AHRMA MAG May 2026, Vol. No. 8, Issue No. 04

AHRMAMAG

Race Reports & Stories

• Meet David barr

• AHRMA road ra cingCarolina Motorsports park

• racing in the shade

• hanging off the edge

• shorty’s motocross

• ... and more

EDITOR

Steph Vetterly ahrmamag@ahrma.org

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

2025 AHRMA MAG Proposed Content Schedule

Hello Everyone,

AHRMA MAG Publication Schedule

This document is to help provide guidance on the AHRMA MAG publication schedule, as well as estimation on which National events are planned to be showcased in each issue. This will be updated as the year progresses and as race schedules are available. Reports for races more than 3 months in the past will not be utilized. We are trying to keep the magazine as relevant as possible. (i.e. a report for an April event submitted August 10th will not be used)

If there is additional non-race content that you would like to submit and it is not listed, please reach out to me so I can plan accordingly.

The AHRMA MAG is published ten times a year and is available to read online for free at www.ahrma.org/ahrmamagazine. Members who subscribe for $10 will be mailed four issues per year.

DIRECTORS: Please shoot for 400-500 words max; the column should be something relevant to your position. If you would like to update the photo accompanying your column, please provide with photo credits. The Executive Director is the only position required to write in each issue.

Daniel May, Leasha Overturf, Albert Newmann, Kaitlynn Osberg, Ed Roman, Kirstin Melchionda, Wendy Watkins, Peter Marcin, Joshua Schucker

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

ADVERTISING advertising@ahrma.org

PUBLISHER

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association

COORDINATORS: Regional schedules will not be shown on this document. If you would like to showcase a race, please plan accordingly.

Submit all content through the submission portal. If you have more than 10 photos to submit, please utilize WeTransfer and send to ahrmamag@ahrma.org

Thank you, Steph Vetterly Steph Vetterly, AHRMA MAG Publications stephanie.vetterly@ahrma.org // ahrmamag@ahrma.org

Paul Elledge, Tim Gundlach, Sarah Lane, Mark Glenn, MadCap Imaging, Steph Vetterly, Bobby Hedge, David Barr, Etechphoto.com, Chayton Watkins, Wendy Watkins, Paula Kyle-Stephens, Taylor Funderburke // Actionshots, Samantha McClellan

Scan to read online Upgrade your membership here

JAN / FEB content due Jan 10 (1/10)

» ROAD RACE - interview with Vintage Cup winner

» ROAD RACE - history piece about 2025 Vintage Cup class

» REGIONAL (MA) - Field of Dreams / Blacks Hollow / Reynlow Park / White Rose

» Trustee Bike Spotlight

» Crussell racing in Japan

ADDRESS 8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923

PHONE

888-41AHRMA (888) 412-4762

COVER -

www.ahrma.org/ahrma-mag-submission-guidelines/ or www.wetransfer.com

JUNE content due May 10 (5/10)

» ROAD RACE - Willow Springs (4/18-20)

» CC/Trials - Bark Buster’s (4/5)

» CC/Trials/VMX - Burrows Ranch (4/5-6)

» MX - Freestone MX (4/12-13)

» DT - Columbus Speedway (4/19)

» MX - Gateway MX (4/26-27)

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

MARCH

content due Feb 10 (2/10)

APRIL

JULY

OCTOBER content due Sept 10 (9/10)

» ROAD RACE - Blackhawk (8/1-3)

» ROAD RACE - Pittsburgh (8/15-17)

» Trials - Donner Ranch (8/2)

» CC/Trials - BSA Club (8/9)

» DT - Athens County Fairgrounds (8/22-23)

MEMBERSHIP

content due June 10 (6/10)

Lorraine Crussell

NOVEMBER content due Oct 10 (10/10)

Daniel May, Executive Director email: executive.director@ahrma.org 8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923

» ROAD RACE - Inde Motorsports (4/25-27)

email: membership@ahrma.org

» CC/Trials - Chaney Ranch (5/17-18)

» CC - Rocket Raceway (5/17)

Ed Roman, Special Committee

» MX - Thunder Valley (5/24-25)

Chairman email: ed.roman@ahrma.org

content due March 10 (3/10)

» ROAD RACE - Roebling (2/14-16)

RACE DIRECTORS

» MX - Shorty’s MX (3/1-2)

» Revzilla experience at Barber

Gerard Hays (3h) racing at Shorty’s Sports Park in Blythe, CA, the opening race of the 2026 AHRMA National Motocross Series, Presented by Redwood Engineering

» ROAD RACE - Nelson Ledges (9/5-7)

» MX - Johnsonville (9/6-7)

8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923

» Trials/MX - Rattlers Run (9/13-14)

» MX - Field of Dreams (9/20-21)

COMMUNICATIONS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER content due Aug 10 (8/10)

Cindy McLean email: communications@ahrma.org

DECEMBER content due Nov 10 (11/10)

» Barber (10/2-5)

» ROAD RACE - Hastings (5/30-6/1)

» ROAD RACE - NJMP (6/20-22)

» CC - Burney (5/31)

ROAD RACE DIRECTORLeasha Overturf email: roadrace.director@ahrma.org

MAY content due April 10 (4/10)

» ROAD RACE - CMP (3/14-16)

» CC/Trials - White Lightning (3/8)

Photo by samantha mcclellan

RACE COORDINATORS

» CC/Trials/MX - Bushey Ranch (9/27-28)

» DT - Jackson County Fairgrounds (5/31)

» CC/Trials - Tennessee Ridge Runners (6/7)

» MX - Muddy Creek (6/21-22)

» MX/DT - Honda Hills (7/19-20)

OFF-ROAD DIRECTORAlbert Newmann email: offroad.director@ahrma.org

» CC / MX - Farm 14 (3/21-23)

» DT - CrossRoads Motoplex (3/29)

FLAT TRACK DIRECTORKaitlynn Osberg email: flat.track@ahrma.org

CROSS COUNTRY COORDINATORJeff Oakley email: jeffoakley325@gmail.com

JANUARY content due TBD

AHRMA MAG is published ten times a year by the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American copyright conventions. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. AHRMA MAG is printed in the United States of America. The articles contained in this magazine are works of journalism and do not represent the opinions or ideas of AHRMA MAG. AHRMA MAG and the publisher assume no responsibility for the content of advertisements. While we welcome submissions, the magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Please do not send originals.

EASTERN TRUSTEES

Jeff Hargis - jeffhargis@comcast.net

Tod Millertod@sherdectreeservice.com

Jeff Oakley - jeffoakley325@gmail.com

Bob Robbinsbobr@inter-techsupplies.com

Colton Robertscoltonroberts3065@hotmail.com

Tim Terrell (Treasurer)tim.terrell@ahrma.org

NATIONAL TRIALS COORDINATOR

» Henryetta (11/7-9)

Debbie Poole email: pooleschl1@hotmail.com

» DT - Baton Rouge Speedway (11/8) rev.2 - 12/09/2024

WESTERN TRUSTEES

Jeff Bushey - jeff_bushey@yahoo.com

Wesley Poole (Secretary)wes.ahrma@gmail.com

Luke Sayersayerlu@gmail.com

Dave Stanton - dls5450@gmail.com

Greg Tomlinson (Chairman)chairman@ahrma.org

Ellen Voermanschicmxr@hotmail.com

THANK YOU 2026 SPONSORS

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AHRMA is only as strong as the trust and support of the people who race, volunteer, and keep this organization moving. Ed Roman and I want to share a straightforward update on the 2026 season and AHRMA’s overall health, including where we stand financially and what we are doing to strengthen the racing experience across all disciplines. We will be posting the Compiled fiscal year 2025 financials along with the IRS Form 990 filing in the coming weeks, showing that we continue to operate in the black while reducing debt and building a rainyday reserve. For 2025, the fiscal year ended with a profit of $101,000 on $1,583,000 of revenue (operating margin of 6.3%). As a not-for-profit, we target an operating margin of 5%-8%, using excess profit to retire debt and build reserves.

Since coming on board in August 2023, Ed and I have retired $300,000 of the original $350,000 principle, leaving a very manageable $50,000 remaining (plus nominal accrued interest). The remaining debt should be retired by November 2026. Post debt retirement, we can focus on expanding the member experience.

Membership has remained stable, but bringing in new members is still a priority. The AHRMA New Member Referral Program (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-memberreferral-program/) has proven to be an effective campaign. There were 442 new members in 2025, 253 were Off-Road, 126 Road Race, with the

Annual Update from Daniel May and Ed Roman

balance being multidiscipline or undeclared. Membership is critical to AHRMA’s long-term health, and every new member helps.

New for 2026 is the establishment of the AHRMA Strategic Planning Steering Committee, designed to establish a long-term plan for

the organization’s targets and goals. The “3 C’s” (Competition, Celebrating Classic Motorcycles, and Community) have been defined as the AHRMA core values. The committee is engaging in SWOT analysis, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and

threats. It is refreshing to be able to focus on long-term strategies rather than short-term survivability.

While the 2025 race season was faced with weather challenges, the 2026 season is threatened by a dramatic increase in gasoline and diesel fuel prices. California has seen diesel costs rise by 49.7%, and gasoline in Florida has increased by 37.3% Even Texas has seen a 36.1% increase in gasoline and a whopping 60.9% increase in diesel. (California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas represent the states with the most AHRMA members). We know that fuel costs are often the largest part of a racers’ budget and expect that this will curtail some travel plans. (smartasset.com/data-studies/ gas-prices-spring-2026). Overall inflation (CPI) is up again, 3.3% over the last year, adding to the cost of putting on racing events.

Ed and I remain active at AHRMA events and are on the road most weekends supporting all disciplines and working with our race directors to put on strong weekends for riders and crews. For 2026, we welcomed a new Flat Track Director and are expanding our partners to crosspromote vintage Flat Track racing. Ed continues to focus on Off-Road, membership, and insurance matters, while I concentrate on Road Race, Flat Track, and all things financial. The division of responsibilities we put in place when we came aboard has proven to be an effective management model for AHRMA.

If you would like more detail on any of the information above, the February 16th board meeting minutes are posted here:

www.ahrma.org/board-oftrustees-meetings/board-meetingminutes-roebling-road-racewaybloomingdale-ga-02-16-2026/

As always, Ed and I are open to your questions and feedback. Please email us anytime—especially if you see something we can do better at the track or as an organization—and we’ll do our best to respond and address your concerns.

Daniel May

DANIEL MAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ed Roman

ED ROMAN AHRMA SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

From the road

A MOMENT OF THANKS

I’m writing this while on the way to California for our West Coast round of back-to-back races. As I watch the landscape change outside the window, I can’t help but feel grateful — grateful for the life I lead, for the places this sport has taken me, and for the opportunities I’ve had along the way. One thing about the AHRMA road race circuit: you really do get to see the country as you move from one racetrack to the next. How lucky are all of us who get to chase our motorcycle dreams.

