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History Will take center stage At AMA racing Vintage Grand championships
By Joe Bromley
As the largest motorsports sanctioning body in the world, the American Motorcyclist Association is in a unique position to help guide America’s greatest family sport to the next level.
Part of moving forward, though, involves looking back to our heritage. And there’s a lot of it. The AMA is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2009, which will culminate at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, this July 24-26.
A significant slice of those 85 years has involved motorcycle racing, from board track to dirt track to enduros to motocross, and everything in between. So, of course, this anniversary celebration would not be complete without racing, and that’s why we’re proud to present the first-ever AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.
To be held among the other activities at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships will crown AMA Racing national champions in motocross, dirt track, hare scrambles, road racing and trials.
AMA racers of all ages compete in vintage racing, which features non-current motorcycles on period-inspired courses. It’s affordable, fun, unique, laid-back and flat-out cool. Some of these racers grew up racing AMA-sanctioned events. Others are just starting out. All of them are die-hard enthusiasts who just want to have a good time racing motorcycles.
Some of them are also the fastest vintage racers in the country, and there certainly will be tough competition for the AMA Racing National
No. 1 plates up for grabs, not to mention two special awards that were created to echo what has historically represented this country’s highest honor in motorcycle racing: the title of AMA Grand National Champion.
The AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships will crown two AMA Vintage Grand National Champions, one in off-road and one in track racing. For details, see the supplemental rules in the Racing section of AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.
I’m also happy to report that all champions crowned at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships will be recognized at the AMA Racing end-of-year banquet, set for Dec. 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, where the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will hold its 2009 induction ceremony the following day. It will be a weekend you won’t want to miss.
I invite all AMA racers to come out and participate at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, battle for national recognition and have a great time at the granddaddy of vintage motorcycle get-togethers: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. There will be classes for all skill levels, and chances are that if you have an old bike in the shed there’s a place for it.
Come find out just how cool history can be at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships this July 24-26.
And, as always, let us know what you think at AMARacing@ama-cycle.org.
Joe Bromley is the AMA director of racing.
ON THE COVER: Get your vintage on at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships this July 24-26 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
the
sNaPshOts
It’s the 1970s all over again at this vintage hare scrambles race. Come see if the past is as cool as you remember it at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships this July 24-26 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Photo by Grant Parsons
Got a photograph that captures the spirit of AMA Racing? Send it in, along with a few words, to AMARacer@ama-cycle.org.
(Note: Only submit photos for which you own the full copyright. Thanks!) For closeups and captions of these member-submitted photos, please visit the online version of this issue at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/AMAracer/
Proud mom Susan Miller submitted this photo of her son, Joshua, taken back in Michigan when she was deployed to Iraq.
Mike Radford sent in this snapshot of his daughter, Nicole, captured at a vintage trials event.
Kelly and Spencer made it to the top of the hill with dad, John.
Jerry McWilliams is ready to burn up the salt at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
sNaPshOts
Who says you can’t ride on water? John in Michigan poses with his 1979 Yamaha XS650, nicknamed “My Good Lookin’ Twin.” On most Saturdays and Sundays, it’s where you’ll find John in January, February and early March.
Adam Bude’s 1987 Honda Reflex looking good in Mt. Hope, Wis.
Will Sequino at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.
sNaPshOts
Dave Holloway with Eric and Mick in a sandwash in northwest Colorado.
race action is fast and furious at Fast Friday’s Motorcycle Speedway at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, Calif.
straNg, MULLINs sUrVIVe the rOcks IN sOMerset Championship Points Shakeup At GNCC Round 7
The rocks, mud and fields of Western Pennsylvania provided the setting, while Team FMF/Makita Suzuki provided the drama, with Josh Strang outdueling his teammate Charlie Mullins in a three-hour battle in the premier XC1 class at the seventh round of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series in Somerset, Pa.
AmPro FMF Yamaha’s Barry Hawk finished third to collect his first podium of the season.
The XC2 Lites win went to Shock Doctor KTM’s Kailub Russell ahead of Monster Energy/ Andrews Yamaha’s Jason Thomas and Russell’s teammate Cory Buttrick.
