EDITOR
Steph Vetterly ahrmamag@ahrma.org
Debbie Poole, Merritt Brown, Ed Roman, Joshua Schucker, Kevin McIntosh, Jeff DeBell, Joe W. Koury, Dewanna Comer, “Chicago” Jerry Grakauskas, Bob Bean, Richard Brodock
Kevin McIntosh, etechphoto.com, Dragan Harbov, Debbie Poole, Rick Cower, Joshua Schucker, Sarah Huth, Ryan Horan, Brett Reichart, Ashley Campbell Bishop, Sharon Bean, Dave Sundin
Jim Doyle jim.doyle@ahrma.org
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association
ADDRESS
8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923
PHONE 888-41AHRMA (888) 412-4762
COVER - Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival
ROAD RACING - taking in the scenery in the chicane by Barber’s Motorcycle Museum
TRIALS & Barber’s welcome sign.
Photos by Kevin McIntosh
CROSS COUNTRY - Post-Vintage race start.
Photo by Steph Vetterly
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.
My first trip to the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival was back in 2020, when I was a contracted photographer/ videographer helping AHRMA capture some off-road excitement. Ok, excitement wasn’t quite the word I would use - for those who remember 2020, Barber was a complete deluge, and I questioned all my life choices that led me to standing in the woods in rain gear with a tiny video camera, trying my hardest to keep my gear dry... Then, I returned in 2021 as AHRMA Mag’s Associate Editor, this time traipsing through the mud and muck trying to photograph the cross country, motocross, and trials.
As I geared up for what I figured was going to be more of the same for 2022, I was met with a gentle reprieve. Most times, when I’m acting as event photographer/reporter, I’m typically running around like a chicken with it’s head chopped off, trying to be in all the right places for the perfect shots, or talking to just the right people to get an inside scoop. I’ve been doing this long enough that I understand the process of working an event. I spend hours each day leading up to the event going over the schedule, mapping out my every move, writing notes on what’s happening and where I need to be, visualizing the photos in my head... then going over the schedule again to make sure I haven’t missed anything.
But this year was different. I learned that motocross was not on the schedule for the weekend, and Friday’s trials event had been canceled. While that was a bit of a bummer, it allowed me to have a free day to fully appreciate everything that Barber has to offer, and to see the festival as our spectators see it.
I used my new-found freedom to walk a bit of the museum and brush up on my vintage history, check out the demo bikes (I know they’re not vintage, but I must say the Zero SRF is one heck of a cool bike!), and spend time getting to know some of our members/racers and start to put faces to names. I got a chance to meet Anthony Bann, an AHRMA member hailing from Australia, here racing in the states for the first time with the Classic Superbike Tours club (more on that on page 58).
Honestly, while I still worked, took photos, and conducted interviews, it was the first year I can truly say I was able to enjoy Barber for what it is. And for those who have yet to make the trip down, I say this - do it! Just make sure to set aside at least two full days to spend in the museum; trust me, you’ll need it!
see you on the track!
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Send us feedback and comments about your favorite stories and columns, likes and dislikes and what you’d enjoy seeing in future issues. Keep it under 250 words and we’ll try and include your comments in the next issue: ahrmamag@ahrma.org
Craig Grantham, Executive Director email: executive.director@ahrma.org 8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923
MEMBERSHIP
Jennifer and Dan Thornton email: membership@ahrma.org 433 Caroline St Janesville, WI 53545
COMMUNICATIONS
Cindy McLean email: communications@ahrma.org
ROADRACE DIRECTOR - Dewanna Comer email: roadrace.director@ahrma.org
OFF-ROAD DIRECTOR - Terry McPhillips email: offroad.director@ahrma.org
DIRT TRACK DIRECTOR - Richard Brodock email: dirt.track@ahrma.org
CROSS COUNTRY COORDINATOR
Becky Hayes email: becky77m@yahoo.com
NATIONAL TRIALS COORDINATOR
Debbie Poole email: pooleschl1@hotmail.com
CHAIRMAN - Brian Larrabure email: chairman@ahrma.org
TREASURER - Arthur Kowitz email: dbsuperbiker@gmail.com
SECRETARY - Kelly Shane email: kelly.ahrma@gmail.com
EASTERN TRUSTEE - Mike Dixon email: michael.dixon@ahrma.org
EASTERN TRUSTEE - James Korn email: jim.korn@ahrma.org
EASTERN TRUSTEE - Beno Rodi email: beno@rodi.net
EASTERN TRUSTEE - David Rutherford email: david.rutherford@ahrma.org
EASTERN TRUSTEE - Tim Terrell email: tim.terrell@ahrma.org
WESTERN TRUSTEE - Al Anderberg email: al.anderberg@ahrma.org
WESTERN TRUSTEE - Albert Newmann email: newmann.albert@gmail.com
WESTERN TRUSTEE - Luke Sayer email: sayerlu@gmail.com
WESTERN TRUSTEE - Rob Poole email: robpoole57@hotmail.com
AHRMA ARCHIVES - We take a step back to the 1990’s to learn more about Jeff Smith, then Executive Director, and the growth of AHRMA’s road race program.
PAVILION MX / CC - The off-road crew makes their way to New York as the cross country and motocross series move into the latter half of the schedule.
ADRENALINE - It’s been proven - you only get old when you stop moving. And Nancy Lisey doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon!
GINGERMAN - Tension is mounting as the road racing schedule takes on round 10 at Gingerman Raceway in Michigan.
SUTTON STATION CC - Welcome to Pennsylvania as the Mid-Atlantic region hosts their penultimate cross country rounds.
SUGAR HILL CC - Everything’s new this year in Bolivar, Tennessee.
LITTLE TALLY - Join the road racers as they make their last move towards their championships before the big finale!
MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL - Between road racing, cross country, and trials, plus weddings, engagements, and international visitors, the 2022 edition of Barber had a little bit of everything!
GEORGIA PRACTICE FACILITY - Take a lap on the motocross course with Bob Bean, and listen as Richard Brodock fills you in on some TT/ST fun! SWAP
I was lucky to be able to experience all of Barber – including the racing.
In a past issue of AHRMA MAG, I signed off my column with “I will see you at Barber Motorsports Park in October for another iconic racing experience.” That may have been the understatement of the year. As I left the Barber facility on October 10, I had to think of it as a racer’s version of Disneyland.
I had been prepared for Barber…heard the stories, read about the museum at length, watched track reviews and many race videos. I was excited about it and the “season finale” of the Barber Vintage Festival with AHRMA racing as the headline attraction. All that said, I was surprised – even awed – over and over.
Thursday, seeing the entire AHRMA team and reconnecting with the racers, staff and other support partners was a great start. Both the road race and off-road events were well-run and successful – thank you to our entire team in both RR and OR for creating and managing this major event.
I got my first look at the track on Thursday, and it was, um…thought provoking. I had to review track maps after every session just to understand how I could find 12 seconds (no joke) in order to be competitive in my target class (Next Gen 2 SBK). Barber is great for all that it offers, the property, museum, Vintage Festival, etc. At the heart of this great facility is one of the best and most challenging racetracks many racers will ever experience.
It requires patience, planning, reasonable ramp up, and humility. By Friday, I started to understand it a bit better as I took notes and followed quality riders.
Saturday finally came and the racing was superb. The competition was keen, and the “rush” of excitement and adrenaline was incredible (you all know what I am talking about).
We were able to run in three races Saturday, but still had a lot to learn. Sunday was even better racing and provided more fun and reward. I finally started to get the hang of the track (after four days).
Thanks to all the members who took the time to connect with me during my time touring the pits. I was grateful to share time together and learn about different bikes and classes from experts. Gilbert Jennings, thanks for your sharing the “Pop” Yoshimura project and thank you Pete Essaff for the quality education on sidecars.
Also, thanks to our members who attended our final Board of Trustees meeting at the iconic Barber Motorsports Museum. The participation and pure passion for AHRMA were appreciated, and I encourage all members to attend these Board meetings in the future. This is your club, and we welcome you and look forward to seeing you there next season.
I cannot wait for this event next year and I hope you will be there with us.
Now, let’s race!
