Name: Shinya Nakano
Nationality: Japanese
Birthdate: 10/8/1977
Shinya is one of many popular riders on the circuit today. After joining the GP's in 1999 as a 250 rider, Shinya made an immediate impact by winning rounds in South Africa, Malaysia, Italy, Brno and Valencia. After a great 2000 season he was bumped up to the 500 class.
After a stint with Yamaha, Nakano jumped ship to Kawasaki, but life aboard the four-stroke Kwakker never panned out for the Japanese rider. The 2006 season saw Nakano earn a second-place podium, but slip back to 14th overall due to DNFs.
Nakano left Kawasaki at the end of 2006 and enters '07 with Honda on the satellite Konica Minolta team. Aside from getting used to the Honda, Nakano switches tire manufacturers as well, leaving Bridgestone for Michelin. Replacing his countryman, Makoto Tamada, Nakano will be charged with doing what his predecessor could not, turning the Konica Minolta Honda into a viable podium threat.
Career Highlights:
2007 - 17th MotoGP
2006 - 14th MotoGP
2005 - 10th MotoGP
2004 - 10th MotoGP
2003 - 10th MotoGP
2002 - 11th MotoGP
2001 - 500 MotoGP Rookie of the Year
2001 - 5th 500 MotoGP
2000 - 2nd 250 MotoGP
1999 - 4th 250 MotoGP
1998 - All Japanese 250GP Champion
1997 - 5th All Japanese 250
1996 - 6th All Japanese 125
1995 - 12th All Japanese 125
1994 - Suzuka 4 Hour Endurance Winner
1985 - Eastern Kanto Pocket Bike Champion