Strang’s fourth win in the last five GNCCs may have played out well for his team, but championship rival Paul Whibley had a tough day. The New Zealander smashed a waterpump cover and put a hole in his radiator, but still dug out a seventh-place finish in the XC1 class. Strang now holds the points lead for the second time this year.
In race action, Mullins snagged the $250 MotorcycleUSA.com Holeshot Award, but Whibley quickly moved into the lead and pulled a big gap early. Eventually, Strang and Mullins hooked up, and along with AmPro FMF Yamaha rookie Thad DuVall, mounted a charge and caught Whibley.
With DuVall falling victim to a mechanical failure, the Suzuki teammates battled Whibley, and when Whibley’s own mechanical issues cropped up, it became a Strang vs. Mullins race for the win.
“I was worried when Whibs got away like that, because he would be hard to reel in if we waited too long,” said Strang, a 21-year-old Australian. “We were able to catch back up to him. I didn’t really feel that good in the rocks today, and I went over the bars one time in the mud. But I have some confidence after winning three races earlier in the year, so I just tried to go fast where I could and stay smooth in the other areas.”
Hawk overcame pressure from Shock Doctor KTM’s Nathan Kanney to claim third.
“Normally, I’m not happy with just getting on the podium unless I win,” said Hawk. “But I’ve been having some bad races, and I realize I maybe need to back my goals down a bit…. I think I have the speed to run with these guys.”
championship Points (7 rounds of 13)
1. Josh Strang, SUZ, 165
2.
3.
kaMO carrIes adVaNtage INtO the break KTM Rider Comes From Behind To Win At Round 5
David Kamo won the fifth round of the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series in Jericho, Utah, marking his second win of the season. It also gave the Shock Doctor/ KTM rider a solid advantage heading into the long summer break.
Kamo started out in third place after the bomb run behind Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott and Kamo’s Shock Doctor/KTM teammate David Pearson. The three riders stayed close together for the first 48-mile loop, which was fast and dusty.
“There was so much dust everywhere that it was very hard to see,” Kamo said. “I just kept charging forward trying to stay as close as I could. When Abbott stalled his bike, I was able to move around him on the first loop, and David (Pearson) and I came into the pits first and second.”
After a quick pit for both riders, they went out for the second loop with Pearson still leading and Kamo in second.
“The second loop was a lot more technical than the first loop, and it took about 25 minutes longer to complete,” Kamo said. “Pearson was riding strong, but I was able to get around him
with 10 miles to go.”
Kamo took the lead from Pearson, who was struggling with a dehydration problem, and went on to take the win and increase his points lead. Pearson was able to finish a solid third place overall and sits third in points behind Abbott.
“We have a pretty long break until the next event, but I plan to still race a few times in between. Mainly, I will focus on the ISDE qualifiers as I would like to qualify to race as a member of the ISDE Junior Team this year,” Kamo said.
The series will pick back up Sept. 26 in Wendover, Nev. It will then roll through Jericho, Utah, on Oct. 3 before the season finale in Lucerne Valley, Calif., on Oct. 25. More information is available at AMARacing.com.
championship Points (5 rounds of 8)
1. David Kamo, KTM: 121
2. Destry Abbott, KAW: 109
3. David Pearson, KTM: 102
Xc1
Charlie Mullins, SUZ, 161
Paul Whibley, KAW, 159
raINes ON Pace tO
retaIN east hare scraMbLes tItLe
Weigand At The Front Of Close Battle Out West
After three rounds, AmPro FMF Yamaha’s Jason Raines is in good shape to defend his AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship. With a win at Round 3, Raines made up for his first round 11th and second round second to pad his points lead.
In the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series, where two rounds are in the books, Johnny Cambell Racing’s Tim Weigand leads the points chase with a third and first ahead of Brenden Ritzman, who has a win and a fourthplace finish.
The AMA Racing East and West Hare Scrambles Championship Series crown regional champions in a number of classes, including A and B champions in 86cc-200cc, 201cc-250cc, 251cc-Open, and Vet, Senior, Super Senior and
Women’s classes. In addition, an Overall champion is crowned. All winners are invited to the AMA Racing end-of-year banquet where all AMA Racing champions are honored for their season accomplishments.