Craig L. Grantham
CRAIG L. GRANTHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AHRMA
On page 14 is the 2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series national schedule. As stated in a previous email to all members, I’m sure this schedule will be met by some with open arms, while others may have hoped for more races out west, a favorite track that was recommended, and the list could continue. I want to assure you that AHRMA’s Road Race Committee continues to look for ways to make the 2023 season equitable for our membership on both the East and West Coast. The proof is in the holiday pudding as this article lays out the 2023 Barber Qualification Requirements as well as a few other nuggets!
1. You must be a FULL AHRMA member – no exemptions. There are no weekend memberships for this event. Please refer to the 2023 AHRMA Handbook or go to ahrma.motorsportreg.com for more information on becoming an AHRMA member.
2. You must participate in at least two AHRMA road races over two separate weekends or in either the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca or New Jersey Motorsports Park events.
a. Riders not competing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and/or New Jersey Motorsports Park are required to complete two races, accepting the race-finishing flag, be it checkered or red over the course of two weekends. Racing one race with AHRMA and one race with another organization WILL NOT count toward qualifying for Barber (with very limited waiver opportunities).
b. Riders competing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and New Jersey Motorsports Park are required to complete two full races over one race weekend. Students with AHRMA’s Academy of Roadracing held at these events must complete a second race weekend to qualify for Barber or ride both practice days at Barber.
3. If using Talladega GP Raceway as a qualifying race, entry to Barber will be placed on hold until qualifying is complete.
4. Entries will be capped at 600 race entries per day.
5. Barber is a no refund, no credit, pre-entry only event.
6. Barber is a mandatory transponder event. Transponders are required for entry onto the track for all days.
The following may apply for a waiver as an exception to the above:
1. Pro US racers can submit proof of participation in at least two Pro 2023 road races to roadrace.director@ahrma.org to be considered to race at Barber in 2023.
2. International racers can submit proof of participation in at least two 2023 road races in their country of license to roadrace.director@ahrma.org to be considered to race at Barber in 2023. International waiver requests will be reasonably expedited.
3. Domestic waivers will be considered once the pre-entry period has closed.
4. ALL riders granted waivers must practice both Thursday and Friday. These requirements are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
2023 REGIONAL EVENTS: Two events are required to qualify for a regional award with the four best race finishes being counted. Events earning double points automatically makes member eligible for regional points if they complete the event.
• SOUTHERN REGION: Roebling Road Raceway, Carolina Motorsports Park, and Talladega GP Raceway
• NORTHERN REGION: New Jersey Motorsports Park (Double Points), Blackhawk Farms Raceway, GingerMan Raceway
• WESTERN REGION: Heartland Motorsports Park, Motorsports Park Hastings, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Double Points)
2023 SPECIAL CLASS FEES: Our goal in this new price structure is to encourage those riders planning to attend a race to enter more classes and get more bikes out on the track. We heard the request for a reduced fee structure and have looked at the numbers and believe that by reducing the entry fee for the third class and beyond that
we can increase entries and result in greater revenues for our program. Those of you who stated you’d bring more bikes if we addressed the entry fees, now is your chance!
• First Class Pre-Entry $90, Post Entry $120*
• Second Class Pre-Entry $80, Post Entry $110*,
• Third Class and every class after Pre-Entry $65, Post Entry $85.* Yes, we’ve reduced post entry fee for third class and every class after by $20 for this season.
*Yes, there always seems to be an asterisk. Fees for the Laguna Seca and Barber will not follow this new price structure as they are premium tracks.
FAREWELL: As some may have heard by now, I will not go forward into 2023 as AHRMA’s Road Race Director. My final message to the membership is one of “Thanks” and “Appreciation” to my AHRMA Family. I’ve truly enjoyed building relationships with members, but more importantly with the Road Race Team. Our 2022 Road Race Team was in my opinion, the best and I love you all! Also, thanks to you the members and our many volunteers, those seen and unseen, that made 2022 successful. It really does take a village and I wish the next Road Race Director the best.
As my year in the hot seat comes to a close, I am in a somewhat better position to opine on the state of AHRMA affairs as they sit after a busy 2022 race season. As we all are aware, finances are tight and the economy is not currently on our side. With all that in mind, our hard-working team of Volunteer Committee members led by our Race Directors (Dewanna Comer, Terry McPhillips, and Richard Brodock) has been working tirelessly to plan a 2023 season that serves the members while conserving costs. By the time this is published, all of the schedules should be set.
On other fronts, our sponsorship program is moving forward into a new chapter as Jim Doyle passes off the reigns; thanks to Jim and his tireless efforts, as we have grown the program significantly and brought in much-appreciated support for our fantastic club. Our membership program has been another highlight with Dan and Jennifer Thornton at
the helm; having them as the face of membership is very fortunate for AHRMA - hats off to you both.
In closing, this is your club and those of us on staff as elected officials, volunteers, or as paid workers, are here to help you have the best member experience possible. Each and every one of us is an AHRMA Ambassador, reflecting the core values and support of AHRMA and as such, always strive to place the club in the best light - be it in person or via social media as is our duty. Let’s keep that going strong!
Here’s to a great 2023 AHRMA! Many thanks to our workforce and
the membership at large for making this a GREAT place to play and make great, life-long memories with friends along the way.
At your service,
BRIAN LARRABURE WESTERN TRUSTEE / CHAIRMAN
disciplines and people. The amount of communication and the effort being given to working together across disciplines and support areas is amazing to see. I don’t think I have ever seen as much cross-discipline and support-staff communication happen at AHRMA in the past.
And let’s not forget the promoters that work with us to put on all of our events. Without them, we would have no place to ride. The amount of time and effort they put into setting up an event for us is more than we usually realize. They are some of the unsung heroes of our sport. Take some time to thank them for all the work they do on our behalf!
Most of all, I want to thank all of the members who have taken the time to contact me over the past four months to share their concerns, suggestions, and ideas with me. I can’t tell you just how much talking with you has encouraged me and helped me refine my thoughts on where this organization should go. Please keep the comments and suggestions coming - they are more important to me that I can ever express.
I’m sitting here after finally getting home from Oklahoma late last night. Henryetta was a long weekend of work after a long four months of the same! I just realized that, by the time this article is published, Thanksgiving will be over and the Christmas holidays will be upon us. Where the heck did the time go?
The holidays are a time of family, renewal, and hope. I feel that AHRMA is my family, and I would like to take a moment to thank all of you that make this organization so special.
Since taking over this position, I have had the pleasure of working with all the Regional Coordinators, as well as the trials and cross-country coordinators. These people have generously given their time, support, and knowledge to help educate me on the in-depth requirements of each discipline. This has had a huge impact on my thinking and understanding of what may or may not work to improve our sport, which in turn has given me hands-on experience in all the facets of running an event that I wasn’t previously a part of. From walking and marking a
cross-country course (Becky Hayes can tell you how sore I was after doing this!), to running registration and membership during an event, I have a much better understanding of the requirements than I did before.
I’ve also watched the volunteers that help organize and run our events handle difficult situations with patience and grace. You may not think so, but we members can be a challenge and extremely frustrating to those that are doing this work. But these are dedicated people that have your best interests at heart. They have tirelessly and generously given of their time, effort, and yes, even their money to help make our organization what it is. The effort they put out on all of our behalf is amazing to see. These folks are the heart and soul of the AHRMA community. Those of you who volunteer to work events have my admiration and sincere thanks for all you do.
We also have a number of people, from our trustees to those manning the many committees, that are trying to help our organization succeed and grow. It is a difficult task to balance the needs of such diverse
The one constant I have seen is that every one of us, from the trustees, support staff, and the members, wants AHRMA to succeed. The passion I’ve seen shows just how much we all care about our sport and this organization. Together we can move this organization successfully into the future.
So, with all of that said, I want thank each and every one of you and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. May the New Year bring peace and happiness to you and your families.
Thank you so much for your help and your support!
Have fun, be safe and ride fast!
TERRY MCPHILLIPS OFF-ROAD RACE DIRECTOR
What an amazing 2022 season! This year was my first full season as the Dirt Track Director, and I cannot thank all the racers and their friends and families enough for coming out this year and supporting us as we started to rebuild the program. We had some of the best racing the program has seen in many years, and tons of new riders showing up to make a run at the championship. Entry numbers were up by almost 400% and the number of individual riders was up by almost 600%. We are moving in the right direction and with new tracks and some very exciting events in the works, the 2023 season looks to be even better.
