Shinya Nakano
Japanese Grand Prix and Superbike rider, 250cc champion, and MotoGP podium finisher.
Shinya Nakano is a Japanese retired Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and Superbike rider. He is not related to the former Formula One racer Shinji Nakano.
Quick Facts
- Nationality
- Japanese
- Primary class
- 500cc (Grand Prix)
- Factory team
- Yamaha Racing
- Riding style
- Aggressive, full-throttle attacking
- Known for
- Outspoken personality and fearless cornering
Lore & Background
Nakano was All-Japan 250cc champion in 1998. He moved to international competition full-time in 1999, finishing fourth overall in 250cc Grand Prix with five podium finishes. In 2000, he battled with teammate Olivier Jacque and Daijiro Kato for the title, which went to Jacque. Nakano set the fastest 250cc lap at Motegi in 2000, a record that stood until 2008. For 2001, the Tech 3 team moved up to the 500cc World Championship, which became MotoGP in 2002. Nakano finished fifth in the championship and won Rookie of the Year. He started 2002 on a 500cc two-stroke machine, but the team provided the newer 990cc four-stroke by the end of the season. 2003 was less successful, prompting a move to Kawasaki for 2004. Kawasaki's first podium came at the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix. In 2006, Nakano produced strong qualifying runs but less competitive races. At the 2006 Australian Grand Prix, he started on the front row and led early laps before switching to wet tyres too late. For 2007, he joined Konica Minolta Honda, with only a handful of top-ten results. In 2008, he joined Fausto Gresini's MotoGP team, replacing Toni Elías. At Brno, he was given the factory spring-valve Honda RC212V, beginning a string of improved results. He left Gresini at the end of 2008. In 2009, Nakano was signed by Aprilia for the World Superbike Championship, finishing 14th. He retired from professional motorcycle racing on October 28, 2009, following a season with injury problems including a broken collarbone and a neck injury.
Reader's Guide
Nakano's premier-class career began in 2002 with the MotoGP formula (990cc four-strokes). His only factory team ride was with Kawasaki in MotoGP (2005–2006); his earlier premier-class rides were with the Yamaha Tech 3 satellite team. He was generally regarded as a quiet, professional rider.
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