Round 3 of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series goes down June 12-14 at Riverdale Raceway in Toutle, Wash. More information can be found at westernharescrambles.com.
Round 4 of the AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship Series is set for June 21 in Lynnville, Ind. More information can be found at blackcoal.org.
Season schedules and more series information can be found at AMARacing.com.
kId racer
Bushley Wants To Turn Dirt Skills Into Success On The Tarmac
rider’s name: Patrick Bushley
Age: 10
District: 13 (Virginia)
Bike: KTM 65 Years raced: 4-1/2
classes race: 65cc 7-11
Favorite track: Virginia Motorsports Park, Petersburg, Va.
Best race Memory: When I won my first District 13 AMA title at the age of 5 and meeting Danny Eslick that same year.
Goals For the Year: To continue to race and expand my racing into road racing.
Favorite riders: Danny Eslick and Roland Flego.
other cool stuff: Patrick has won two District 13 AMA titles and has finished on the podium every year he’s raced. Patrick is an honor-roll student in the fourth grade and is taking honors math and English. He mows yards in the neighborhood to raise money for racing (one of his biggest purchases being a set of leathers for road racing). He’s also into football, basketball and soccer when he is not pursuing racing.
What Patrick says:
“I’m not the fastest guy out there, but I for sure have more fun than anyone else on the track!”
What Dad says: “I have coached Patrick in all other sports, but motorcycles are by far what has fostered our relationship.
He spends time with me in the shop turning wrenches and servicing his bike and mine, and the hours on the road in the cab of the truck are priceless!”
Who Has Patrick’s Back: Piedmont Motorsports, Custom Race Wear, Virkler & Bartlett LLC, Roland Flego, 661 Moto, Hedrick Insurance and Financial, Month 2 Month Insurance, Dad and Mom.
Know a kid (or vet) racer who deserves a shoutout? Send the above info and several high-resolution pics to AMARacer@ama-cycle.org.
WOrcstV.cOM
Sound And Moving Images. What More Could You Want?
The AMA-sanctioned World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) provides some awesome off-road racing action, whether you’re on the track or watching the top riders navigate a gnarly technical section at warp speed.
It’s definitely don’t-miss stuff. But if you do happen to miss it, you can get your fix at WORCStv.com, where each round is chronicled for posterity on video, including race action, race recaps and interviews.
a NeW Way tO get Free rOadsIde assIstaNce
Three-Year Membership Requires No Automatic Renewal
Heading out for the races is cool. Dealing with a breakdown along the way is not.
And now, there’s a new way to get the peace of mind provided by AMA Roadside Assistance—for free. All members who sign up for a three-year membership will now qualify for towing and other emergency roadside services provided by one of the most well-received member benefits in the Association’s 85-year history.
AMA Roadside Assistance is also provided, at no additional cost, to all members who enroll in the AMA’s auto-renewal membership program. New three-year members do not have to opt for auto-renewal, however.
“Whether members autorenew or sign up for a three-year membership, the result is the same: cost savings for the AMA,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “As a member-
supported organization, we are happy to pass those savings back to our members in the form of free AMA Roadside Assistance.”
As always, AMA Roadside Assistance covers all your vehicles, from street motorcycles to cars to trailers, and even to RVs.
To sign up, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com and click the “Join/Renew” option on the left side of the page, or contact the AMA Member Services Center at (800) AMA-JOIN.
INtrOdUcINg the aMa egraNdPrIx
electric Bikes To Perform On Track At AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days may be the country’s premier gathering of vintage bike enthusiasts, but this year it will also offer a peek into the future.
During breaks in the vintage road-race program that is running as part of the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, cuttingedge electric road-race motorcycles will perform spirited exhibition laps as part of the AMA eGrandPrix Introduction. The event will mark the first international gathering of high-tech electric road-race bikes in the U.S. in the 21st century.