The 2023 season will kick off with two rounds teaming up with Southern Dirt Track Association (SDTA) at Callahan Speedway in Callahan, FL, on February 25th followed by Crossroads Motorplex in Jasper, FL, on March 25th. I am also very excited to announce that AHRMA Dirt Track will return to Beaver Creek Raceway in Toney, AL, on Oct 21st! The west coast will not be forgotten as we have WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca back on the schedule with a bigger track and a few other rounds in the works as well. The Sturgis Championship will return in 2023 at Jackpine Gypsies during the Sturgis Bike Week Aug 4-13th. More details on the Sturgis Championship as well as the rest of the schedule to come soon.
This is a follow up to the “Barber Builda-Bike” where three bikes were sold to benefit my ministry with AHRMA.
Rod and Mitch Skaggs are two very fine brothers from the great state of Tennessee who have faithfully committed to support the AHRMA Chaplain. They are among numerous racers who are supporting me.
2022 was a definitely a turning point for the program, and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2023 as we continue to move forward and bring the Dirt Track program back to life.
RICHARD BRODOCK DIRT TRACK DIRECTOR
They have donated a CZ 125 for purchase; it is a wonderful gesture and one which will help me get to the races in 2023. AHRMA does not fund me as chaplain; racers do this from their own giving. Over the past two years, many people in the AHRMA road race community have found it comforting to have a chaplain on-site each weekend to present a chapel service, go to hospitals, and follow up with phone calls. I have committed the past two years to the AHRMA racing community, and am looking forward to continuing in 2023. With people like the Skaggs brothers behind this ministry, I’m sure we will find 2023 a great success. Chapel services will be held each weekend at 11:15am on Sunday. I look forward to having anyone who comes to the races be a part of the service.
Build-a-Bike display at Barber
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) 2023 Bridgestone
Tires National Historic Cup Roadracing series will unfold over ten weekends at a variety of racetracks throughout the United States.
“We’ll have a track for everyone during 2023,” said Brian Larrabure, AHRMA’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, “from internationally known venues you’ll see on TV, to fun and challenging regional tracks, racing with AHRMA will highlight all kinds of bikes and all kinds of tracks.”
The season kicks off February 16 with a track day and a full weekend of competition at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, GA and will conclude October 8, during the 18th Annual Barber Vintage Festival, in Leeds, AL.
Right in the middle of the season, AHRMA will return to an iconic venue. The third annual AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey brings AHRMA’s brand of vintage and alternative modern bikes and sidecars to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca the July 14 weekend. The event will also feature vintage observed trials, vintage and post-vintage motocross as well as vintage flat track.
Bridgestone Tires returns as the 2023 AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing series sponsor. “Without Bridgestone, many of us wouldn’t have competitiongrade tires for our classic bikes,” Larrabure said. “And their generous support off the track is also making our season possible.”
Mark your calendar now for some of the world’s best classic motorcycle racing events with AHRMA.
Date Venue
2/16-19
Roebling Road Raceway; Bloomingdale, GA ** 3/17-19 Carolina Motorsports Park; Kershaw, SC 5/26-28 Heartland Motorsports Park; Topeka, KS ** 6/2-4 Motorsports Park Hastings; Hastings, NE ** 6/23-25 New Jersey Motorsports Park; Milleville, NJ ** 7/14-16 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (AHRMA Classic MotoFest™): Salinas, CA 7/28-30 Gingerman Raceway; South Haven, MI 8/4-6 Blackhawk Farms Raceway; South Beloit, IL ** 9/8-10 Talladega GP Raceway; Munford, AL ** 10/5-8 Barber Motorsports Park; Leeds, AL
* The AHRMA Academy of Roadracing will be offered at all events with the exception of Barber Motorsports Park.
** Ed Bargy Advanced Track Riding Technique Workshop offered.
You will receive classroom instruction, get track time, receive one on one coaching by experienced racers/instructors as well as participate in a mock race including race start and finish. Riders of all levels will benefit and learn new skills. Pass the class and be eligible to race the weekend.
ED BARGY’S
With a 12-student limit, Ed offers one of the most experienced, comprehensive, and oldest advanced riding technique schools in the country. This is an ADVANCED workshop. There will not be a test at the end and this class cannot be substituted for AHRMA’s Roadracing Academy for new riders.
Underground Team Racing is excited to share the news of our partnership with Kansas 811 and Missouri 811 to be the 2023 AHRMA Title Safety Sponsor.
Underground Team Racing was established in 2018 to assist in delivering the 811 Call Before You Dig message at the races across the country. In 2022, Underground Team Racing partnered with Kansas 811 to become AHRMA’s first Title Safety Sponsor. For 2023, Missouri 811 has joined us.
Underground Team Racing, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 are passionate about delivering the 811 and safety messages, and our partnership with AHRMA has allowed us to increase the message nationwide. Our race team, Kansas 811, and Missouri 811 thank AHRMA for the opportunity to be this year’s Safety Sponsor. Remember, “Call Before You Dig, Stay Tuned/Stay Safe, and we’ll see you at the races!”
Underground Team Racing (utr811.com) is an outstanding team of motor-sports enthusiasts actively promoting the underground safety and 811 message to target audiences across the country.
Kansas 811 (kansas811.com) is committed to serving its membership and providing excellent notification services for excavators, promoting damage prevention, and protecting the public welfare. Kansas 811 is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kansas One-Call System, Inc., an incorporated not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, operates the statewide notification center for the State of Kansas. The organization is owned by the member underground utilities and is managed by a Board of Directors of underground utility owners/operators elected from the membership.
Missouri One Call System (Missouri 811) was established in 1986 in response to the Missouri Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention act 319 (RSMo Chapter 319). MOCS, operating as a non-profit corporation, consists of 19-board members that represent the various utility member types and other stakeholders.
AHRMA is putting a special spotlight on Dirt Track racing and racers.
During 2022, the AHRMA Dirt Track program made huge strides and it’s time we shared the excitement our bikes and riders create by using a proven formula: The Dirt Track Vintage Cup.
This program will highlight a specific Dirt Track class during 2023 by offering discounted entry fees for racers in that class, providing special trophies, and special media coverage for the top riders.
AHRMA has been promoting a Vintage Cup as part of the Road Racing program for several years and it has successfully created excitement and competition in those classes each year and generated more interest in AHRMA.
For 2023, the Dirt Track Vintage Cup will highlight the Sportsman 750 class. The 2023 road racing Vintage Cup will highlight the Formula 750 class which means 2023 will be a
great year for seeing and hearing big twins from the 70’s tearing it up on the dirt and pavement.
Along with a discounted entry fee for Sportsman 750, other incentives for Vintage Cup racers will include highlighting the bikes and riders throughout the year in the AHRMA MAG. Plus there will be a Championship article in the AHRMA MAG for the top 3 year-end finishers.
The Sportsman 750 class is for motorcycles built up until 1974 and earlier machines manufactured as 601-750cc, including like-design models.
a) Aftermarket swingarm frames are allowed, including Champion, Cheney, Redline, Rickman and Trackmaster.
b) 1972-up alloy-cylinder H-D XR750s are prohibited.
c) Norton 850s are prohibited.
d) 38mm maximum fork tube diameter
Eligible machines include:
BSA A65, A70
Harley-Davidson Sportster-based bikes, XR750 (iron-barrel only)
Norton 750
Nourish/Weslake twins
Triumph 650, 750 twins, triples
Yamaha XS650
Please contact, Richard Brodock, AHRMA Dirt Track Director for more information about the 2023 Dirt Track Vintage Cup, bike eligibility, and rules.
AHRMA has experienced many phases of life. Dramatic growth, plateaus of relative security and prosperity, at least two serious economic declines and a kind of “rebirth” we are now seeing after two distinct and separate assaults which could possibly have ended the organization as we know it.
Of all the stories to come out of these exciting times, none is more interesting than that of AHRMA’s road racing program beginnings. This story also parallels the beginnings of AHRMA itself, and the coinciding struggle and growth of both is as absorbing as it is historic.