Of course, these days, chasing those dreams isn’t as easy as it once was. The economy has made it harder for racers to travel from track to track, and we’re seeing that reflected in our entry numbers. Building a race schedule and planning a budget has become a challenge, especially with the steady rise in costs. And it’s not just the racetracks themselves —

though even those increases of 3–9% a year add up. There’s so much more behind the scenes that most people never see.

This year alone, insurance and ambulance services have shifted our margins dramatically. One of our tracks saw a 16% increase in EV and ambulance services. Even the concession stands and food trucks that provide staff and volunteer lunches have gone up by $3–$5 per meal. There are countless other increases, but you get the picture.

So, what does all of this have to do with being grateful? Everything. Because despite these challenges, our racers and sponsors continue to show up. Every sponsor package purchased is a tremendous help. Every time a racer buys dinner or lunch for the staff and volunteers, it makes a difference. Every AHRMA

BY

t-shirt sold — even with our small markup — helps keep us moving forward.

So, thank you. I’m grateful for all you do. I see the effort, the sacrifices, and the heart you all bring to this sport. It inspires me every day, and I’m thankful to be on this journey with you.

Leasha Overturf

LEASHA OVERTURF ROAD RACE DIRECTOR

Coast-to-Coast Flat Track Action

As we charge into the 2026 season, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to VIB-ISO for their unwavering support and dedication. Their partnership has fueled our successful Southern Region events, kicking off the first quarter of flat track racing with thrilling races and memorable moments. Thank you, VIB-ISO, for helping us set the stage for an outstanding year of competition.

EXCITING EVENTS ON THE HORIZON

Looking ahead, I am thrilled to announce our upcoming Northern and Western Region events. We are gearing up for a spectacular start with the Triangle Motorcycle Club hosting races on May 16 and 17 in Harpster, Ohio. Additionally, fans on the West Coast can look forward to the action at Perris Raceway on May 16th in Southern California and May 31st at Lodi Cycle Bowl in North-Central California. These events promise to be exhilarating, and I can’t wait to see our talented riders in action.

SAFETY FIRST

I would like to remind everyone that safety is our top priority. As we prepare for these events, please ensure that all riders have the proper safety equipment. This includes helmets, protective gear, and any other necessary equipment to keep everyone safe on the track. Let’s work together to maintain a safe

and enjoyable environment for all participants and spectators.

CHARITY NEWSIES: THE REUNION RACE

I’m also excited to share that planning is underway for the Charity Newsies: The Reunion Race in Troy, OH, on June 20, 2026. This event promises to be a highlight of the season, with Charity Newsies on-site hosting a fundraiser 50/50 raffle. Scottie Deubler, the renowned voice of flat track, will be announcing the event, ensuring that every rider feels like the rockstar they truly are. We are honored to have Honda Powersports of Troy as the Presenting Sponsor, along with the support of Bill-E’s Bacon and Rehmert’s Kawasaki & KTM. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those interested in contributing to this fantastic event. Please email flat.track@ahrma.org for sponsorship information.

Pre-sale tickets are available for only $10, offering an affordable way to enjoy a day of thrilling races and community spirit. Keep an eye on the AHRMA Flat Track Facebook page for more information as we get closer to the event date and where to purchase pre-sale tickets.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for AHRMA Flat Track racing. I look forward to seeing you at the track!

Kaitlynn Osberg

KAITLYNN OSBERG FLAT TRACK RACE

DIRECTOR

AA Season Fueled by Community

s we roll into the heart of the season, one thing has stood out to me right away—and that’s the atmosphere. The vibe in the pits has been genuinely strong to start the year. You see it in the conversations between motos, in the shared tools and loaning of parts to keep bikes on the track, and in the laughter that carries across the paddock long after the racing has wrapped up for the day. That camaraderie is at the core of what makes AHRMA off-road special, and it’s been on full display so far this season.

We all recognize that times are a bit different right now. Travel costs continue to climb, and for many of us, that means making more deliberate choices about where and how we spend our time and money. Racing is rarely just a local commitment anymore—it’s fuel, lodging, entry fees, and time away from work and family. Because of that, it’s not lost on me how much thought goes into attending a national event. My hope, and our goal as an organization, is that when you do make that commitment, the experience delivers—whether it’s the quality of the facility, the effort put into the race program, or simply the chance to reconnect with fellow racers and enthusiasts who share the same passion for this sport.

There’s a lot riding on each event being successful. Track owners are investing heavily in their properties and infrastructure, promoters are working hard to put on smooth

BY STEPH VETTERLY

and enjoyable race weekends, and volunteers are giving their time to keep things running behind the scenes. But just as important is the role each racer plays. Your participation is what brings these events to life. The success of

AHRMA off-road is truly a shared investment—from the people putting on the races to the people lining up on the starting line.

Looking ahead, we’re approaching an important time of year for the

organization: the rules proposal period. If you’ve been around AHRMA for any length of time, you know how vital member input is to shape the future of our racing programs. You’ll be receiving communication outlining the submission process, but I’d strongly encourage you to take a few minutes and review the detailed breakdown available on AHRMA’s official website as well.

In addition, Steve Massey did an excellent job outlining the entire process in the April issue of the AHRMA MAG. His two-page spread walks through the key dates, requirements, and expectations, and the visual layout makes it easy to follow. If you’re considering submitting a proposal, that article is a great place to start.

The submission window runs from May 1 through May 15, and it will come up quickly. One key reminder: strong proposals are supported by solid documentation. Whether it’s historical data, technical references, or examples from within our own competition, that supporting information goes a long way in helping proposals be clearly understood and properly evaluated. If you have ideas, now is the time to begin organizing them.

On the administrative side, we do have some important transitions taking place within our regional leadership. Longtime Southwest Regional Coordinator Luke Sayer has made the decision to step down from his role. Luke has been a steady presence in the region and has contributed greatly to its development and stability over the years. We’re grateful for his efforts and the time he’s invested in helping build the program.

With that, we are actively looking for a new Southwest Regional Coordinator. If you are based in New Mexico, Arizona, Southern California, or Southern Nevada, this is an opportunity to step into a meaningful volunteer role and help shape the direction of off-road racing in your area. Both Terry McPhillips and Luke will be available during the transition, and myself—along with Ed Roman— are committed to ensuring the region continues to move forward smoothly. We want this to be a manageable

and supported onboarding process for whoever steps into the role.

We are also still seeking a coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Region, covering Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Eastern Montana, to fill the vacancy left by Jason Colon. These regional roles are critical in maintaining communication, organization, and consistency across our events, and they offer a great way to give back to the sport at a meaningful level.

As we head toward the summer months, the calendar is filling up with racing opportunities from coast to coast. No matter what your discipline—cross country, trials, or motocross—there are plenty of chances to get on the line and be part of what AHRMA off-road has to offer. I encourage everyone to stay up to date by visiting the schedules

and results section on the AHRMA website and planning out your upcoming race weekends.

At the end of the day, what makes this organization work is the people. The racers, the families, the volunteers, and the promoters all play a role in creating something that goes well beyond the racing itself. If the early part of this season is any indication, we’re off to a strong start—and I’m looking forward to seeing that momentum carry through the months ahead.

I’ll see you at the races.

Albert Newmann

ALBERT NEWMANN OFF-ROAD RACE DIRECTOR

Mt Airy, Maryland

FOR ALL CLASSIC BRITISH, EUROPEAN AND JAPANESE

MOTORCYCLES BUILT THROUGH 1991

Lifetime Membership is Back!

AHRMA Lifetime Membership is now available for members aged 60 and older. It is $850 and includes all the privileges of Full Membership plus the AHRMA Mag for US residents. This locks-in a low membership fee, eliminates the year-to-year renewal process, and aids AHRMA with a boost of income. Help yourself and the organization with a Lifetime Membership – the Board and staff thank you!

Questions? Contact membership@ahrma.org.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

• Eligible to compete in any AHRMA discipline

• Membership Card - available to download - see Resources at ahrma.org

• Eligibility to submit annual rule change proposals

• Trustee election voting privileges

• Free advertising via AHRMA Swap Meet discounted (via AHRMA.ORG and in AHRMA MAG)

• AHRMA Decals - available at race events

• AHRMA MAG printed/mailed quarterly for US residents only (AHRMA publishes a free online version of all 10 issues of the AHRMA MAG)

• Eligible to purchase the Annual AHRMA Handbook (AHRMA publishes a free online version after the completion of race season each year)

Redwood Engineering AHRMA Referral Program - April Referrals

The program goal is to increase membership by recognizing members who refer new competition members to AHRMA. Help AHRMA to grow by becoming an AHRMA Motorcycle Racing Advocate!

AHRMA members (current or expired) will receive a $25 credit towards membership renewal for each new competition member they refer. Any AHRMA member who refers 2 or more new racers in a single month will receive a “Redwood Engineering AHRMA Motorcycle Racing Advocate of the Month” t-shirt.

The member who refers the most new members in the calendar year will receive a Redwood Engineering AHRMA Motorcycle Racing Advocate jacket.

More details are at ahrma.org under New Racers (or directly www.ahrma.org/ahrma-member-referralprogram//).

Here is the list for April. Thank you!

NAME REFERRED

Joe Ackley

Edward Morgan Apr

Jim Jenkins William Jenkins Apr

Troy Howell Eddy Jezisek Apr

Ashley Powell Nathaniel Ward Apr

Tommy Petrie

Michael Mandia

John Donley

Thomas Petrie Sr Apr

Andrew Mandia Apr

Thomas Holbert Apr

Wes Orloff Bill Kane Apr

Jeff Sacks

Abhinay Eswarappa

James Menard

Seamus Sullivan Apr

Matt Harris Apr

Rocky Ketcham Apr

15-17 MAY 5-17

How old are you?

I’m 68.5 years young.

How long have you been racing motorcycles?

I started racing when I was 13 years old. My dad got me into motorcycle racing. He was a flat tracker in the Sportsman class down in Georgia in the 1960s and ‘70s. He was a professional racer back in 1949, and he rode the Daytona Beach Track the year that Dick Klamfoth won. Dad crashed out in front of the grandstands at the pier coming back onto A1A off the beach. That was the beginning of the end of his professional career as a racer. But he still introduced the family to it.

As a family, we went to the track together back in the ‘68-’70 period.

David Barr - 18c

When I was in high school, we moved from Decatur, Georgia, which was up by the Triumph of Atlanta shop. That’s where I was really introduced to motorcycles and racing. I spent a lot of time going to the shop and learning about motorcycles, watching racers getting their stuff prepped. I was just a teenager that wanted to get involved, and Bobby Penley, the owner, gave me the opportunity to ride some of the Hodakas that he had. My true introduction was my dad, and my mom wasn’t really that gung-ho about it, but she was okay with it.