“As the AMA celebrates its 85 years of twowheeled history, we thought it only fitting to also offer a glimpse into what the next 85 years of motorcycling may bring,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We’re excited for fans
to see the future up close and personal.”
The AMA eGrandPrix Introduction will showcase a number of teams, racers and machines that took part in the inaugural TTXGP eGrandPrix race on the Isle of Man in early June. The bikes are sleek, all-electric machines with performance on par with many of today’s internal-combustion racebikes.
“The world’s first eGrandPrix will launch clean-emission motorcycle racing onto a global platform and demonstrate to the world that clean technologies have matured,” said Azhar Hussain, founder of the eGrandPrix. “AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days provides us with a fantastic opportunity to take our message directly to the United States, a nation with a passion for motorcycling.”
Lateral
When it comes to gear, I’m a minimalist. Don’t get me wrong. I wear all the good stuff: helmet, boots, gloves, elbow guards, chest protector, etc. But I don’t dig bulk—the lighter and less intrusive, the better.
That’s a big reason why I’ve always opted for knee and shin guards instead of knee braces. Without a doctor’s order to do otherwise, I feel more comfortable with the freer movement afforded by guards.
The latest generation of EVS Sports Vision knee brace wants to convince me protection can also be flexible.
What it is: It’s guys like me who EVS Sports (EVS-Sports.com) is trying to win over with its new Vision knee brace. The $250 Vision is a relatively low-cost brace that uses aluminum dual-pivot hinges that imitate the flexion and extension motions of the knee.
What it Does: In addition to sideways support and hyperextension control, the brace offers serious impact resistance for the knee, as well as thigh protection, which I don’t get with basic knee and shin guards.
How Well it Does it: The Vision knee brace is lined with anti-slip sharkskin neoprene and uses single calf and thigh straps to secure it. One key in fitting the braces correctly is not to make the thigh strap too tight. Doing so can cause it to ride lower on the leg. Once broken in and adjusted properly, the Vision is one of the least obtrusive knee braces you can buy. — James Holter
EVENT
Welcome to Mid-Ohio National Championship Vintage Racing In The Heartland
By Kevin Crowther, AMA Racing Deputy Director
The AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships is one of the most expansive racing programs in amateur racing. It features competition in vintage and post-vintage motocross and hare scrambles, trials, road racing and dirt track. It’s all packaged into three days and surrounded by the beehive of activity known as AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
I’m happy to report that 2009 is looking like it will be our best year yet.
We’ve put together a comwprehensive package of supplemental rules on our official event website, AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com. This information can also be found at AMARacing.com, along with information about all of the AMA’s amateur championship events and national series.
The rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the eras they represent, yet recognize the practical needs of racing decades-old technology and the riskmanagement expectations we have for contemporary race courses. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us. Contacts for each discipline are provided on the above websites.
Once you’ve checked out the rules, make sure you pre-enter before July 17. Not only will you help us better plan the race program before the event, but you’ll qualify for a number of great benefits, such as gift cards and event passes.
This is one event no racer will want to miss. At the AMA Vintage Grand Championships, you can expect to see the same level of professionalism and fairness you would expect at a national-caliber racing event. The AMA is in its ninth decade of sanctioning competition, and along with the AMA-chartered clubs we are partnering with to operate the race program, we have the experience and historical perspective to get the job done right.
Get The Rules What You Need To Know
As with all AMA Racing amateur events, the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships are run under the 2009 AMA Racing Rulebook Governing Pro-Am, Standard, ATV and Youth Competition. However, the unique nature of vintage racing requires supplemental rules, particularly for class structure.
To see where you and your bike fit into the program, just check out the Racing section of AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com. You also can find the supplemental rules at AMARacing.com.
The supplemental rules are provided in two documents: one for road racing and one for everything else.
Any questions? Write to: AMARacing@ama-cycle.org.
entry Fees As Little As $40 For The First Class And $25 For The Second If You Pre-Register.
Pre-Register by July 17 And Receive A $20 Gift Card To BikeBandit.com. (AMA Members Also Get A 10 Percent Discount.)