The man who found himself in the middle of it all was Jeff Smith, who was asked to take the job of AHRMA Executive Director in October 1990. Smith, who had retired from Bombardier and was not really looking for employment, thought the offer sounded attractive, and the time necessary to do the job he was told would amount to a schedule of mostly half days. He really had no idea what to expect, and when the real job at hand was exposed layer upon layer in rapid order, he plunged in, rather blindly as it was literally his task to start from the ground up with no blueprint. The AHRMA Board gave Smith three basic tasks:
1. Make AHRMA solvent
2. Increase the membership
3. Make AHRMA independent starting with road racing; other disciplines to follow
AHRMA had 850 members listed at this time, but little income or administration. A broken answering machine had left members completely unable to reach anyone literally for months, and there were few hours in a day when anyone was present to answer the phone. Though bankruptcy had not been filed, this was unquestionably an accurate assessment of the organization. Smith accepted the board’s offer of the job, with a salary determined but not payable until there was money to do so.
As it turned out, Smith’s salary was brought up to date after the Daytona event and board meeting of 1991. At this time there was no additional compensation for his wife, Irene, for her substantial contribution. This was rectified by the end of 1991 when the board granted the position of Executive Assistant with a modest salary.
The first and simplest thing done was that Jeff and Irene began to answer the AHRMA phone. This most basic of business operations resulted in growth almost immediately, but also inadvertently caused another problem. Unknown to Jeff or Irene, the computer that came with AHRMA’s “assets” was capable of holding only 1000 names in the membership program. As people responded to the new AHRMA where someone
actually answered the phone, and at virtually any hour, the computer dropped off those at the beginning of the list after the 1000th member was entered.
In the next couple of months the lost membership was recovered by Christine, Jeff and Irene’s daughter, and she also expanded the program capacity to have no limit to adding new members. The membership had been updated and expired memberships eliminated from the list. The phone was ringing off the hook, and the office was in order. Jeff had been E.D. of AHRMA for about four months, and it was now time to get ready for the AHRMA racing season, with the first event being a road race event. Up until this point, the AHRMA road racing “season” consisted of one day at Daytona and one day at Steamboat Springs, Colorado as the key events, and which AHRMA actually ran. In addition to these were three to four events promoted by CCS (AMA amateur road racing), in which AHRMA was allowed to run 4 races during the Saturday program.
Shortly after Smith took the position of AHRMA E.D. he had occasion to stop in at the AMA offices in Ohio to visit his long-time friend and President of the AMA, Ed Youngblood. Smith informed Ed that he had just accepted the position of AHRMA E.D. and Youngblood was delighted. Smith related, “Ed said to me ‘am I glad you told me that, because we were just going to start a vintage organization, but it’s so difficult!’ ” Youngblood went on to say he would cancel all AMA plans of the vintage side of things, and that AMA would work with AHRMA for all vintage programs.
Smith was about to have his first “learning experience” as on-the-job training in running a road race event. Arriving at the speedway, his and Irene’s first task was to find the area in which sign-ups would be held. Learning there was no such space secured for AHRMA, they had to improvise. They ended up in the street outside the speedway, with a little table, signing up mostly post entries. The situation for the weekend motocross wasn’t much better, with the disorganization resulting in a mid-day start.
After this experience, Smith began to formulate ideas for basic improvements in the race programs. As luck would have it, the first board meeting of the year was in conjunction with the Daytona events, and Smith made some proposals to the board. The first major change requested was that of pre-entry only for road race and motocross, which would enable the staff to create a day’s schedule and be better able to stick to it. Secondly, that of having uniform number plates to eliminate the rainbow of colors competitors currently used, which Smith had seen first hand as increasing the chance of scoring errors.
As the first full year of Smith’s tenure was drawing to a close, another fortuitous contact was about to be made in
which he would have a chance to elevate AHRMA and its road racing program to another level. Jeff Glasserow, the sponsor of AHRMA board member Rusty Lowry, and who had connections with BMW as their ad agent, approached Smith about BMW doing something with AHRMA, and asked what Smith would suggest. Both men immediately thought whatever program was created should be kicked off at Daytona. After brainstorming with the Board about how best to take advantage of this new possibility, a meeting was set at BMW in New Jersey between Smith and BMW representatives, and the BMW Legends program was born. BMW would cover the full costs related to the BMW Battle of Legends: Transportation of 12 machines prepared to race standards with full support staff, a fee to AHRMA for managing the Legends events, hiring the world-class competitors, and for excellent trophies for AHRMA members at events where the Legends ran. AHRMA set about instituting an invitational in which some of the most legendary names in past U.S. and European racing would compete on the BMW machines as a main attraction at AHRMA road race events. Bolstered by BMW’s interest in supporting AHRMA in this monumental way, Smith presented the idea to Daytona International Speedway. At that time, Board member and integral roadrace volunteer, Mike Smith, proposed that AHRMA have two days of racing instead of one beginning with the 1992 season. Although Daytona didn’t grant the second day at that time, the success and extraordinary attraction of the BMW Legends race that year, and AHRMA having proven itself capable of running the show, resulted in two days of racing for AHRMA at Daytona the following year, and other events followed.
Due to the BMW Legends and its success, which eventually expanded beyond Daytona to Sears Point, Loudon, and Road Atlanta, the international spotlight was now on AHRMA. With the AHRMA road race program poised to expand in prestige and popularity, it was crucial that Smith have a top-notch Road Race Director. Smith says, “As AHRMA moved out and took the opportunities to run its own events, we had to show that we could run our own events.” AHRMA’s man for the job was in the person of Jack Turner. “Jack was absolutely superb; he knew exactly what was required, he was authoritative and had a good sense of humor.” It is Smith’s opinion that during a period in the 1990’s, Jack Turner was the best road race director in the U.S. Smith was at every road race event during his time as E.D. and he was available to help where needed, but Jack and his core of excellent volunteers, such as Mike Smith, were those who made the nuts and bolts of race day work. It’s a common misconception that the tragic death of Roger Reiman during practice at Daytona in 1997 is what ended the BMW Legends sponsorship. In fact, the program was set up as a six year deal, and was in the final year at that time. At this juncture, AHRMA had come into its own, expanding AHRMA-run events and securing
a reputation as the world’s premiere vintage racing organization. BMW had a fundamental hand in bringing the AHRMA road race program and the organization itself to this point.
With AHRMA’s impressive growth and standing, the organization had the financial means and the reputation for Smith to hire some of the best tracks in the country, and to leave the days of running second-string on marginal tracks behind forever. Endeavoring to present fresh ideas into the program, he again approached the AMA with an idea. Several Board members had noted that AMA was no longer running the Battle of Twins class, leaving an entire population of riders without a place to compete. Smith asked AMA Director of Road Racing, Roger Edmondson, if AHRMA could have that class and begin running it in their own program. To his surprise, not only was the answer “yes,” but Edmondson also suggested AHRMA take the Singles class as well. Smith declared, “The AMA, through Edmondson and Youngblood, could not have been more helpful. They stated they wanted to help AHRMA onto its feet from the beginning, and their assistance was vital; nothing like what we have experienced recently.” With the addition of Battle of Twins and Sound of Singles, coupled with the established vintage classes, AHRMA now had the numbers to stand on its own entirely.
By the time Smith retired at the end of 1999, AHRMA had over 5,000 members, $360,000.00 in reserve and was running nine two-day national road race events around the nation, and as many as 15 vintage motocross and equal numbers of dirt track, cross country and trials national events.
Smith looks back on his 10-year term as AHRMA Executive Director with immense satisfaction at how AHRMA’s road racing program got on its feet, and the whole of AHRMA began not simply to walk, but to sprint. It is a look back worth taking, and the story is fundamental to AHRMA’s history. When taking stock of it all, he doesn’t focus on the work, risks and worry; instead he remembers fondly the luck of circumstance and help of dozens of members who worked without thought of themselves. In Smith’s nutshell, he says unhesitatingly that those 10 years were “the happiest time of my life.”
The Taylor Family welcomed AHRMA’s return to the 2022 Upstate NY Vintage MX scene. Pavilion Motocross Park, LLC. came to existence in 2009 as a result of the Taylor family’s desire to own, and operate their own Motocross track and Cross-Country facility. Their love of the sport made it happen. Located on Taylor Road, in Covington, NY, the MX park is 44 acres in size, with facilities for campers, vendors, and much more. Additional land owned by the Taylor Family provides miles of Cross-Country loops.
