted that he was
perhaps the company's number-one leathers tester; as he has taken more than few
sets of Dainese leathers for a ride down the tarmac. He's lucky he said it before we
had to bring it up ourselves.
Not only does Schwana still
wear Dainese gear while conducting his Kevin Schwana Suzuki
Schools, but so do all of his instructors. If you attend a Kevin Schwana
Suzuki School and don't have your
own gear or just want to try out
some Dainese gear, all that is
reqUired is that you call in and
reserve your sizes ahead of time,
and they will outfit you for an additional $75 (leathers), $50 (boots)
and $50 (gloves).
The presentation highlighted the
company's storied heritage and its
long list of famous riders, including
World Champions such as Kenny
Roberts, Kevin Schwana, Barry
Sheene, Giacomo Agostini, Freddie
Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Luca
Cadalora, Max Biaggi, Olivier
Jacque, Manuel Poggiali and, of course, last but not least, Valentino Rossi.
Not only were the past and present Dainese products highlighted, but there was
also a sneak peek at what the company is currently developing for the future of
motorcycle safety apparel.
80
JULY 27,2005 • CYCLE NEWS
(Above) Kevin
Schwanb: was a
special guest at the
Dainese event.
(Left) Dainese USA
general manager
Claudio Bontorin
and Dainese Italy's
Vittorio Cafaggi
show oH the safety
features that Rossi
himself has placed
his trust in.