Competitors Who Pre-Register Get Two Passes To AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and the AMA Motorcycle hall Of
Class Champions Will Be honored At The AMA Racing end-Of-Year Banquet At The hard Rock hotel & Casino in Las Vegas On Dec. 4, Where All 2009 AMA Racing Champions Will Be Recognized.
Evo 2/Evo 3/Evo Age Motocross registration (Ross Road off Steam Corners Road)
Road race concludes
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. Road race registration (Gate 3)
7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Evo 2/Evo 3/Evo Age MX registration (Ross Road off Steam Corners Road)
7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Trials registration
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. Road race technical inspection
8 a.m. Road race practice begins
8:30 a.m. Evo 2/Evo 3/Evo Age MX practice begins
9:30 a.m. Trials begins
And Then There Were Two Do You Want To Be An AMA Vintage Grand National Champion?
The AMA Grand National Championship has always represented speed and versatility, going to the rider who succeeds at Mile, half-mile, short-track and TT racing. Years ago, the AMA Grand National Champion had to excel in road racing, as well. The top woods racers of years past also battled for the AMA Grand National Enduro Championship.
AMA Racing is recognizing this honor’s historical significance by establishing new titles to be awarded annually at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.
The event will crown two AMA Vintage Grand National Champions. The AMA Vintage Track Racing Grand National Champion will have the highest combined point total in designated road racing and dirt-track classes. The AMA Vintage Off-Road Racing Grand National Champion will have the highest combined point total in designated motocross, hare scrambles and trials classes.
AMA Racing reserves the right to alter the event schedule, track configuration and venues as needed.
BAck TO ThE PAST
A ‘Never Raced’ 1977 Husky Finally Sees The Track By Loren Westcott
My original motocross career began in 1974. A family friend was racing at the time and urged my brother and me to come to the track on Sunday and sign up for a race. I was instantly hooked!
I started with a 1973 Rupp RMX125. It took a few modifications, but I eventually was able to hold my own with the Yamaha YZs and Honda Elsinores.
I competed in the 125 Amateur class for a few years. I had always wanted to move up to the 250 Class, and I finally saved enough money to buy a new 1977 Husqvarna 250CR. I prepped the bike for racing and then reality came calling. I had a new daughter to provide for, so I had to sell the Husky. A local shop sold the bike on consignment for me to a local guy looking for a trail bike. My racing career went officially on hold. A short 32 years later, one of my old racing buddies, Jeff Barrow, called me and urged me
to get back into racing. Vintage racing was the easy way in, he said. He went into great detail on how affordable it was to buy an old bike like those that we raced back in the day.
So, my quest began, and I found a race-ready 1978 KTM 400MX at a local bike shop. I made a deal on the bike and brought it home to give it the usual end-to-end inspection.
Shortly after, my father-in-law stopped in with a local used classified paper. I was browsing the classic motorcycle section when I came across this ad: “1977 Husqvarna 250 CR, never raced, very good condition.” I was curious, so I called the guy.
He gave me the full background on the bike. He said he owned the bike for 30 years. He bought it from a local dealer who he remembered was selling it for a local kid who had to unload it for “family reasons.” He still had the two primary sprockets—one of which had never been
used—and the owner’s manual that it came with. Obviously, I had to see the bike.
When I arrived the next day, he met me at the garage and said, “I’ve got something that you’ve got to see!”
He handed me the original owner’s manual, and on the inside cover was my name and some other quick notes that I had jotted down about the bike! When I walked into the garage, I was amazed how well this old Husky had been preserved. He said that he only rode it occasionally in the woods behind his house. The bike still had the original Barum tires, the 250 Husqvarna decal on the front number plate and my AMA sticker from 1977 on the back fender! What a feeling! Clearly, there was no doubt in my mind that I was buying this motorcycle. I loaded it into my truck and strapped it down for the ride home.
When I called Jeff, he could hardly believe that after three decades I found my old Husky in almost the same condition it was in 1978. We laughed and reminisced about some old racing stories and talked about our future racing plans.
This kid was finally going to be able to race his “new” Husky!