With Covid and the state of the economy affecting National attendance it is a challenge to find venues to host events. To have a national in 2022 with a history of limited participation, the Northeast Region needed to help the promoter with providing and covering the cost of the awards. A sponsor of
the Northeast Region, Ed Abdo of Northeast Cycle Service LLC covered the cost of the Awards. We should all thank Ed and his company for doing this. The Northeast Region kicked in some $$$ as well.
Based on the low number of preentries, we were cautious with the number of awards we ordered. We apologize for running short and we thank you for your patience. We will be sending out the Pavilion awards at the end of October to those who wanted their additional class awards.
The good news is there were more post entries and the attendance was better than in 2021.
Glenn Taylor of Pavilion MX Park recruited George Denke to announce the racing action. George Denke, a former semi-pro MX racer of the 1960s and 1970s, and an experienced AMA National Motocross Announcer for Unadilla MX and Broome-Tioga MX. George presented many funny “back in the day” stories about Tony
DiStefano, “Jammin” Jimmy Weinert and the 1970’s motocross era.
Glenn groomed the track between races and at intermission to keep the racing surface at it’s best for AHRMA racing. Many riders expressed their liking of the track and their appreciation for this effort on social media.
Thanks to Glenn Taylor’s skill in operating heavy equipment, Saturday’s Vintage Motocross started on a perfectly groomed circuit. Race 3, Vintage MX saw 10 Sportsman 250 and ESS 500 riders at the gate, Stephen Hoover’s #61s 1969 side pipe CZ led the pack in the ESS 500 EXP class. Sportsman 250 INT had a field of 5 riders with Brian Wiesmore #463 1/1 finishes besting #37 Amber Hamilton’s Maico 2/2 finishes. Amber entered several classes and prove to be a very talented rider. Amber finished 1/1 in the Women’s
Expert class followed by Laci Horvath 2/2. Emily Reichart #700 on a 175 Puch finished 1/1 in the Women’s INT class. The #273 Honda of Nancy Lisey finished 1/1 in the Women’s NOV class.
Bob Bean #54 finished 1/1 in the Vintage Open Age class.
Vintage 40+ EXP saw Jay Gref #4j finish 1/1.
Race 8 saw the largest gate of 18 Riders all in classes 50+, 60+ and 70+.
Local Rider from Batavia, NY, William Miller’s #326 380 CZ finished 1/1 in the Vintage 40+ INT Class and the Vintage 50+ INT class. Chris Hill #2b of Rush, NY was second to William Miller in the 50+ INT Class. Ronald Krzaczyk #211 finished 1/1 in the 50+ EXP class. Peter Marcin #610 finished 3/2 to top the 60+ INT Class.
Vintage 60+ EXP saw Steven Hoover’s #61s Maico 1/1 finishes besting Bob Bean’s #54 2/2 finishes. Joe Gretchen #83 finished 3/3.
In the Vintage 70+ INT Class, Robert Lisey # 271 finished 1/1. In the 70+ EXP Class, Henry Gref #a9 finished 1/1.
This year, we missed seeing a local former professional racer, Michael Robinson, riding a well maintained 1973 Bultaco 250 Pursang. Mike rode Bultaco motorcycles for many years out of his family shop in nearby Rochester NY.
At the 1977 USGP at Unadilla, Mike was running the 500cc support class on a Kawasaki, after a 5th place in moto 1 and 8th overall, Gary Bailey put the call in to Senor Bulto. Mike rode that fall for Bultaco International in the Trans Am series with teammate Kenny Zhart. This was the last series that Bultaco International sponsored riders in the US.
Mike’s best finish was a 4th at Unadilla 250 GP Support class. In the 1984-85 seasons Mike made three 500cc pro MX starts, with a 20th at Broome Tioga on July 22, 1984 on a Yamaha. His passion for motorcycling is still as strong today, in 2021 he had a great ride at the AHRMA National at Pavilion MX Park, NY.
On Saturday evening, Glenn Taylor watered and groomed the track for racing action on Sunday. The western NY weather presented a very warm day, with perfect track conditions. In race one, 23 riders were at the gate in a mix of Historic,
GP and age classes. When the gate dropped, Joe Gretchen #83 Maico led the way. In the Historic 125 INT class Kurt Seebeck #221 Honda 1/1 finishes bested Karl Faruzel #607 2/2 finishes. In the Historic 250 INT class Ed Hewig #88x 2/1 finishes bested second place Marc Warburton #169 3/2 finishes.
In the GP 125 EXP Class, Nick Abdo #268 won the class with 1/1 finishes.
Race 4 saw 13 riders as the board turned sideways. Quite a show was put on by Pre-Modern 250 EXP rider Bob Bean #54, Logan Holley #110 and Next Gen 1 250 EXP David Williams #384. In the end Bob Bean #54 topped the younger rider Holley in the second moto for the win. In the Next Gen 1 125 INT Class, Marc Curran’s #232 1/1 finishes topped Andy Palmatier’s #988 2/2 finishes and John Fedor’s #56j 3/3 finishes. The Pre-Modern 250 INT class winner was Bob Frederick. Jay Gref #4j won the Next Gen 250 EXP Class. Jim Bell #14j won the Pre-Modern 500 INT Class.
In Race 5, new to motocross, a Novice Cross Country rider James Henry #12 won the PV GP NOV Class. Race 6 had the biggest gate, 25 riders took
off from the gate. In the PV 70+ EXP Class a CZ battle between Henry Gref #a9 and Paul Wawrynovic #72c was won by Henry. The PV 70+ EXP class winner was Craig Curry #47c with 1/1 finishes. In the PV Women’s EXP Class, Laci Horvath #996 finished 1/1, Kelly Ashcraft #335 finished 2/2 and Amber Hamilton’s Maico finished 3/3. Race 7 action. Sunday was John Ashcraft’s #214 day winning the Ultima 500 EXP Class with1/1 finishes. The Ultima 4-Stroke Class saw Ed Abdo take the win with 1/1 finishes.
There was a lot of great racing action on Saturday and Sunday, congratulations to all the riders! It was great to see the growing number of participants in the women’s classes, many also raced with other
classes, and showed how skilled they are!
A big thank you from all of us to the Taylor Family at Pavilion MX Park for hosting a safe and well run AHRMA Off-Road National Event. We appreciate the time and effort placed on maintaining a vintage friendly track.
We thank Merritt Brown of the Northeast Region for Motocross Tech Inspection, Becky Hayes, Cross Country Coordinator, Dave Kutskel, Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator’s added help to the Motocross program. We thank Bridgestone the National sponsor of this event. We thank Sharon Bean, photographer at Sharons MX Pictures, Facebook. Everyone who attended the 2022
Vintage and post vintage crosscountry racing took place on both days before and during the intermission of the motos. The racers lined up in an adjacent field to the north of the parking area where wooded ground lies. The property, in general, is divided by the valley created by the Pearl Creek which runs in a north-south direction. Where the MX track takes full advantage of the slope afforded by the east side of the valley, the CC loop uses the western side of the valley to great effect as well. With a limited amount of ground available, particularly wooded ground,
the course’s best features are found on the hillsides surrounding the creek valley. Several up and down sections are included that incorporate an intriguing mix of rocks, roots, steepness, and curves that set the stage for success or failure each lap. Apart from the hills, and a romp down the rocky, moist bed of Pearl Creek, the course is relatively high-speed and makes the best of the limited area. There is a plethora of winding two-track with established berms and ruts that encourage a good flow and a large stretch of open grass track with plenty of hidden whoops and rocks and a bugger of an offcamber one-eighty that challenged many drum brakes over the weekend. Unfortunately, despite great weather all weekend, the attendance in the CC
events was lukewarm at best, making it clear that MX was dominating the scene this weekend.
Many thanks to: Glenn Taylor and his team at Pavilion Motocross Park for the efforts taken to prepare and maintain this tremendous facility for the benefit of AHRMA and its members; Cross-Country Coordinator Becky Hayes and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regional directors who made the trek to assist with CC and MX – Ed Roman, Merritt Brown, and Dave Kutskel. Remember to replace your worn tires with Bridgestone Tires as a thanks to the company for fully sponsoring all of AHRMA’s off road disciplines for 2022.