Then, when I was about 15, my parents bought a

piece of land about 35 miles east of Atlanta and we moved. That was the end of being around the motorcycle shop and hanging out there.

Because I didn’t have the ability to go to the shop during the week, my interest went more toward architecture and art. I got really into doing that and played around with it in school. I thought that sculpting and painting would make an interested career. It led to me doing research and development work once I learned that art wasn’t going to pay the bills. I worked for the Hercules Powder Company in Covington, GA. Life continued to happen and I met my wife, got married, and had kids. That meant the extra funds for racing weren’t there. I always

had a motorcycle, but I just didn’t have the money to take it out on a track. I continued to hang out with the guys I had met at the track, like Beno (Rodi) and James and Bobby. I never lost contact with the group from the motorcycle world.

What brought you back to racing?

What really got me back into racing was that my sister was killed in a car accident in 2000. She was a year and a half younger than me, and it just made me think, “you know, you don’t live forever,” so I became an AHRMA member in 2001 and started flat tracking again because I remembered the fun that I had when I was a kid. Thankfully, my wife, Patsy, supported my decision and said, “go for it.” She doesn’t ride or care to ride, but she is happy to watch and support me at the track.

How many races do you think you’ve attended in your lifetime?

I’m not sure, but I would say at least 200 or more. Back in the day, it was two races every weekend, so that adds up.

Who helps you out at the track?

My sister, Sherry. She takes care of our mom so she isn’t able to attend the multi-day events, but she is always supportive of my racing when she can be there. My daughter, Alisa, is a great help at the track as well as my wife, Patsy. But in racing, the most support I get is from Beno (Rodi). In fact, he was just helping me rebuild my AJ yesterday (that broke during Daytona Bike Week at Marion County Speedway). We finally found out what was going on with it. I met Beno when we were teenagers going to the track, back in the late ‘60s when he was a Novice Professional. I did have my Novice license, but I never got serious about it on my TD Twin Yamaha.

What is your advice for someone wanting to get into flat track?

If you can find someone to mentor you that is already doing it, hang out with them and see if you enjoy it. The sport is full of excitement, but there are also challenges presented to you. You have to be able to change your plans in the matter of a second. You know, you can plan all you want, but you have to be willing to change and accept that. It’s okay to fail, and it makes success that much sweeter when you figure it out and get a good finish.

WIND, GRIT, AND FULL-THROTTLE RACING

CAROLINA MOTORSPORTS PARK 2026

WORDS KIRSTIN MELCHIONDA PHOTOS ETECHPHOTO.COM

From March 13 to March 15, 2026, AHRMA returned to Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC, for a race weekend that delivered everything from challenging travel conditions and unpredictable weather to incredible on-track battles and the unmistakable camaraderie that defines this community. It was a weekend that tested resilience as much as it celebrated competition, reminding everyone why we keep coming back.

For many racers, the weekend began long before engines fired up in Kershaw. For those of us traveling from the Northeast, the drive was anything but uneventful. Tornado warnings in Pennsylvania gave way to sleet, snow, and ice in Virginia, followed by relentless winds through North Carolina. Passing overturned trucks, spunout cars, and vehicles stranded in ditches made for a sobering journey. It was the kind of drive that demands focus and patience and perhaps left a few wondering what kind of weekend lay ahead.

Crossing into South Carolina, however, felt like entering a different world. Blue skies and sunshine greeted racers as they rolled into Carolina Motorsports Park. While temperatures remained on the chilly side, the contrast to the journey made it feel like a welcome reward.

FRIDAY: COLD CONDITIONS AND A BUSY PRACTICE DAY

Friday morning greeted riders with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by strong winds that made the air feel even colder. The track itself was slow to warm, creating slick

and unpredictable conditions, especially in the early sessions.

It quickly became clear that Friday would be a demanding day. Seven red flags interrupted practice sessions, though thankfully there were no serious injuries. The conditions kept riders on edge, particularly in tricky sections like Turn 1, which caught more than a few by surprise.

Several racers faced early challenges. Greg Glevicky, scheduled to ride Tom Pillsbury’s machine in the Vintage Cup, experienced a blown head gasket at the end of the first practice session. Kevin Dinsmore dealt with a broken chain, Sayre Anthony had a lowside in Turn 1, and Warren and Michelle Wilson had an oil

leak on their sidecar during practice. To name a few.

Amid the challenges, Friday also marked an important milestone for several newcomers. Three solo riders—Robert Evans, Vadim Tsires, and Chris Wimpey— along with two sidecar pilots, Chris Etzkorn and Alexander Nicoll, and three sidecar passengers, Stephanie Curtis, Lindsey Dail, and CeeCee Clark, successfully completed race school. Their addition to the paddock highlights the continued growth and vitality of the AHRMA community.

of the sport allowing spectators and racers alike to appreciate the machines and riders that helped shape AHRMA racing.

Race 1 featured the Vintage Cup (250 GP), where Holly Varey made an immediate statement

As the sun set, the mood shifted from intense focus to relaxed camaraderie. The Doukas family once again hosted their muchanticipated chili cook-off, which featured the largest selection yet. From traditional beef chili to chicken variations and everything in between, the spread was both diverse and delicious. Sampling each entry proved to be a meal in itself. Renee Joyce’s brisket chili claimed first place, followed by Xylene Lennon in second and Andrea Helmbach in third. It was the perfect way to end a demanding day and recharge for the racing ahead.

SATURDAY: MOMENTUM BUILDS AND RACING TAKES CENTER STAGE

Saturday brought slightly warmer temperatures and far fewer interruptions, allowing the event to settle into a rhythm. After two rounds of practice, the Legacy Laps took to the track. This initiative, organized with the help of Beno Rodi and David Rutherford, is designed to give both retired racers and retired machines a place on track once again. It highlights the history

on her Replica 1968 VanTech CS3. Taking the lead from the start, she maintained control throughout the race to secure first place, remaining the only woman so far to win a Vintage Cup race. Despite injuring his ribs earlier in the day, Greg Glevicky lined up for the race

on Tom Pillsbury’s now-repaired 1970 Yamaha DT1 and delivered an impressive ride, working his way into second place lap by lap. Craig Hirko on his 1967 Bridgestone TA1 rounded out the podium for Saturday’s Vintage Cup.

One of the standout performances of the day was delivered in Race 2. In Sound of Thunder 3, Bob Demetrius surged from a fourthrow start—including a row break— to move into second position by the end of the first lap. A thrilling final lap saw Demetrius battling Kevin Greimel and Sam Wiest. In the end, Demetrius took the win, with Wiest second and Greimel third. Meanwhile,

in Next Generation Superbike 2, Mark Heckles dominated the field, finishing more than eleven seconds ahead of Tom Watkins, with Michael Wilson close behind in third.

Race 3 continued to showcase strong performances. In Formula 125, Holly Varey once again led the way, fending off pressure from Craig Hirko before pulling away to win by over eight seconds. Randy Knoop secured third place. In 200 GP+, Stephen Aretz had a strong start but was overtaken early by Tim Terrell, Mark Shaver, and Trevor Scales. With Shaver and Scales dropping out, Terrell claimed victory, followed by Aretz and Stuart Sanders.

Both competition and personal milestones were highlighted in Race 6. Peter Booth, a seasoned racer from the Northeast, made his AHRMA debut in Sound of Singles 3, riding a borrowed Honda RS 125. Despite a steep learning curve on the 125 twostroke, Booth showed impressive progress over the weekend with ear-to-ear grins. Up front, Ralph Starapoli demonstrated his usual mastery, taking the win ahead of Adrian Jasso and Erik Lukehart.

Sidecars took center stage in Race 8. With five new racers joining the ranks, the field reflected both experience and fresh enthusiasm. A thrilling finish saw Tim and Renee Joyce (SC2 Supervintage) edge out Peter Essaff and Wendy Watkins (Modern TT1 + TT2) by just 0.068 seconds. The close result was particularly impressive given

the difference in machinery between vintage and modern sidecars.

Not all moments were without incident. A few teams ran off track while attempting overtakes, including Warren and Michelle Wilson. In SC Lost Era 3 + Classic 4, Team HotShot (Stephen Aretz and Taylor Brown) claimed victory, followed by Adam Cramer with TJ Priest, and newcomers Alexander Nicoll with Stephanie Curtis in third.

Another dramatic moment came when Brian Rammer and his new co-pilot Lindsey Dail were forced to end their race early when they went off in Turn 14 while attempting to overtake Joe and Kirstin Melchionda. The Melchiondas took second in SC2 Supervintage, and yet another newcomer team, Chris Etzkorn with CeeCee Clark, finished third.

Ralph and Sierra Wessel secured victory in Vintage Sidecar SC1, while Damon Doherty and Missy Kellam claimed the top spot in Modern US F1 + F2, an impressive result following a recent crash at Roebling Road.

Saturday concluded with the awards ceremony, where racers gathered to celebrate the day’s results. Those finishing in the top three stepped onto the podium to receive their awards and have their photos taken by AHRMA’s race director, Leasha Overturf, who took her role as photographer very seriously. As always, Mark Glenn and Stuart Sanders kept things light with their humor and banter. Holly Varey delivered a memorable line which summed up the spirit of racing vintage bikes perfectly: “I love to go fast on slow bikes.”

SUNDAY: RACING AGAINST THE WEATHER

Sunday began with an eye on the radar. After one round of practice followed by the sound of a beautiful recording of the National Anthem by Terri Korn, accompanied by Jim Korn, the decision was made to shorten races to six laps in anticipation of incoming weather.

For many, the approaching storm shifted priorities. Packing up early became just as important as racing, and like many others, I found myself balancing time

between watching races and breaking down our pits. While I was not able to see every race firsthand, the action that unfolded—and the stories shared throughout the paddock—made it clear that Sunday delivered just as much excitement as the rest of the weekend.

Race 1 once again featured the 250 GP Vintage Cup and provided another thrilling chapter for the class. Craig Hirko and Tim Terrell went head-to-head, with Hirko leading much of the race. The crowd’s attention was firmly fixed on the two as they came through Turn 14 side by side. A small mistake by Hirko in the closing moments allowed Terrell to capitalize and take the win by just 0.392 seconds. Holly Varey rounded out the podium, capping off an exceptional weekend in the class.

In Sound of Thunder 4, Kevin Dinsmore maintained a steady lead over Kevin Greimel to secure the win, with Blake Casner finishing third.