I got the opportunity at a vintage meet at Allen’s Farm in Pennsylvania. I was a bundle of nerves when I approached the starting line. The first moto went off without any problems. When I finished the race, I was so pumped that I could hardly wait for the next moto. In moto 2, I actually got the holeshot to the first turn!
I was hooked once again! I competed at various events during the 2008 season and thoroughly enjoyed every minute that I was on and off the track.
I always look forward to attending the next event and to be a part of the vintage family that has grown up around the sport. I love to watch the old iron in action and reminisce with my old and new friends about motocross, old and new.
Loren Westcott, AMA No. 1009720, lives with his wife, Jill, in Phoenix, N.Y.
Getting Started In Vintage Dirt Track
Doing It Your Way The Second Time Around
Have a conversation with longtime dirt-tracker, historian and restoration expert Bill Milburn, and you figure something out real fast: the guy loves vintage dirt track. We caught up with Milburn to get his thoughts on the sport, as well as some advice for new racers.
is vintage dirt track a good point of entry for someone with no dirt-track experience?
Definitely. The guys involved in vintage racing tend to be gentlemen, and there actually are a lot of new racers in vintage dirt track. A lot of guys couldn’t compete when they were younger because of a career, a family, military service, whatever. Now they can, and the nature of these riders has more to do with having a good time than being consumed by testosterone.
What do you tell someone just getting started? First, go to Danny Walker’s Supercamp
(www.AmericanSupercamp.com). Think of it as taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse for racers. Just going out on the racetrack is not a good way to learn how to race. Supercamp will teach you racing fundamentals, and it will also tell you whether dirt track is for you in the first place.
As far as the bikes go, here’s the thing. We all probably have a second chance to have the childhood we wanted. Go ahead and relive those years. Go out and get the bike you wanted when you were growing up. Live the fantasy. If you wanted a Triumph then, get one now. If you wanted a BSA Gold Star then, get one now. It’s only money. You can’t take it with you.
What about someone who has no bias because they weren’t into it when they were young? What’s a good generic starting point? Sure, a Yamaha TT500 or an SR500, that could
be a fun, easy bike to start on. You also could pick yourself up a ’63-’65 Triumph 650 if you want something that has a little more classic panache to it. The SR would be like a Camaro. The Triumph like a Jaguar.
If you could find an old Honda 250 scrambler, that’d be a good place to start, as well.
As far as modifications, you’re going to want dirt-track tires on it, obviously. You’re going to want a reasonable selection of gearing, and you’re going to want a steel shoe for yourself. Consider some suspension work. The bike will have more than enough power for a beginner.
What draws you to vintage racing?
Vintage racing to me is real simple. Did it happen back then, and did we see it at the race track? When you walk through the pits, it should be walking through the past. You should walk though the ’20s with board trackers, the ’30s with hand-shift Harley-Davidsons. Everything should be authentic. You should not have Lindsay Lohan dressed up as Marilyn Monroe. It just doesn’t work that way.
WERA helping Run Vintage Road Racing At AMA Vintage
Motorcycle Days Road-Racing Organization Providing Workers, Logistical Support
AMA Racing has partnered with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing to oversee road-race operations at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championship that will go down at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 24-26.
“Since we announced the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, our intention has been to work with partners to help with the operations of each discipline,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is one of the country’s leading amateur road-racing organizations, and brings both the experience and hands-on knowledge to see that the on-track portion of our program happens without a hitch.”
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing Owner and CEO Evelyne Clarke says helping at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships fits perfectly with WERA’s mission.
“It has always been WERA’s goal to support motorcycle road racing in the United States and grow the sport’s audience,” Clarke said. “Helping the AMA with the road-racing portion of the AMA Vintage Grand Championships supports that goal. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing has
run a vintage series since our inception, and we can offer our services to the AMA and also give WERA vintage racers an additional event they can participate in. This is good for both the AMA and WERA, and we are happy to be a part of the event.”
As part of its involvement with the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is also making the event a points-paying meet for WERA vintage racers who compete in classes at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships that are comparable to WERA’s vintage class structure.
Competitors at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships need to pre-register with AMA Racing, and WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will handle all on-site road-race operations.