Icertainly do not want to stereotype all seventy-yearold women, but I think it is pretty safe to say that those deciding to compete in motocross for the first time as a septuagenarian is a darn short list. While Nancy Lisey’s new-found hobby, or “obsession” as some have described it, has been mentioned briefly before in these pages, I was able to get a full scoop on the remarkable achievement during the recent event at Pavilion Motocross Park. Not to spoil the story, but after my wife and I had the pleasure of a joyous conversation with Nancy and her husband Bob, it is no longer a surprise that this woman would take this leap. She’s tough, competitive, adventurous, and perpetually young-at-heart. All traits shared with Bob by the way. So how does a seventy-year-old make the leap into MX? It all started at AHRMA’s Barber event in 2021…well, “it” all started way before then, but we’ll get there.
At the Barber swap meet, Bob showed Nancy a nice Honda SL100 ready for the track. He has been racing with AHRMA for the past several years, so he’s familiar with the machines and class structures and suggested this would be a good bike for Nancy. Her main desired attribute was being able to reach the ground flat-footed, and the Honda accommodated that need quite well and cash was handed over. Now, Nancy was committed to her motocross racing debut at the year-end event in Oklahoma. She immediately jumped into the fray with both Alpinestars. She began practicing on her new ride daily to prepare herself for the quickly approaching event. It should be pointed out that Nancy had very limited experience piloting a motorcycle prior to this, and when asked about that she simply stated that any earlier attempts “did not go well”! However, by the time the gate dropped in Oklahoma, Nancy had tamed that 100cc stallion, competed as a bona fide motocross racer, and was hooked.
Rolling into 2022, Nancy’s desire to race vintage motocross has morphed into a self-described obsession. The SL100, having succumbed to engine failure, has been replaced by a 125 (also flat-foot capable) and is Nancy’s leading weapon to tackle multiple classes in each event she attends. Speaking of which, Nancy and Bob, who also races in AHRMA’s motocross and cross-country events, have traveled through nearly twentyfive states this year, and competed in well over a dozen different states, in their expedition through the National series along with several stints at Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regional events. And, as of Pavilion, the excitement in Nancy’s voice as she speaks of her racing escapades shows no signs of slowing down. She is fully engaged, improving every race, and loving every bit of the experience. Ok…great story so far, but why motocross? Why now? For one thing, competition, racing, and motorcycles are not new to the couple by any measure. In fact, talking to these two
is an enlightening opportunity. The adventurous life that they have led is truly remarkable and is the clear root cause of “why”. In 1969, for their first date, Bob showed up with a motorcycle strapped to the back of a Firebird. Yep, the first date was at a race in which Bob was competing, so bikes were there from the start. And, although Nancy didn’t have much experience at the helm prior to this new MX gig, she did have plenty of seat time behind Bob on and off road. Once Bob spilled his dual sport bike with Nancy riding pillion, resulting in a shattered foot. You would think this could make someone swear off motorcycles, but not Nancy. The couple spent many years attending and competing in ultramarathons, where Bob would take part in the main event running for hundreds of miles over several days, and Nancy would participate in supporting events (still running farther than most people do in a lifetime). In the late twenty-teens, their competitive itch was scratched by a few years running in the side-by-side (SxS) events in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series where Bob, who Nancy says is a “crazy driver”, took the wheel with her by his side as the rally car-style navigator. The pair would ultimately win the amateur championship in 2018 and be continually nipping at the heels of the factory-sponsored professional teams on the leaderboard. Sadly, GNCC ceased incorporating the SxS classes following that season and the couple was left with a competitive void until Bob discovered AHRMA in 2020. So, taking all of these collective experiences into account, when asked “why motocross”, Nancy’s reply makes sense. She missed the adrenalin rush and was seeking a replacement to feed that need. Since Bob was already traveling to AHRMA events, it just made sense that she would join him. Good choice Nancy! In seriousness, it is hard to relate the impressive and inspiring history these two have in such a limited space. You could probably write a book. Get your own version of the story when you see the Lisey’s at the next event, they are very approachable, enjoyable, and engaging. Nancy is eyeing up a few AHRMA National Championships, so I’d wager you will see them at the closing rounds of the 2022 season. Watch for #273!
& PHOTOS: KEVIN MCINTOSH
With back-to-back race weekends, there was limited time to fix, tweak, replace, or tear down anything. Instead, there was just enough time for locals to freshen up and long haulers to find a slice of the Midwest to call home for a few days. Here are just a few of the in-between race weekend adventures experienced.
Jim and Terri Korn, along with Scott Turner, headed north to Hortonville, WI, and enjoyed a bit of the country life for a few days at a friend’s place. I wonder if they know Hortonville was the home of Charlie Nagreen, better known as “Hamburger Charlie,” a claimant to the title of inventor of the hamburger in 1885 during the Seymour County Fair.
Larry and Carol Watts went the route of Manitowoc, WI, one of the state’s main historical port cities and home to an impressive maritime museum. Keeping the theme going, they then parked their motorhome on the SS Badger ferry for the four-hour crossing of Lake Michigan, docking in
Ludington, MI, which they would call home for the next few days before heading to Gingerman.
Trustee Tim Terrell would take a more direct route, heading straight to South Haven, MI, and setting up camp with Eric Lukehart on the western shore of Lake Michigan at Van Buren State
Park. Their camp site included a paddock-like experience, perfect for airing out and tinkering on race bikes before heading to the track.
You would also find one of AHRMA’s newer members/racers, Cassandra Gooding from North Carolina, at Van Buren State Park. Spirits high after
Ahmet Akaydin (477), Brian Larrabure (14), Robert Himmelmann (62x), Jesse Davis (03)
her second race weekend (Blackhawk, CMP was her first), a nice fire and some time in the hammock would do her good before gridding up again in a few days.
One of the long haulers, Jesse Davis, would find hospitality with fellow AHRMA racer and Michigan local, Shawn Smith. Farther east than most would probably go for accommodations, Davis would travel even further to Toronto to pick up what plans to be a future race bike of the 750cc 2-stroke liquidcooled variety.
Now being a Lake Michigan eastcoaster (near Milwaukee), home is where I rested my head for a few days and then it was off to South Haven, MI, with my co-pilot and son, Alex. Gingerman would be the perfect track for him, easy to get around on his bike and a fully stocked fishing pond right next to our paddock spot…he was in Heaven in South Haven…haha.
Finally seeing the Gingerman Raceway sign, then rolling up to the registration building is alway exciting as I know chances are (like at most road race events) AHRMA’s Membership Coordinators Dan and Jennifer Thornton will be there to greet us. Indeed this was the case and quite possibly after normal registration hours…like they were waiting just for us to get there. That’s simply how they make everyone feel and it’s truly wonderful, thank you both.
Saturday morning’s tech and riders’ meeting was greeted by the most perfect weather…sun, sun, and more sun to warm the weariest of souls. After a few words from our Road Race
Director, Dewanna Comer, Referee Bill Doran, and our Starter Ed Bargy, it was a quick look at grids, a chat, then back to your respective paddock spot to prepare for practice.
To start things off Saturday, Rebecca Berneck (land-speed record holder and former AHRMA road racer) was trackside in support of her ChiVinMoto racing family and sang the National Anthem as she has done so well many times before, thank you Rebecca.
On Sunday, AHRMA’s very own Academy of Road Racing Headmaster, Mark Morrow, displayed one of so many interesting and unique talents among AHRMA members as he performed the National Anthem on his trumpet over the PA system. That day’s rendition was especially on point and a joy to hear as he chased those high notes
like they were Kevin Dinsmoor in Formula 500 and ended with a little flare, it surely gave everyone in the paddock goosebumps and a reason to cheer the start of racing just a bit harder…thank you Mark.
Race one would see a lighter grid in Sportsman 500, with Scott Turner (#334) taking a commanding lead both days and grabbing the top podium spot on the weekend. After a bit of rough outing at Mid Ohio, John Fitzer (#R45) was able to get his bike and body back together and grab the second podium spot both days, followed by Katy Robinson (#837) in third.
