62,000 enthusiasts gathered at Laguna Seca to watch the 1991 American 500 GP. They were not disappointed in what turned out to be a spectacular series of events. Californian John Kocinski was favourite against Marlboro/Yamaha team mate Wayne Rainey, to take his first 500 GP win. Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki) and Eddie Lawson (Cagiva) thought otherwise while Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan, astride their Hondas, were not at all impressed by this American razzmatazz. The controversial two-leg American 250 GP was dynamite with brilliant riding from Honda stars Luca Cadalora, Helmut Bradl, W Zeelenberg and S Prein. Loris Reggiani was overjoyed with the performance of his all new Aprilia.