Kevin Schwantz announced a devastating news…

Garry Taylor, whose death was announced today, led Suzuki’s MotoGP team through a riotous era, earning championship success with Kenny Roberts Jr and “team manager’s dream” Kevin Schwantz. He recalled the glory days in an interview last year

We are very sad to report the passing of Garry Taylor, team manager of the last British-based team to win the MotoGP world championship.

Taylor (74) was a flamboyant team boss, who fitted well with a wilder, more colourful era of motorcycle racing.

What follows is an interview we did together last summer, recounting his glory days with 1993 500cc world champion Kevin Schwantz and 2000 world champion Kenny Roberts Junior.

Motor Sport would like to extend its deepest condolences to Taylor’s family, friends and loved ones.

In 1993 Kevin Schwantz secured his one and only world championship. The fast but oft-floored American won 25 grands prix, so he should’ve won more world titles, but he raced at a special time, when 500cc GP bikes were evil things and you had to go through Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Gardner if you wanted to get anywhere.

Just one title, but there’s no doubt that Schwantz was one of motorcycle racing’s most naturally talented exponents.