Race 10’s Moto Lemans event saw Jonas Stein take victory ahead

of Brian Larrabure and Randy Knoop. In Race 11, Terry Scoggin held off Alexander Cook in Vintage Superbike Middleweight, with the gap closing each lap but never quite enough to challenge for the lead. In the same race, Dave Evans dominated Formula Vintage with a clear and decisive win.

As the weather closed in, races 12 through 14 were further reduced to four laps. Race 12 featured a tight contest in Open Two-Stroke, where Ralph Starapoli narrowly defeated Dylan Benjamin, crossing the line just 0.312 seconds ahead. Shawn Woolery, last year’s National Champion, took third on the podium.

Rain began to fall during Race 13, leading to an unfortunate crash and a subsequent restart. Thankfully, the rider was not seriously injured. The delay, however, proved beneficial for many teams, allowing just enough time to swap slicks for rain tires. After the restart, Sayre Anthony proved both skillful and strategic, taking the win in Formula 500 ahead of Mark Williams.

most riders shifted from pushing limits to simply bringing the bike home safely. Robertino Pietri claimed victory in Sound of Thunder 1 ahead of Dave Ehrhart and Steve Metz, while Bill Hegerty won Next Generation Superbike Lightweight, with Nick DiTrolio in second and Robert Himmelmann in third. In Sound of Singles 1, Brian Lowe launched off the start and maintained a strong lead throughout the race, finishing ahead of Joe Melchionda and David Keeler.

As the final bikes cleared the track, the rain subsided and the sun reappeared, almost as if to signal the end of a remarkable weekend.

A WEEKEND DEFINED BY MORE THAN RESULTS

Beyond the racing, it was the moments in between that defined the weekend. Acts of generosity, perseverance through adversity, and the shared passion for the sport were evident everywhere.

By Race 14, the rain had intensified significantly. Visibility dropped, braking zones became treacherous, and the goal for

Whether it was a rider pushing through injury, a team working late into the night to solve mechanical issues, or fellow competitors

stepping in to help one another, the spirit of AHRMA was on full display.

Congratulations to all who reached the podium, and to everyone who overcame the weekend’s challenges simply to make it to the grid. A special thank you goes out to the AHRMA staff and volunteers, whose efforts ensured a safe and successful event despite the many variables at play.

If this weekend proved anything, it is that racing is about far more than results. It is about resilience, camaraderie, and the love of the sport—no matter the conditions.

2026 Vintage Cup - 250 Grand Prix

AHRMA Roadracing Series Presented by VIB-ISO

Varey and Terrell Split AHRMA 2026 Vintage Cup

Wins at Carolina Motorsports Park

WORDS AHRMA STAFF PHOTO ETECHPHOTO.COM

Rounds 3 and 4 of the AHRMA season took place March 14th and 15th at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC, as part of the 2026 AHRMA National Roadracing Series, presented by VIB-ISO.

Sponsored by Roadracingworld. com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton. com), this year AHRMA’s 2026 Vintage Cup features the 250 Grand Prix class, which includes any fully GP-kitted 250cc OHV/ OHC four-stroke; 250cc aircooled single cylinder two stroke; 175cc liquid cooled single cylinder two-stroke; or 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder twostroke built before December 31, 1968. It’s a showdown of classic small displacement racing

that relies heavily on cornerspeed, momentum, and precise engineering, and certain to leave fans on the edge of their seats.

Typical AHRMA 250GP grids include a wide variety of motorcycles such as Aermacchi, Bultaco, Greeves, Montesa, Ducati, NSU, Ossa, and more.

Saturday - Holly Varey, aboard her Replica 1968 VanTech CS3, nailed the hole shot at the start, immediately opening several bike lengths on the field. She maintained and extended her lead throughout the race, crossing the checkered flag with a commanding flag-to-flag win.

Starting from the back of the grid, AHRMA stalwart Greg Glevicky—

SPONSORED BY

stepping in to ride Tom Pillsbury’s 1970 Yamaha DT1—charged through the pack to second position. Craig Hirko, on his 1967 Bridgestone TA1, stayed right on Glevicky’s tail and made several strong passing attempts, but Glevicky held firm each time. On the final lap, Hirko ran wide exiting the last turn, giving Glevicky the opening to secure second. Hirko finished third, with Jonas Stein taking a very close fourth on his 1972 Honda CB175.

Sunday - The race launched with riders side-by-side through Turn 1. Varey, Rob Hall (1967 BSA C15), and Tim Terrell (Rob Hallenhanced 1966 Honda CB160) emerged three-wide from Turn 8 onto the back straight. Varey

and Terrell quickly pulled ahead, building a solid gap over the rest of the field, while Hall retired early due to mechanical issues. Not to be left behind, Craig Hirko put his head way down and steadily closed on the leaders, passing Terrell before ultimately engaging Varey in a battle for the lead. Terrell remained close behind, biding his time. Hirko eventually took command at the front, with Terrell slipping past Varey to move into second. In the final laps, Terrell intensified his pursuit of Hirko. Late braking into Turn 11 allowed him to close the gap significantly. On the white-flag lap, Hirko passed a backmarker cleanly but committed a couple of small errors. Terrell capitalized, diving inside Hirko through the final turn and getting a smooth line onto the front straight to take the win at the checkered flag. Hirko held second, with Varey completing the podium in third.

“Coming from the cold Northeast I was quite happy to be in the (somewhat warmer) South Carolina CMP paddock with all our AHRMA friends and family again. Heading into the weekend the 250 Grand Prix Vintage Cup had one of the highest number of entries of all

RACE RESULTS

Saturday Results - March 14, 2026

1 – 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Bradford, ON

2 – 455 Greg Glevicky, 1970 Yamaha DT1, Cincinnati, OH

3 – 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY

4 – 123 Jonas Stein, 1972 Honda CB175, Nashville, TN

5 – 805 Greyson Rogers, 1972 Yamaha CT1, Claremont, NC

6 – 79A Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA

7 – 588 Jake Hall, 1969 Honda CB160, Asheville, NC

8 – 17X Alex McLean, 1966 Ducati 250, Jacksonville Beach, FL

9 – 87 Eric Watts, 1966 Ducati 250, Blacklick, OH

10 – 350 Doug Bowie, 1968 Ducati Mach 1, Lilburn, GA

11 – 97 Frances Ganance, 1966 Ducati Mark 3, Cincinnati, OH

12 – 500 Stuart Wray, 1965 Ducati 250, St. Petersburg, FL

13 – 231 Rik Gould, 1970 Honda CB175, Poplarsville, MS

14 – 220 Tim Terrell, 1966 Honda CB160, Burlington, NC

15 – 62X Robert Himmelman, 1970 Yamaha CS3, New Glarus, WI

Sunday Results - March 15, 2026

1 – 220 Tim Terrell, 1966 Honda CB160, Burlington, NC

2 – 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY

3 – 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Bradford, ON

4 – 79A Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA

5 – 123 Jonas Stein, 1972 Honda CB175, Nashville, TN

6 – 588 Jake Hall, 1969 Honda CB160, Asheville, NC

7 – 87 Eric Watts, 1966 Ducati 250, Blacklick, OH

8 – 17X Alex McLean, 1966 Ducati 250, Jacksonville Beach, FL

9 – 97 Frances Ganance, 1966 Ducati Mark 3, Cincinnati, OH

10 – 62X Robert Himmelman, 1970 Yamaha CS3, New Glarus, WI

11 – 231 Rik Gould, 1970 Honda CB175, Poplarsville, MS

12 – 521 Kevin Nixon, 1965 Honda CB160, Naugatuck, CT

classes and I knew this meant the racing and position changing would be akin to a tight Moto3 race. On Saturday, as I called the race from the tower, it was clear Holly Varey had a great start, great corner speed, and great power. She was in charge of the lead from the green flag while many of the riders behind her put on the fireworks show. Halfway through the race it struck me… Holly could win this, and it would be a special moment to have a woman on the top step of the podium, showing the boys what’s what. And that indeed happened. Anyone listening to me on the P.A. could hear my genuine excitement

in real time. I was quite happy to pass that beautiful Vintage Cup trophy her way. She earned it and has proven over these first two 2026 race weekends that she’s the one to beat.

Sunday’s race outcome was less certain - it was anyone’s race to send it in hard or make a costly mistake. Fellow New Yorker Craig Hirko started clicking off the fast laps and looked like he was going to be on the top of the box, but AHRMA trustee Tim Terrell went to school, and we had a full on drag race to the flag. Just the way it should be.

NATIONAL - road race

With 24 entries going into this weekend, this is proof of concept - the Vintage Cup is genuinely working to keep these classics out of living rooms and onto the track. Exactly as this class was intended,” said series sponsor Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.

AHRMA first launched the Vintage Cup series during 2019 by spotlighting the 350 GP class. The series resumed during 2021 and highlighted the 500 Premier class. It was followed by Vintage Superbike Heavyweight in 2022, and Formula 750 in 2023. In 2024, the second rotation of featured classes was initiated with 350GP, followed by 500 Premier in 2025. 250GP was added to the series in 2026 - the first year it has been featured.

“Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2026 AHRMA National Road Race Series at CMP were a perfect reminder of what AHRMA vintage racing is all about. The Vintage Cup, featuring

the 250 GP Class, made a great show all weekend, with exciting racing on both Saturday and Sunday. Big congrats to Holly and Tim for grabbing the wins, and huge respect to everyone on the grid for showcasing their machines and skills.

The 250 GP field is absolutely stacked, with a really cool mix of bikes and some seriously talented riders. The big turnout just shows how fun these machines are to race, and how competitive the class has become. The different podiums each day pretty much say it all about the depth of the field.

This is exactly the kind of racing that makes AHRMA so special. We’re fired up to keep it rolling in April when the series heads west to Willow Springs for the next rounds of the AHRMA National Road Race Series,” shared Greg “GT” Tomlinson, AHRMA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Rounds five and six of the AHRMA National Road Race Series Presented by VIB-ISO will be April 17-19 at Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA.

The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadRacingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.

5-7 JUNE -7

Hanging Off the Edge

FROM SPECTATOR TO SIDECAR MONKEY

WORDS BY WENDY WATKINS PHOTOS BY ETECHPHOTO.COM, CHAYTON WATKINS, & COURTESY

rowing up, I was never around motorcycles, so when my husband ventured back into the sport after 25+ years, I supported him, of course, but had no idea what this was all about! I vividly remember my first race… I truly had NO clue what to expect and I’m pretty sure “cluelessness” was the look on my face the entire weekend. However, I was intrigued by “those things” … not only was I not familiar with the race scene but had never seen sidecars! And so, my sidecar

passion began. I watched the sidecars at every race in awe of how magnificent they truly are! Fast forward one year and for Christmas, my husband, Tom, signed me up for passenger school- I was beyond excited- I got to be a monkey!