AMA clubs, Members Supporting Race Program With A Little Help From Our Friends
The AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships are a huge event, and AMA-chartered clubs and members have been quick to lend a hand. Here are a few who are helping make this way-cool event a reality:
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is
• overseeing the road-racing portion of the event (see story, page 16).
Amanda Mastin, multi-time
• member of the Team USA Women’s Team for the International Six Days Enduro, and her crew will lay out and work the hare scrambles.
Don May, Royce Cline and other
• members of Trials Inc., will staff the trials competition.
Members of Dayton MC, one of 11
• clubs chartered with the AMA since the AMA’s inception, will help staff the motocross events.
• assistance in road racing.
Jim Pooler will provide technical
• serve as technical adviser.
Rick Doughty with Vintage Iron will
Perry king Takes The Vintage Racing challenge
Joining Fellow AMA Board Member On Track At AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
Perry King has battled injustice as Cody Allen in the NBC series “Riptide,” global warming as President Blake in the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” and societal norms as Chico in “The Lords of Flatbush.” But the long-time rider and accomplished actor has faced few challenges that stack up to the one he’ll tackle this July 24-26 at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.
Accepting the invitation of fellow AMA Board Member and vintage motorcycle racer Charles Goman, King will line up with Goman in the vintage hare scrambles and motocross programs at the event, which are part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“Vintage racing seems fitting to me,” said King, who has raced cars but never competed on a motorcycle despite decades of riding experience. “I’m pretty vintage myself now. I feel like a vintage guy, and I love motorcycles, so it seems like a perfect fit.”
Goman said that King showed particular enthusiasm in vintage racing at a recent AMA Board of Directors meeting. Goman was happy to oblige King’s interest.
“Perry and I just hit it off, and I let him know
about coming out and vintage riding,” Goman said. “I offered him a ride on one of my bikes, and he was very interested in doing it. I told him I normally ride the hare scrambles and then vintage motocross, and he was game.”
While King said he’s thrilled and excited to compete at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, he doesn’t intend to ride on the edge in either the woods during the hare scrambles or on the track during motocross.
“There are just three rules: don’t crash, don’t crash, don’t crash,” King said. “You just can’t heal the way you can when you’re young. I do tend, certainly in cars, to find it hard not to go for it. But I want to make sure I have many years left of fun. I’m not looking for the red mist to descend over my eyes.”
Goman is an Ossa aficionado, and will likely loan King a 1974 Ossa Phantom 250 to ride at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.
“I don’t know much about it, but I love everything with two wheels, so I know I’ll love it,” King said. “If I were Charles, though, and I had more than one race bike, I’d give the other guy the more difficult one to ride.”
AMA VintAge MotorcycLe DAys: BetWeen the Motos
AMA Board Member Perry King may be focused on the competition at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, but it isn’t the only activity he’s looking forward to at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“I’m a motorcycle addict. If it’s motorcycles, it fascinates me. I’ll be in heaven there,” King said. “I have 26 bikes now, and half of them are vintage. I like them all in different ways. Certainly one favorite is a ’68 Bonneville that I built from a basket case in 1977, then used up and rebuilt again. Another is a ’71 BMW R60. It had been sitting in the corner of some guy’s shop, and he just wanted it to go away. I got it for 600 bucks. It took me two hours to clean the carb and put a battery in it and it was running. I just love old bikes.”
Fellow AMA Board Member Charles Goman added that the people are an equally big attraction of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“Just seeing everybody and meeting all these old and new friends is great,” Goman said. “It’s a fair thing to say that in the vintage racing world, if it wasn’t for the people I’ve been meeting, I’m not sure I’d still be doing it. When it comes to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the motorcycles are great, but it’s really the people—in the
James Holter
charles Goman
Perry King
cLosinG sHot With one win so far this season on his 600+ hP Turbo hayabusa, Mike “Anything But” Slowe is vying for his fourthstraight AMA Dragbike Pro Street championship. Slowe currently holds the quarter-mile record at 7.171 seconds at a blistering 200+ mph.
Photo: Matt Polito/ DragbikePhotos.com
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