12 Facts About Shinya Nakano

Shinya Nakano is a retired Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and Superbike rider.

Shinya Nakano is not related to the former Formula One racer Shinji Nakano.

Shinya Nakano moved to international competition full-time in 1999, adjusting to 250cc Grand Prix racing quickly, finishing fourth overall with five podium finishes.

Shinya Nakano started 2002 on a 500cc two-stroke machine, but the team was able to provide the newer 990cc four-stroke by the end of the season.

In 2006 Shinya Nakano was able to produce strong qualifying runs but less competitive races, a trait of the Bridgestone tyres.

At the 2006 Australian Grand Prix, Shinya Nakano started on the front row and lead the early laps, before switching to wet tyres too late and not being competitive on them.

Rumors began that Shinya Nakano might make the move to the highly competitive World Superbike Championship for the 2008 season.

However, Shinya Nakano ultimately joined Fausto Gresini's MotoGP team, replacing Toni Elias.

At Brno, Shinya Nakano was given the factory spring-valve Honda RC212V, beginning a string of greatly improved results.

Shinya Nakano left the Gresini team at the end of the 2008 season, following the team's decision to sign Alice Ducati rider Toni Elias for 2009.

In 2009, Shinya Nakano was signed by Aprilia along with Max Biaggi for their return to the World Superbike Championship after a three-year absence.

On October 28,2009, Shinya Nakano announced that he would be retiring from professional motorcycle racing.