Going through school last year at CMP with Tim & Renee Joyce felt like a dream come true! Terrifying, but still a dream! The “book” side of school was easily manageable but getting on the track… words cannot describe. Having met Peter Essaff (my

driver) only briefly and never being on a side car before, aside from a brief trail around the paddock, I locked in and focused on the job at hand- keeping that rig balanced! What I did not expect was the claustrophobia inside my helmet (I’d never worn one before!) or the nausea (But I’ve figured out how to manage that as well!) My first

ever race followed my completion of race school and Peter was amazing at coaching me through the turns and adjustments with a simple nod of his head… and that first place trophy rides around with me every day seat belted in the backseat of my car! I smile every time I remember the thrill of that first race!

Racing sidecars is less about sitting and more about becoming a part of a living, breathing machine! The driver controls the speeds and direction, but that balance is all about the passenger! It’s high speeds and the passenger is always in motionleaning over the track in the corners and climbing across the chair

while accelerating down the straightaways… letting the G forces pull you into place. No seatbelts, no doors, just a low platform, a few handholds and the total trust in my driver! Communication isn’t spoken; it’s instinctual. And, when all is right, it feels like a perfectly choreographed dance. Having a driver such as Peter makes for a truly amazing team! He knows where I am at all times and he knows my every move. There’s so much value in the trust built together as a team.

Being the passenger demands strength, agility, and fearlessness. Your arms will burn, your legs will strain, and your focus will never break. But the thrill… Sidecar racing isn’t about control, it’s about a profound partnership, precision, and the adrenaline of living right on the edge and I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing sport!! The icing on the cake? I have met some of the most amazing humans at the track; people I am so excited to see at each race. I am truly grateful for each and every moment I get to spend with my friends at every race and that I get to be a sidecar monkey!

JUNE 26-28 6-28

RACING IN THE SHADE

MY RETURN TO CROSS COUNTRY RACING

This story begins last summer in Vermont. I was in the Green Mountain State racing vintage motocross on my two 1970s Husqvarnas at the State Line AHRMA Northeast regional race.

Just before the riders’ meeting, another racer approached me and said he had a vintage Husqvarna project bike from the same era as mine for sale. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the bike with him, and I already had two perfectly fine bikes, but what racer isn’t curious to see a new entry on the market? I requested photos and details sent to my cell, and we exchanged numbers. Shortly afterward, I received photos of a mostly assembled 1975 Husqvarna 250 WR. It is a WR (Wide Ratio) model for the woods, but this happened to be one bike I was truly interested in. The 1975 model qualifies for vintage classes by virtue of being “like design” and using the engine and chassis from

the 1974 CR or MAG. No matter that I no longer raced crosscountry, I agreed to purchase the bike and figure out how to use it later.

The bike was located in western Massachusetts, about a sixhour one-way drive, so it took a while to pick it up. It also turned out that the bike was not as fully assembled as it appeared in the photos. Rather, the frame and wheels were complete, but everything else was in boxes. Still, I pressed ahead, driving home from up north with my latest project.

The 1974 MAG model is so called because it came stock with magnesium cases. These cases are light and strong but really do not like sustained exposure to water or humidity. At just over 50 years old, with little known about its history, what could go wrong? Back in my garage, I got a cold slap in the face when I discovered the lower cases had a severe case of MAG rot. I’ll save the saga of getting the motor rebuilt (it’s still not done) for another day.

One of the reasons I took a chance on this bike is that I had a spare used 1973 250 CR engine that would easily mount in the chassis. Though the CR engine was a few years older, hadn’t had a bottomend rebuild in years, and had a cranky transmission, it would at least get the WR rideable more quickly.

I still had yet to settle on a use for this bike. I knew well that it was built as a cross-country bike with wide-ratio gears, but it had been a while since I raced in the “shade.” In fact, it had been so long that I had to look up when I last entered a woods race. It turns out I last challenged the trees (and, in that case, reeds) at the 1985 Delaware State Enduro. That year, it was an AMA National Enduro. I rode well enough on a borrowed 1985 Honda XR200 and placed a respectable third in the A Four Stroke class. But 41 years ago is a long, long time ago!

I got into AHRMA as a motocross rider in 2016, and I hadn’t raced a single cross-country event since.

However, both the AHRMA Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have strong crosscountry schedules aligned with the motocross calendar, so the opportunity had been staring me in the face. As I spoke to my racing friends, they naturally encouraged me to try some cross-country with my new project bike. Many of them already did it themselves, getting in a nice one- or twohour race on Saturday and then returning to race motocross on Sunday. It started to sound interesting.

Just before Thanksgiving, I decided I would prep this bike—and myself—to race cross-country in the spring. The earliest races were in late March, and the AHRMA Northeast season opener was in mid-April, so I thought I’d have plenty of time. My plan was to use as many spare parts as I already owned to outfit the bike. For the missing items, a visit to the PVR (Potomac Valley Riders) annual swap meet in January yielded a few needed parts, but I still had a lot of work to do.

January in New Jersey does get quite cold, and this winter was especially brutal, with substantial snowstorms in December and January. As a result, my garage dropped to a sustained 40 degrees, making working conditions less than ideal. Without much insulation, it took a lot of energy to raise the temperature enough for my fingers to function and for oil to still pour, but I pressed ahead.

As expected, the older 250 CR engine fit fine in the frame. It took a couple of pipes, but I found one that fit, and I manufactured air cleaner brackets from aluminum stock. An older CR seat replaced the 50-year-old relic on the WR. I didn’t care for the WR gas tank, as it was much wider than my CR tanks, so I converted to a newer aluminum tank that held over two gallons and was much lower and narrower at the rear. The fork innards appeared not to have seen human eyes for many years, so I cleaned them out, installed new seals, and added stiffer springs to match my weight. The rear shocks appeared to be original to the bike, with light springs and little damping left in the struts. I tried a set of rebuilt Falcons, but they were eventually replaced with a pair of rebuilt original Works Performance shocks.

Somehow, January, February, and most of March slipped away. I had three bikes to prepare, as I was still fully committed to motocross. I finally got the WR started on

March 27, and my first trip to a practice track was on April 11. Incredible that this was only one week before the Irish Valley season opener.

The practice track was a great idea; however, their woods loop was closed, and I spent the better part of two hours circling their Vet MX track with not a single tree to carve around—and no shade. The bike worked well. I made the decision to swap to the WP shocks that day, and there were a few other small items to address. In no way dissuaded, I kept plugging ahead with my plan.

The trip to the season opener is always a lot of extra work. All my racing and camping gear had been packed away for six months and had to be selected carefully, as I didn’t want to forget anything. I also decided to bring all three of my bikes. This required a larger trailer (I rent U-Hauls), extra gas, and an extra stand. It somehow all came together, and I headed northwest toward Pennsylvania on Friday, somehow one hour ahead of schedule.

Arriving at the track early, I got a prime spot with a view of the course and away from the bigger rigs and their generators. Friday night, I was able to sign up early in Vintage 60+ Expert, walk the pits to catch up with fellow racers, eat, and get to bed early.

Saturday morning dawned beautifully. The track looked perfect, and the temperature was not expected to rise much past 75 degrees. I sampled the local food truck for breakfast and hydrated well as I walked to the riders’ meeting. The instructions were similar to motocross, except everyone lined up in class order, with the fastest riders out first. My class placement put me in the second row, ahead of plenty of riders at the start, so I reminded myself: it had been a long time since I raced in the shade, this was for fun, don’t do anything stupid, and move over quickly when I’m inevitably caught by faster racers.

Before the race, I made another important decision: I put on every piece of safety gear I owned— more than I normally wear riding motocross. It was a good choice.

I also strapped on a GoPro chest mount so I could review whether I did anything right during the day. The race started on time. The first row blasted off, with one unfortunate Husky rider forced to bump-start his bike. This reminded me again: I was kicking with my left leg, the bike needed to be in neutral with the clutch out, and before taking off, I had to put it in gear.

Our flag dropped, and it took me a few kicks to fire the bike. Even with the reminder, I forgot to put it in gear, but it all came together, and I got moving—and I was not last. The race used the motocross track for a few hundred yards before funneling into the woods. My motocross instincts screamed for me to pass a few riders before we entered the trees, but I thought better of it and eased into line heading down the first hill.

As we descended, I was surprised. It was early spring in Pennsylvania, but the woods looked like fall. A substantial layer of brown leaves covered everything. Even the racing

line was mostly obscured, and venturing off-line felt like tempting fate with hidden logs or rocks. I learned this quickly later in the first lap. No more than two feet off the single-track line, my front wheel went left while I went right. The embarrassment was worse than the impact, and I remounted as the line of riders behind me streamed past, many kindly asking if I was okay. Nice touch. They earned my respect.

Shortly afterward, I was just getting back into rhythm when the WR suddenly stopped as if it were out of gas. I checked the petcock—it was fine—and there was fuel in the filter, so I restarted. The bike repeated this several more times. The last time, I was near the pits, and Bob Grimes ran out to help. He twisted off the gas cap, air whooshed in, and the fuel filter quickly filled. He yelled, “Vapor lock!” which explained everything. I was close enough to my pit that I rode over to my trailer and borrowed a gas cap from one of my CRs. In nearly 10 years of racing Huskys, I had never encountered this issue, and the WR had run perfectly at practice the previous week. What a lesson.

The only silver lining from my pit detour was that the overall leader, Billy Burns, passed me without my having to get out of his way.

The next two laps, the bike ran as it should. I established a rhythm around the trees, and I attacked the uphills earlier so they became mere annoyances. I also tested

my extra safety gear when my shoulder pads clipped a tree. As expected, trees don’t move, and I didn’t slide by nearly as gracefully as I had in my twenties.

As I rode, I remembered that woods racing is difficult but fun. Nothing flows smoothly, trees grow in random locations, but if you look ahead and plan your turns, all the little sections piece together into a lap. Luckily, the course used a bit of the motocross track each lap, and that section became a welcome rest.

The checkered flag arrived for me on lap three at just over an hour. My first thought was that I could have raced longer, but in retrospect, this was plenty and an excellent first test. It took me 41 years, but I was very happy with my return to racing in the shade—and I plan to do it more. Now if I could just get that pesky original engine rebuilt.