The 250 Grand Prix class would see a great battle both days for the top spot, with Jonas Stein (#123) grabbing it just ahead of Paul Germain (#61) on Saturday. Tony Read (#176) found a few extra revs on Sunday and took top honors, which put Stein in second and Germain third.
Formula Thunder was interesting. Arnold Hastings (#38A) grabbed the checker both days; in a roundabout way, the second podium spot for the weekend would be influenced by DNS’s. With a DNS on Saturday for Patrick Lansu (#77L), it would be John Beldock (#660) who grabbed second just under three seconds behind and Greg Avello (#21K) in third. On Sunday though, Beldock would incur a DNS and it would be Lansu claiming the second podium finish just 0.328 of a second behind Hastings and John Waverka (#647)
Katy Robinson (837)in third. Now if only Lansu and Beldock could have figured things out and raced both days…it would have been a real three-way banger.
Jesse Davis (#03) would also be stricken with a DNS Saturday in Battle of the Twins 1 due to a mishap while gridding that caused his motor to stall. There will be no lurch off the start in that race for Davis. Instead, AHRMA Chairman Brian Larrabure (#14) would take the checker ahead of Chris Wolter (#65) and Bob Robbins (#46) in third.
Sound of Thunder 4 had some of the most evenly-matched riders both days, with only a few seconds separating the top five. James Hartanovich (#37) would take Saturday, just ahead of Mark White (#230) and Eric Watts (#87) in third. While on Sunday, with Hartanovich out of the mix and headed back home, White would find the top spot, with Edward Blount (#55C) moving
up a few spots to grab a podium and Watts another third.
In Race 3, the action was in the Thruxton Cup, where Greg Glevicky (#R73) navigated the track better than the rest on Saturday, just a touch ahead (0.0633) of Clint Austin (#1t) for the win and Paul Canale (#553) grabbing a strong third spot.
It was also during Race 3, and pretty much anytime Herb Haigh (#75H) had to step away from his paddock mate and dog Gracie, that the help of Danielle Smith was enlisted. “Dani” is the 13-year-old granddaughter of AHRMA volunteer, racer, and tutu-wearing friend to all, Michelle Le Clear-Fisher. This was Dani’s first time experiencing an AHRMA race weekend and while Herb’s dog doesn’t take to everyone, she warmed right up to Dani. It was a perfect paddock puppy match-up while Herb did his thing on the track.
Race 4 would see quite a few epic battles for the podium in each of the represented classes, but like with most battles, limits will be found and sometimes exceeded. This was the case for Steve Alexander (#43A) on Saturday while making a run for the top spot in Sound of Singles 2. Alexander and his bike were ok, but it did cut the race short to four laps and a red-flag finish. Ralph Staropoli (#80L) would take the win, with Andrew Berkley (#21B) in second and Mike Harlow (#X30) third.
Formula 500 would also see a tight battle for the top spot, but with the race cut short, Mark Morrow (#1D) would have to settle for third, Dan Sokolich (#77Z) second and Kevin Dinsmoor (#304) top of the box. It should be noted that Sundays race, while shortened due to additional delays, did get its six complete laps in and the results were just the same. A tight battle up front both days.
Peter Esaff and Eric Lenser (#14SC) led the way in the sidecar race, with the overall win both days and in Modern Sidecar TT2. Tony and Lisa Doukas (#8NZ) would take home second place. While Tim Joyce and Renee Schuelke (#1l) grabbed the top spot both days in Super Vintage, ahead of Daniel May and Craig Chawla (#93). Coming in third was Brian and Tammy Rammer (#46X).
Sound of Singles 3 would find one of the closest three-way battles for first place with only 0.749 seconds separating the top-three finishers. Ralph Staropoli grabbed first just a wheel ahead of Adrian Jasso (#12), as Jordan Reid (#17J) slipped into third.
Brian Rammer (46x)
Helmut Niederer (80R)
In CB160 Exhibition, Christopher
Akaydin (#784) would end up shadowing Jonas Stein (#123) the whole race right to the end, with just 0.738 seconds difference. Jack Kainz (#35L) would follow in the third podium spot.
On Sunday, Stein would fail to complete the CB160 race; Akaydin would take the top spot with Kainz stepping into second. For the third and final podium spot, Chris Steele (#310) was ready to race after having technical issues the day before. Lex Robb (#49L) took up the challenge, and the two would have a great run to the finish, with Robb just beating out Steele by half a second at the checker.
Lightweight would see a carry over battle from Blackhawk Farms Raceway (BFR) between Tom Rohe (#42T) and Kristen Baustert (#077) for the top spot both days. They would end up splitting the weekend on the top spot, with Robert Himmelmann (#777) grabbing third Saturday and second Sunday.
Motard found Steve Alexander bouncing back from his Race 4 incident and taking the checker ahead of Andrew Berkley by 0.309 seconds. Berkley would flip the script and take the win Sunday, cutting the margin to
0.098 seconds. Paul Elledge (#1j) would grab third on Saturday and Mike Harlow (#X30) the same on Sunday.
This was about the point in the race day where time was not on our side and the last few races moved to Sunday. With that decision and the fact that Gingerman Raceway has a two-hour mandatory quiet time between 10am and 12pm due to its proximity to a local church, Sunday would be packed with more races and less time to do them in. It was a day that tested everyone, and unfortunately it showed in more offtrack excursions, crash-truck pickups and red flags. It was a rough day, no
doubt about it, but that’s simply how racing goes sometimes.
Race 10 would keep the crash trucks busy with multiple pickups and a race cut short by one lap. Arnold Hastings would stay out of trouble and grab first in Sound of thunder, followed by Ray Hofman (#771) and Mark White (#230).
On Saturday, Dan Waite (#R82) would endure plenty of pressure from Robert Himmelmann (#62x; second) and Cameron Crockett (#700; third) in Next Gen Superbike Lightweight. While on Sunday, Monty Stauffer (#008) found a few extra horses and propelled himself right to first place ahead of second place Waite and Himmelmann settling for a hard fought third.
Race 11…Race 12…oh and Race 13, once a day is best, twice a day on Sunday would indeed be a test. For some, running in these races twice in one day was simply not worth the risk, for others, it was a requirement to stay in the fight for a regional or national championship. It would test everyone’s mind and body in some way.
The highlights for these races would have to start with Sportsman 750. A historically tight battle between two Michigan locals, Jeff Hargis (#84) and Matt Esterline (#1N), they would again not disappoint, with Hargis taking the first checker just 0.542 seconds ahead. But unlike previous years, closely in tow this time was Brady Ingelse (#451) in third and Collin Erwin (#481) just 2.986 seconds off the lead.
On Sunday, Ingelse would make it clear that he has arrived and was
now on pace with the fast guys, motoring just two tenths of second ahead of Esterline and less than two seconds ahead of Hargis for the win.
In Next Gen Superbike 3, Scott Rothermel (#29J) and Christopher Akaydin battled it out both races for top honors, where they would have to settle for a split, the same would go for Jordan Henry (#710) and Brian Larrabure for third and fourth place, respectively.
The Vintage Superbike Heavy Weight - 2022 Vintage Cup race would play out the same in both races and be strikingly similar to BFR results. Jess Davis took the top spot both races, with Jeremy Maddrill (#1p) in second and Russell Jordan (#302) in third.
In Vintage Super Bike Lightweight, Paul Elledge (#133) would do everything in his power to best Craig Breckon (#39) in both races, but it would not be and he would have to settle for second place in both races, followed by Jim Eich (#51P) in third.
The thirteenth and final race of the day, unlike what final results might show, was a full grid at the start, but that all changed after a crash in lap one that caused a red flag. With everyone forced back to the emptying paddock, an extended delay, and rain threatening, many chose to call it a day and not return to the grid for a restart.
It was an unfortunate end to the race weekend, but as I stated before, sometimes that’s how it goes. No one can predict how a race weekend will play out, but even with the delays and on-track misfortune, the overall weekend was a success with tons of close racing, memorable battles on the track and beers with friends and fellow racer off it.
Thank you to our host Gingerman Raceway for having us. Hats off to Road Race Director, Dewanna Comer, and her team for navigating the many complexities that came their way over the weekend, no small task indeed.
