Scorching asphalt, hay bales serving as ‘safety’ fencing, packed-out paddocks, ecstatic crowds and, in the midst of all this, a red lightning bolt and a number that stands out and reaches the finish line first: number 3. It’s 22 August 1993, and John Kocinski from Little Rock, Arkansas, has just won his home GP, triumphing at Laguna Seca ahead of Alex Barros and Luca Cadarola. A Suzuki and a Yamaha left behind by the Cagiva C593, the star of a memorable day for all Italian fans. A bike that, after more than 27 years, will now be auctioned by Mecum Auctions.
During the penultimate round of the 1993 season, Kocinski won the race a few weeks before Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki) was crowned world champion. The win represented so much for the Castiglioni family’s brand, a small team compared to the Japanese superpowers who monopolised the final constructors’ standings. Cagiva nevertheless finishined fourth overall.
The original C593 will go to the highest bidder
The bike up for auction is the original C593 that Kocinski powered to the line that day. Driven by a 180 HP two-stroke, four-cylinder engine with 12,700 rpm, the model offered some interesting technical solutions such as titanium expansions and carbon silencers that allowed for a weight reduction (130 kg).
The price for a model of this kind? It’s easy to imagine that we’re talking very high figures. The auction will take place in Las Vegas from 28 April to 1 May 2021.
Translated by Heather Watson
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