See the full build and more photos on my Facebook page: HuskyBoysVintageRacing

KICKIN’ IT OFF WITH A COUPLE ROUNDS OF FIREWATER

AHRMA NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY PRESENTED BY REDWOOD ENGINEERING

WORDS PHOTOS

JOSH SCHUCKER

TAYLOR

FUNDERBURKE // ACTIONSHOTS

09:59:50 AM. It’s here. Finally, after a long “real” winter squirreled away in the shop prepping bikes for just this moment, I flip the kick starter out ready to fire the bike at the first twitch of the green flag. As my heart beats faster, I say a quick prayer in hopes that this old hunk of Yamaha’s finest engineering comes to life with just one kick. A clear bright blue sky is burning off the slight chill lingering from last evening’s gusty winds and illuminating a cacophony of brilliant colors unseen by this carpetbagging Pennsylvanian since fall. The bland palette of drab and somber remaining up north is replaced by brilliant greens of freshly awakening nature contrasting starkly with the rich burnt sienna of the South Carolina clay and the rainbow of motorcycles and gear stacked into the starting grid at Silver Hawk Plantation on this fine March morning. That’s a lot of thoughts to cram into ten seconds, eh? But, when you’re fortunate enough to find pure joy bringing activities in your life, time has a way of slowing down when you’re savoring those fine moments, until it doesn’t…then you’re off!

White Lighting event had been cancelled just a year removed from a much anticipated, and successful, reboot. This year the event was going to get its mojo back and return to the stacked rows of yore in its decade plus run of season opening swagger. But alas, sometimes the gotta-do in life gets in the way of the wannado. Knowing these decisions do not come lightly, it is certain that the complex mix of work, health, family, and other obligations that faced long standing event progenitors Greg Holder and Al Roof could not be denied.

Three months earlier. “Oh no, what a bummer, we were so looking forward to that!” A common reaction to the quickly spreading news that the 2026 Carolinas

Now what? It’s over?

“What? Over? Did you say ‘over’? Nothing is over until we decide

it is!” exclaimed Potomac Vintage Riders’ (PVR) Dave Kutskel in a near-perfect rendition of Bluto’s motivational tirade from 1980’s Animal House. It may not have actually happened this way, but that’s how I choose to remember it. Regardless, this hyperbolic huddle with a grouping of PVR members during January’s AHRMA Mid-Atlantic (MA) Region Awards banquet kickstarted his efforts to salvage an early season AHRMA National Cross Country event in South Carolina. If you remember back to last spring, Dave’s MA and PVR teams played a big part in reviving the White Lighting event after a several year hiatus, so they’ve got some knowledge and experience of the location and its contacts. Conversations accelerated between Dave and Silverhawk Plantation ownership and land

manager Todd McDonald to resecure the property for the March event dates. At Al and Greg’s request, the White Lightning name was retired in honor of their legacy, and the re-branded Carolinas Firewater Cross Country National was publicized shortly after the cancellation announcement.

This almost didn’t happen. But here we are, just passing by the scoring tent at the completion of lap one and gunning the throttle toward the pine forest beyond the starting area. A short squirt through some tight evergreens is a foreshadowing of things to come, but the lap’s initial stage is certainly dominated by the open blast through a grass field and into a step-up jump that begins a series of motocross style oneeighties.

Here you can really tell the course is rounding into shape nicely.

The traction on the red clay is superb. You can lay the bike into the succession of nearly a dozen turns with reckless abandon and still feel like a hero as it sticks and shoots you toward the next turn. Just thirty-six hours ago, a soaking rain had subsided leaving the surface with the friction coefficient of Maximamarine-grade grease. It’s amazing how quickly the surface tacked up, especially after the lap one traffic flattened and emptied any semblance of lingering mud puddles. Mother Nature had our backs for sure.

Ducking into some woods next, you find a mix of two-track with incredible worn-in solid berms that have you groovin’ as you flick left-right-left with some jumps and bumps between. A hard left into tighter trail then a WFO rip through a field destined for a large stand of pines where a proper fresh-cut, bar-bangin’ stick farm awaits. Each successive lap generates alternate, faster lines and more flow, but be assured, for mere mortals that field you just passed through is the last time you’ll stretch the throttle cable for a while. Lock-to-lock, keep your body in motion, keep those feet on the pegs and you’re back in the open. Just in time to start another section blanketed by pine needles. You’ll find this section to be far more open with worn in hot lines that allow enough hustle and flow that you kind of don’t want it to end. This is nearly heaven on a dirt bike. Rocks? What’s a rock? Well, there is a one giant rock shelf that you climb as the grand finale of the perfect pines, and the descent is a doozie of an erosion ditch.

Now we enter the big woods, the ones where the leaves fall every year and the roots grow with each passing lap. The last couple miles weave through towering hardwoods using every trick in the enduro/cross-country book. Two creek crossings, off-camber goat path, dips, jumps, whoops, roots, logs, and several hill climbs, including one that slithers one hundred feet up one of the tallest hills on the property. Some of this route covered trails that were familiar and had obviously been previously used, but it was

all well-healed and interspersed with bits of fresh-cut single track. Again, traction was excellent with hard pack forest floor giving way to dark organic-rich loam and the expected slick conditions on the exit side of the creeks. Plenty of chop and braking bumps developed over time, but there was enough clear terrain on the edges of most trails to seek a smoother line if you had the vision and bravery to explore.

Fun, flowing, and offering plenty of challenge for all skill levels, the 2026 Firewater course was purely amazing. Kudos to property manager Todd McDonald for all his efforts leading up to the event to make sure it was marked and ready to go. He also took the time to reconfigure the loop after Saturday’s racing to substitute a stint on the motocross course for some of the back half woods trail to add some variety to the weekend’s excitement. He’s also got some great moto-stories to share around a campfire. Another huge thanks for the excellent trail system goes to Brock Kutskel, for acting as his father’s proxy in helping Todd with the pre-event course preparation. A recent culinary school graduate, Brock had recently relocated to the Carolinas for his first job and his convenient proximity to Silverhawk

Plantation was a game saver for making the weekend happen.

Additional thanks to the fine Potomac Vintage Riders folks that made the trek south from Pennsylvania to run sign-up, scoring, handle course marking and clean-up; Grant and Jessi Reichart, Kristy Schucker, Doug Van Horn, the aforementioned Dave and Brock K, and a cleanup assist from the Folmar-Laird crew. Thanks to Al Roof for the social media promotion and for handing the keys to PVR for the Firewater re-brand. Attendance was more tepid than hoped but knowing that the current socioeconomic pressures and sudden increase in fuel prices may have kept some folks at home, all the riders, friends, and families that attended were very much appreciated. And it is always a great experience sharing the track with the prominent contingent of fine folks proudly representing our dear nation at the Enduro Vintage Trophy event later this year; Fred, Terry, Billy, Marc, Darrell, Red Dog, Clint, Suzy, Joe, and any other I may have missed…go USA! Go Firewater…What a great time, don’t miss it next year!

For more info, check out www.ahrma.org.

RACING THE HEAT

What began as a weather concern quickly became the defining storyline of the weekend at Blythe, where a recordsetting heat wave settled over the Sonoran Desert and refused to let go. With temperatures climbing between 102 and 107 degrees, conditions were far from typical—and posed a serious test for both riders and organizers.

In true AHRMA fashion, the challenge was met head-on.

Originally planned as a relaxed, early-season event, the schedule was quickly adapted to stay ahead of the worst of the heat. Racing began around 8:45 a.m. each morning, allowing both days to conclude before the brutal afternoon temperatures set in. Saturday wrapped by 1:15 p.m., while Sunday’s program was completed before noon.

The adjustment proved critical— and successful.

“You guys did it,” said Jim Rike. “The schedule went off without a hitch, and we beat the heat just as Albert Newmann advertised.”

With no heat-related issues and a consistently positive atmosphere in the pits, the weekend exceeded expectations and rewarded those who made the trip.

A highlight of the event was honoring “Diamond” Don Rainey as Grand Marshal. Organized by Gerard Hayes, the tribute added a meaningful and celebratory tone to the weekend. Rainey embraced the role fully, engaging with riders

and spectators while sharing stories from decades in the sport.

Track conditions, initially a concern under the relentless sun, quickly became one of the weekend’s biggest surprises. What began as a baked, hard-packed surface transformed—thanks to thorough watering—into an ideal mix of desert dirt and sand that held up throughout the event.

“The dirt was such a surprise to me,” said Jerry Mattox. “One of the best surfaces I have raced on in my time in AHRMA… kind of shocked considering we are in the desert.”

Saturday’s racing delivered competitive action across the board. Among the standout performances was Samantha Condon, who entered multiple classes and consistently ran at the front—holding her own against seasoned AHRMA Expert and championship-level riders. Her speed and composure marked her as one of the weekend’s breakout performers.

The Vintage 60+ Intermediate class produced one of the largest gates of the day, with Darrel Spilsbury out of Henderson, Nevada, emerging on top after fending off strong challenges from Mike Kelly, Tom Hooker, and a deep field of ten contenders.

In Sportsman 125 Expert competition, Jerry Mattox made the trip from North Carolina to face a stacked lineup that included defending champion John Roitinger, former champion Mickey Sergeant, and Gerard Hayes. Roitinger’s early exit due to a dislocated shoulder reshaped the class, but the remaining field delivered a compelling two-moto battle. Mattox controlled moto one, while Sergeant—aboard his classic Penton 125—applied relentless pressure in moto two. Despite the challenge, Mattox secured a 1-1 sweep and the overall victory.

Emerging talent was also on display, highlighted by 16-yearold Josiah Vanmiddendorp, who impressed in his AHRMA debut with multiple Novice class wins.

Neill Yamato topped the 60+ Novice class, while Trey Jorski added to the Expert ranks with victories in both of his entries.

Sunday’s earlier start once again proved effective, setting the stage for another strong day of racing. The most commanding performance of the weekend belonged to Parker Jones of Noleen’s. Aboard his Maico 490, Jones delivered a dominant ride—posting blistering lap times and separating himself from a competitive field that included Jorski.

“I love this type of surface,” said Trey Jorski. “And the heat wasn’t as bad. Getting the racing over early and efficiently really was the key.”

Additional standout performances came from Tony Pupillo, who

swept both Ultima 125 Expert and Next Gen 60+ Expert, and Scott McClellan, who captured wins in Historic 500 Expert, PV Open Age Expert, and Current 2-Stroke Expert. Tom Hooker continued his strong weekend with victories in Next Gen Open Intermediate and Next Gen 60+ Intermediate.

Local riders also made their mark. Terry McPhillips powered his Bultaco to victory in Historic 250 Intermediate, while Jim Rike claimed the Historic 4-Stroke Intermediate win aboard a wellprepared Yamaha TT500.

All participants received a commemorative “Diamond Don” medallion, with many also taking home giveaways and discounts courtesy of Asterisk, ASV Levers, Noleen’s Suspension, and AHRMA.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers ensured the event’s success despite the demanding conditions. Luke Sayer, Terry McPhillips, Barry and Davina Anglemyer, Jim Rike, Josiah Vanmiddendorp, Gordon McClellan, Mark Baer, Scott McClellan, Savanah McClellan, Tom Hooker, Tony Pupillo, and Gerard Hayes all played key roles in delivering a smooth and successful program.

In the end, the story of the weekend wasn’t just about enduring the heat—it was about outworking it. Through smart planning, adaptability, and a committed community, AHRMA once again proved that great racing isn’t defined by conditions, but by the people who rise to meet them.

MAY 22-24 2026

MARKETPLACE

fzr 400 superbike

PRICE: $7,900

LOCATION: Punta Gorda, FL CONTACT: Bob DiCello(941) 234-6294

1971 t500 suzuki titan road racer

PRICE: $6,000

LOCATION: Howell, MI CONTACT: Roger Pelkey(517) 672-2909

SWAP MEET

motorcycle transportation

ADVERTISE YOUR VINTAGE RACING RELATED BUSINESS & PRODUCTS HERE

1978 husky

390 automatic

PRICE: $4,000

LOCATION: Hammond, LA CONTACT: Mark Fury(985) 320-1260

disc brake resurfacing

PRICE: $70+shipping

LOCATION: Chesterland, OH CONTACT: Ron Kretz(440) 729-4111

1975 suzuki rl 250 trials

LOCATION: Central Alabama CONTACT: David Turner -(509) 389-3906

1986 yamaha it 200

PRICE: $2,300

LOCATION: Tallahassee, FL

CONTACT: Gary Williams(850) 545-4006

WHERE AHRMA MEMBERS BUY, SELL, AND TRADE

Will transport bikes and gear to road race and/or multi-discipline events, Florida to California, and all events in between.

LOCATION: Port Orange, Florida CONTACT: Ralph Wessell - (386) 760-0932

transport from southern california

WHITE GLOVE ENCLOSED TRANSPORT FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO: INDE / HASTINGS / BARBER

CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO.

LOCATION: Los Angeles

CONTACT: Brady Walker - www.ahrma.org/advert/transport-from-southern-california/

1973 sprint 350 euro

Ready to race! For more information, check out: www.ahrma.org/advert/1973-sprint-350-euro/ PRICE: $18,000

LOCATION: Florida

CONTACT: Al Hollingsworth - (904) 814-6608

1972 sprint 350 short red big bore / short rod engine

Ready to race! For more information, check out: www.ahrma.org/advert/1972-sprint-350-short-red-big-boreshort-rod-engine/

PRICE: $12,000

LOCATION: Florida

CONTACT: Al Hollingsworth - (904) 392-0424

1972 sprint 350 engine

Ready to race! For more information, check out: www.ahrma.org/advert/1972-sprint-350-engine/

PRICE: $12,000

LOCATION: Florida

CONTACT: Al Hollingsworth - (904) 392-0424

motorcycle hauling trailer

8’ x 16’ Trailer with working AC unit. Electrical outlets are wired in and tires have less than 1000 miles on them. Bearing, axle, brushes, emergency brakes, battery & switch, front jack replaced January 2025. Three spare tires, tiedowns and pull out awning with protective cover included.

PRICE: $10,000

LOCATION: St. Augustine, FL

CONTACT: Albert Hollingsworth - (904) 814-6608

SWAP MEET ADS: AHRMA members may submit two free Swap Meet, noncommercial, motorcycle-related ads of up to 50 words each, per issue. Each ad will run only once, but you are welcome to renew monthly. All ads will also be placed on www.ahrma.org for at least one month.

MARKETPLACE ADS: The Marketplace plan is specifically designed for small business owners. Members or nonmembers may submit an ad of up to 50 words and may include 1 photo. This ad will appear both on ahrma.org’s AHRMA Swap Meet page, and in AHRMA MAG’s Marketplace section for 2 issues, with photo. Marketplace ads cost $25 for 60 days and may be renewed as many times as you like.

Please include: name, address, phone number and AHRMA membership number with your ad.

Go to: www.ahrma.org/classifieds-etc/

2026 AHRMA NATIONAL SERIES SCHEDULES

2026 AHRMA National Roadracing Series Presented by VIB-ISO AAR: Academy of Roadracing SRS: Sidecar Racing School

Date Venue

2/12-15

Roebling Road Raceway; Bloomingdale, GA (AAR & SRS)

3/13-15 Carolina Motorsports Park; Kershaw, SC (AAR & SRS)

4/17-19 Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway; Rosamond, CA (AAR & SRS)

4/24-26 Inde Motorsports Ranch; Willcox, AZ (AAR & SRS)

5/15-17 Motorsports Park Hastings; Hastings, NE (AAR & SRS)

6/5-7 Autobahn; Joliet, IL (AAR & SRS)

6/26-28 New Jersey Motorsports Park; Millville, NJ (AAR & SRS)

7/24-26 Gingerman Raceway; South Haven, MI (AAR & SRS)

7/31-8/2 Blackhawk Farms Raceway; South Beloit, IL (AAR & SRS)

9/11-13 Nelson Ledges; Garrettsville, OH (AAR & SRS)

10/8-11 Barber Motorsports Park; Birmingham, AL

* all events, except Barber Motorsports Park, are hosting both the AAR and SRS

2026 AHRMA National Observed Trials Series presented by Redwood Engineering

Date Venue

4/11 Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA

5/30 Old Desmond Ranch; Burney, CA

6/6-7 Tennessee Ridge Runners; Bybee, TN

7/11-12 Donner Ranch; Boreal, CA

8/22-23 Tennessee 2-Step; Crossville, TN

9/12 Rattlers Run; Fairfield, WA

9/26 Bushy Ranch; Canby, CA

10/9 Barber Motorsports Park; Leeds, AL

11/6 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK

2026 AHRMA National Cross Country Series Presented by Redwood Engineering

Date Venue

3/14-15 Firewater Cross Country, Silver Hawk Plantation; Buffalo, SC

4/11 Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA

4/18-19 Freestone MX; Wortham, TX

5/2-3 Rocket Raceway; 3 Springs, PA

5/22-24 Farm 14; Centreville, MS

5/30 Old Desmond Ranch; Burney, CA

6/6-7 Tennessee Ridge Runners; Bybee, TN

6/27-28 Brush Buster’s Bonanza; Marceline, MO - canceled

7/25 Burnt Ridge; Onalaska, WA

8/8-9 Shady Acres MX Park; Friendsville, MD

8/22-23 Tennessee 2-Step; Crossville, TN

8/29-30 BSA Club; Toronto, OH

9/18 Diamond Don’s Riverport National; Jefferson, TX

9/26 Bushey Ranch; Canby, CA

10/9 Barber Motorsports Park; Leeds, AL

11/6-8 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK

2026 AHRMA National MX Series Presented by Redwood Engineering

Date Venue

3/21-22 Shorty's MX; Blythe, CA - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

3/28-29 Desoto Motorsport Park; Grand Cane, LA - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

4/11-12 South of the Border; Hamer, SC - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

4/12 Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA - VMX only

4/18-19 Freestone MX; Wortham, TX - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

5/16 Glen Helen MX; San Bernadino, CA - canceled

5/23-24 Farm 14; Centreville, MS - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

6/6-7 Track 148; Lewiston, ID - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

6/20-21 Muddy Creek Raceway; Blountville, TN - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

7/18-19 Honda Hills; Thornville, OH - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

8/8-9 Shady Acres MX Park; Friendsville, MD - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

8/15-16 Washougal MX Park; Washougal, WA - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

9/5-6 Mill Creek Motorsports; Combs, AR - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

9/12-13 Field of Dreams; Greensburg, PA - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

9/12-13 Rattlers Run; Fairfield, WA - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

9/19-20 Diamond Don’s Riverport National; Jefferson, TX - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

9/27 Bushy Ranch; Canby, CA - VMX only

10/3-4 Dodge City MX Park; Bremen, AL - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

10/10-11 Barber Motorsports Park; Leeds, AL - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

11/7-8 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK - VMX, PVMX, NGMX

2026 AHRMA Flat Track Series Presented by VIB-ISO

Date Venue

1/31

2/7

2/14

2/28-3/2

4/11

4/18

5/16

5/16

5/17

SDTA - Marion County Speedway; Ocala, FL (Short Track & TT)

SEFT - Mid Carolina Speedway; Neeses, SC (Short Track)

SDTA - Southern Training Facility; Bainbridge, GA (Short Track)

SDTA - Bike Week at Marion County Speedway; Ocala, FL (Short Track)

SEFT - Tri County Kartway; Kenly, NC (Short Track)

SDTA - Marion County Speedway; Ocala, FL (Short Track & TT)

Southern California Flat Track Association - Perris Raceway; Perris, CA (Short Track)

Triangle Motorcycle Club; Harpster, OH (Short Track)

Triangle Motorcycle Club; Harpster, OH (Half Mile)

5/31 Lodi Motorcycle Club @ Lodi Cycle Bowl; Lodi, CA

6/20 AHRMA - Miami County Fairgrounds; Troy, OH (Half Mile)

7/17 Roeder Racing - Wauseon Vintage National; Wauseon, OH (Half Mile)

8/1 Mile High Showdown; Dacono, CO

8/22

9/4

9/10-11

10/3

Western Reserve M/C; Salem, OH (Short Track & TT)

Roeder Racing - Davenport Vintage National; Davenport, IA (Half Mile)

Spokane Speedway; Airway Heights, WA (Short Track & TT)

Southern California Flat Track Association - Perris Raceway; Perris, CA (Short Track)

10/9 AHRMA - Talladega Short Track; Eastaboga, AL (1/3 Mile Clay)

10/17-18

11/7

11/14

12/5

Triangle Motorcycle Club; Harpster, OH (Short Track)

Southern California Flat Track Association - Perris Raceway; Perris, CA (Short Track)

SEFT - Mid Carolina Speedway; Neeses, SC (Short Track)

Southern California Flat Track Association - Perris Raceway; Perris, CA (Short Track)

2026 AHRMA

REGIONAL SCHEDULES

2026 AHRMA Mid-Atlantic Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/mid-atlantic

Date Event Disciplines

4/11 Adrenaline Ridge MX Park; Rural Valley, PA MX

4/18-19 Irish Valley MX Park; Paxinos, PA CC, MX

4/25-26 Sutton Station; Summerville, PA CC, MX

5/2-3 Rocket Raceway; Three Springs, PA CC

5/30-31 Smokey Pines MX Park; Mount Pleasant, PA CC, MX

6/13-14 Candytown MC; Elizabethtown, PA CC, MX

6/27-28 Ashcraft Farm; Bellefonte, PA CC, MX

7/11-12 Quiet Oaks Campground; Cross Fork, PA CC, MX

8/2 Allen’s Farm; Montrose/Lawton, PA

8/8-9 Shady Acres MX Park; Friendsville, MD

8/22-23 Coyote Run; Ebensburg, PA

8/29-30 Ohio Valley BSA Club; Toronto, OH

9/12-13 Field of Dreams Farm; Greensburg, PA

10/10-11 Reynlow Park; Reynoldsville, PA

10/24-25 White Rose MC; Spring Grove, PA

MX

Schedules and venues are subject to change, Visit regional websites for up to date information

2026 AHRMA Northeast Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/northeast

Date Event

4/18-19

MX

MX

All MX events will host Vintage, Post Vintage, and Next Gen/ Disc Brake classes (for air-cooled 4-strokes up to 2000, 2-strokes up to current year)

All CC events will host Vintage, Post Vintage, and Disc Brake/ Next Gen classes (for air-cooled 4-strokes up to 2000, 2-strokes up to 2008). See an event flier for more details. Mid-Atlantic Championship criteria for Cross Country and Motocross are:

• Minimum six (6) region class placings required to qualify for MX championship and year-end awards.

• Minimum eight (8) region class placings required to qualify for CC championship and year-end awards.

• Best six (6) region class placings count toward MX championship.

• Best eight (8) region class placings count toward CC championship.

Potomac Vintage Riders is the primary sponsor of the Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Series and the Motocross Series. Skill levels are Novice, Intermediate and Expert. Cross Country tracks are usually 3.5 to 5 miles long and challenging. Races offer a wide range of trail conditions consisting of hills, woods single-track, grass track and two-track woods roads. All races are 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (estimated). See a flier above for all the details. The Motocross series venues consist of vintage bike friendly layout (low jumps) consisting of a typical MX track or a GT/ grass track style, 1 mile or more with typically five lap Motos, depending on the venue. Two Motos per class. Similar rider skill levels as Cross Country and we run all AHRMA MX classes. Most tracks use an old-school rubber band start.

2026 AHRMA Great Lakes Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/great-lakes

Date Event Disciplines

4/12 IXCR - Real Rock Run; Rockville, IN CC

4/18 Irish Valley MX; Park Paxinos, PA CC, MX

6/6-7 Summers Compound; Petersburg, KY Trials

7/18-19 Honda Hills; Thornville, OH MX

9/5-6 Hangers; Thornville, OH Trials

9/12-13 Field of Dreams; Greenburg, PA MS

11/7-8 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK MX, CC

11/27 Great Lakes Banquet; Louisville, KY

Disciplines

Irish Valley MX Park; Paxinos, PA CC, MX

4/26 Claverack MX; Hudson, NY MX

5/2-3

5/16-17

Bean Field Blast at Rustic Ridge Winery & High Burl Brewery; Burlington Flats, NY CC, MX

Lamoka Motocross; Bradford, NY CC, MX

5/23 State Line MX; N. Pownal, VT - canceled MX

6/5-7

Unadilla MX Rewind; New Berlin, NY CC, MX

6/20 Hot Iron Dust Up at MX 508; Charlton, MA MX practice

6/27-28 Ashcraft Run; Bellefonte, PA CC, MX

7/11-12 Quiet Oaks; Cross Fork, PA CC, MX

8/1-2 Allen’s Farm MX; Lawton, PA CC, MX

8/22-23 Fergberg Rodeo; Wyalusing, PA CC, MX

9/5-6 Bear Creek Sportsmen; Hancock, NY CC, MX

9/13 Vintage Day at The Farm; Warwick, NY Fun Ride MX & CC (aircooled & drum brakes)

9/26-27 Zoar MX Park; Springville, NY MX Practice and MX (drum brakes)

10/3-4 French Woods; Hancock, NY CC, MX 10/24-25 White Rose MC; Spring Grove, PA CC, MX

2026 AHRMA Northeast Regional Championship Requirements Championship Criteria for Motocross is:

• Six (6) events minimum to qualify for regional championship and year-end awards.

• Best seven (7) events count toward points championship.

Championship Criteria for Cross Country is:

• Five (5) events minimum to qualify for regional championship and year-end awards.

• Best six (6) events count toward points championship.

6/7 Inman Motocross; Inman, KS MX

6/27-28 Brush Busters; Marceline, MO - canceled CC

9/5-6 Mill Creek Motosports Park; Combs, AR MX

10/3-4 Tonyland Vintage MX Park; Jonesbourg, MO MX

Regional MX Championship Qualifying Requirements:

• Must ride all 3 MX events to qualify for a Regional Championship.

• You must be an AHRMA member to receive Regional AHRMA Championship Awards and points, Non members points will be removed and rescored for members

Regional CC Championship Qualifying Requirements:

• No regional CC championship for 2026

2026 AHRMA Rocky Mountain Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/rocky-mountain

2026 AHRMA Heartland Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/heartland Date Event Disciplines

2026 AHRMA Southwest Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/southwest

1/11

ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

2/1 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

3/7 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

3/21-22 Shorty’s Sports Park; Blythe, CA MX

6/14 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

7/18 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

10/4 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

11/15 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

12/12 ARX @ Glen Helen; San Bernardino, CA MX

For Details on each event go to: ARX go to americanretrocross.org

For regional events please go to the AHRMA table after registering with the promoter to sign up to be scored points for the Southwest Regional Series. If you don’t sign up at our table, you won’t get regional points. We need to know your name, member number, bike number and AHRMA class (such as: Sportsman 250 Novice) you are riding in. AHRMA members racing will be scored separately for the regional series and placings will exclude non-AHRMA members. For example, you might finish 3rd overall but first AHRMA depending on how other AHRMA members finish. This will be done after the event in an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet will be posted on the SW Region webpage.

2026 Regional Championship Qualifying Requirements:

• All Southwest events count for Regional Championships

• 6 events in the same class required to qualify for Championships.

• Must be a full AHRMA member for championships.

2026 AHRMA Northwest Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/northwest

Date Event Disciplines

3/14-15 Fingerlake; Red Bluff, CA *If weather delay 3/21-22 Trials, CC, VMX/Iron Butt Weekend

4/11-12 Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA *If weather delay 4/18-19 Trials, CC, VMX/Iron Butt Weekend

4/25 Leapfrog Classic Trials, Frog Pond Motoranch; Vacaville, CA - CANCELLED Trials

5/2-3 Steel Stampede, Deshutes County Fairgrounds; Redmond, OR Trials, VMX

5/30-31 Old Desmond Ranch; Burney, CA CC, MX, Trials, Iron Butt Weekend*

6/6-7 Track 148; Lewiston, ID MX

7/11-12 Donner Trials, Boreal; Soda Springs, CA Trials

7/25-26 Burnt Ridge MX Park; Onalaska, WA Trials, CC, VMX/Iron Butt Weekend

8/15-16 Washougal MX Park; Washougal, WA MX

8/22-23 Tea Cup Trials & Tea Cup Scott Trials; Point Arena, CA Trials

9/12-13 Rattlers Run Ranch; Fairfield, WA MX, Trials

9/26-27 Bushey Ranch; Canby, CA VMX, CC, Trials, Iron Butt Weekend*

2026 AHRMA Northwest Regional Championship Series

• All Northwest events count for 2025 Northwest Championships.

• All events count

• VMX – 4 to qualify

• Trials – 5 to qualify

• Cross Country – 3 to qualify

• Regional points awarded at National events on Northwest’s schedule.

You must be an AHRMA member to receive Regional AHRMA Championship Awards and Points. Non member points will be removed and rescored for members.

2026 IRON BUTT

• Complete 2 motos in the same class

• 3 Trials loops

• Finish Cross Country in all 4 scheduled events

AHRMA Northwest Post Vintage / NextGen MX Schedule Coming Soon

Date Event Disciplines

1/4

1/25

2/22

3/14-15

Masters Motoplex; Gaston, GA CC

Moonshiner; Statesboro, GA - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CC

MX DesStates; Waldo Motorsports Park; Waldo, FL MX

Firewater Cross Country, Silver Hawk Plantation; Buffalo, SC CC

3/28-29 Desoto Motorsports Park; Grand Cane, LA CC, MX

4/11-12 South of the Border; Hamer, SC CC, MX

4/25-26 Monster Mountain; Elmore County, AL MX

5/16-17 Barber Motorsports Park; Leeds, AL MX

5/23-24 Farm 14; Centreville, MS CC, MX

5/30 Henry’s Hills; Cornelia, GA Trials

6/6-7

Tennessee Ridge Runner; Bybee, TN CC, Trials

6/20-21 Muddy Creek MX Park; Blountville, TN CC, MX

8/1 Coyote Creek Trial; Monroe, NC Trials

8/22-23 Tennessee 2-Step; Crossville, TN CC, Trials

9/5-6

Monster Mountain; Elmore County, AL MX

10/3-4 Dodge City MX; Breman, Al CC, MX

10/9-11 Barber Motorsports Park, Vintage Fest; Leeds, AL CC, MX, Trials

11/4 Henry’s Hills; Cornelia, GA Trials

11/7-8 Elizabeth City Motocross Park; Elizabeth City, NC MX

2026 Southeast Regional Championship Requirements

You must be an AHRMA member to receive regional points and end-of-year Championship Awards.

All AHRMA sanctioned events held in the southeast will count toward a southeast regional championship. We are including the regional CC at Desoto, LA as a SE event. Desoto is a national MX.

• Cross Country- Top 6 events to qualify, 7 are counted. At least 1 event must be regional

• Motocross- Top 7 events to qualify 8 are counted. At least 3 events must be regional.

• Trials- Top 4 events to qualify 5 are counted. At least 1 event must be regional. Subject to change as the regional schedule evolves

Eligibility for the above is IAW 11.5.c. of the AHRMA Handbook. Did Not Start (DNS) or Did Not Finish (DNF) does not receive credit for attending that race. Additionally, 15.3.6 is applied for regional championship eligibility in cross country.

2026 AHRMA South Central Schedule visit www.ahrma.org/southcentral

3/28-29 Desoto Motorsport Park; Grand Cane, LA MX, CC

4/18-19 Freestone MX; Wortham, TX MX, CC

5/2-3 Waco Eagles MX; Riesel, TX MX, CC

5/23-24 Farm 14; Centreville, MS MX, CC

6/13-14 Leesville Motorsports Park; Leesville, LA MX, CC

9/5-6 Mill Creek MX; Combs, AR MX, CC

9/18-19 Diamond Don’s; Jefferson, TX MX, CC

11/6-8 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK MX, CC

2026 Regional Championship Requirements to Qualify

You must be an AHRMA member to receive Regional AHRMA Championship Awards and Points. Non-member points will be removed and rescored for members.

Minimum requirements for Motocross Championship:

• Minimum 5 races to be a regional champion.

Minimum requirements for Cross Country Championship:

• Minimum 7 races of which 1 race must be a regional

*DeSoto is a National race for VMX and PVMX however, it is Regional only for Cross Country but we will be doing double points for the CC only.

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