Paul Germain (61)
PHOTOS BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
Cassandra Gooding all smiles and ready to race!
Father-son combo Mike and Jordan Reid enjoying the race weeknd in one of Gingerman’s garage spaces.
Stephen Pettinger sorting out a sproket misalignment with some power tool action. Love me some sparks!
Our Road Race Director’s duties were not done when racing finished Saturday. Surely though, birthday cake duty for her husband, Curt, was one of the more enjoyable tasks of the day.
Lisa Doukas had a high school reunion of sorts when her old classmates, Maggie, Luann and Jenny visited.
Michelle Le Clear-Fisher’s granddaughter, Dani, attended her first AHRMA race and got a special award as #1 dog sitter. Dani helped keep Herb Heigh’s dog Gracie company while Herb was on the track.
PhOTO By MIchelle le clear-FIsher
Herb Haigh with his dog enjoying the weekend.
WORDS: JOSHUA SCHUCKER PHOTOS: SARAH HUTH, RYAN HORAN, BRETT REICHART
For several years now, the Reitz family has worked tirelessly through the off season preparing for the AHRMA Mid-Atlantic Cross Country series’ early season stop in their stomping grounds. Patriarch Jim, and sons Jamie and Mike, had been using the LL Raceway facility in Clarion County Pennsylvania as the home of their efforts to play host to the series and its competitors. Unfortunately, recent events have been unable to stay clear of Mother Nature’s often-crazed springtime maneuverings. In each of the last two years, the race has been inundated with staggering amounts of precipitation leading up to and during the occasion. While everyone made the best of the “Happy Mudder’s Day” situation, the weather and bikes had taken a heavy toll on the trail infrastructure at the facility. Thankfully a bit of serendipity presented another opportunity just a few miles away on the eastern edge of the county. Jim was made aware of a landowner that was interested in seeing a race held on his property and the two connected to set a path forward.
From the minute the Reitz boys
stepped into the woods at Dale and Lori Reynolds’ expansive property near the small town of Summerville, they knew they had a hit on their hands. Any concerns about replacing the varied and entertaining terrain at LL with lesser features were washed away immediately. Like LL, this area is filled with the earthworks, shelves, valleys, and uniqueness associated with prior strip mine activities as well as plenty of old logging paths and preexisting ATV trails. Noting that the property was separated into two halves by the township access road, the Reitz’s were keen to create two separate courses in exploiting the Mid-Atlantic region’s now slightly prophetic focus on controlling travel expenses in its 2022 schedule. More good fortune was a vacancy in the later part of this season’s schedule, meaning the full weekend doubleheader was set to take place in early September, bolstering hopes for more stable weather and providing plenty of time for Jim and the boys to learn the land and craft worthy courses. Fast-forward to the present, and AHRMA’s freight train of fun has rolled into Sutton Station for the inaugural event in the area named for
the now-extinct railroad exchange servicing the property’s historical mining activities. In the time since securing the property for the event, it has been rumored that Jim Reitz alone has invested hundreds of hours in prepping the surrounding acreage for this weekend. Plenty of chatter and social media teasers had riders amped up to see what the Reitz clan had in store for the weekend. And Dale and Lori were plenty amped up too, as they were obviously very excited to host the event and welcomed the AHRMA crew with open arms. Dale even picked up a Suzuki PE175 just before the weekend so he could take part in the post vintage race!
The weekend’s action kicked off under perfect conditions on the eastern side of Love Road in an open field, where a strong field of competitors were immediately introduced to some of the fresh trail leaving the start where the course began to make a winding ascent to the top of the knob adjacent to the start. A short steep descent followed and caught a few riders off guard with a quick left-right transition at the bottom. Before long, the riders
intersect a logging ride and find themselves faced with the first line choice of the loop. Continue straight for more single track or make a right to “The Log”. This particular log had become a bit of folklore leading up to the event as Jamie Reitz was sharing its discovery and potential use with the AHRMA family earlier in the year. A massive fallen tree, “The Log” rose four feet from the forest floor and spanned nearly six feet. But sure enough, come race day, the expert line crested the famed obstacle with the help of some of Dale’s chainsaw carving (a logger by trade) to minimize the span, and a couple creative ramps to ease the ingress and egress. While “The Log” quickly became a fan-favorite viewing spot, it was certainly a daunting sight from the seat of a bike, but most folks managed to negotiate it with minimal drama and gained a distinct advantage over the longer bit of singletrack as an alternate. In fairness to the low ground clearance and potential for downpipe destruction, the vintage race excluded “The Log”. Plenty of ATV trail and singletrack followed and utilized the hillsides and man-made shelves to great effect in creating epic flow through the dense pines at a perfect pace. Another expert line made an abrupt left up a steep incline with a kicker midway. The hill was a “chugger” where maintaining traction and momentum were key. The go-around was far longer, but a rider with a load of hustle and no mistakes could rendezvous nearly in sync with those taking the tough line…assuming the hill wasn’t littered with cursing riders and stationary bikes, as was the case at times. A treat of triple sweeping uphills were awfully entertaining and a good place to wick the throttle and rail the berms to shoot the bike uphill. A final, challenging hill climb was encountered late in the lap with a tricky approach that required good line choice, a strong twist on the right grip, and the appropriate gear selection. The easier line here blasted through a small mud pit and took a less technical approach at the hill. Again, a fast rider on either route nearly equaled out in the end, making for some great battles. Following the hill there was just enough remaining flow to push a competitor for position before the scoring tent and transition to the beginning of the next lap
through the starting area. No one wanted to admit it, but the forecast was increasingly calling for overnight rain, and sure enough come Sunday morning Mother Nature had found her way back to spoil the Reitz’ efforts. Sunday’s races were slated to cover an entirely separate set of trails in the western side of the road, and while the rain forced an early morning scramble to reroute some sections that were most heavily impacted by the slick conditions, the vintage class lined up on time
and ready to tackle the mud. This side of the road basically starts at the top of a valley and descends to the bottom, climbs back and forth between each side before ending back at the top near the start line. Taking full advantage of the piles, mounds, and reclaimed open land left over from Sutton Station’s mining days, the course is technical and tight. Containing several climbs and off-cambers, the difficulty level was certainly exacerbated by the traction deficit provided by the continuing
rainfall. Slot-car level ruts forming, evolving, and moving each lap didn’t help either. Looking past the challenges, the terrain covered by this course was awesome. It is such a shame that the weather dominated the experience. Despite deteriorating conditions, and waning attendance, with some modifications to the running times (i.e., two-lap maximum for the vintage race) all three races were able to complete the day’s competition. Tough for sure, fun for some, horror for others, but hopefully we get another change to take on this course in better conditions in the season’s ahead, because in one man’s opinion, it has a tremendous amount of potential.
Even with the weather issue, this was a great weekend in total. It was a joy to see landowners this engaged in allowing off-road enthusiasts to settle into their property for a spell and already be looking forward to it happening again! Thank you, Lori and Dale…and thanks for the impromptu karaoke party Saturday on the front porch, what a crowd! Jim Reitz had already proven that his trail-boss game is strong with some neato courses in the past at LL, but there were several “best course of the year” cheers heard following Saturday’s race. This is huge praise as the Mid-Atlantic is blessed with amazing courses at nearly every round. But, without much exaggeration, that course was legendary, perfect dirt, flow, tightness, pace, elevation, length, and competitiveness. And I’m pretty sure you can count the number of rocks, in total, on one hand. Sadly, Sunday’s course didn’t get a fair shake in competing for best course honors, but the hard work was evident there as well and it’s future is bright given better conditions. Certainly, all the hard work Jim and his sons put into this event over the past year have paid off handsomely and I must believe most everyone is looking forward to returning to Sutton Station. Dave Kutskel, the AHRMA Mid-Atlantic volunteers, and sponsors Potomac Vintage Riders, Preston Petty Products, Stainless Cycle, Grove Printing, KMI Printing, and Horizon Homes were all, as always, integral to the success also and deserving of heaps of praise as well.
The Sugar Hill cross country returned to Bolivar, TN, on the national race calendar for 2022 and featured a completely new venue on a brand-new course.
Organizers Clayton Farris and Bob Ragon put in many long days laying out the course in the months leading up to race weekend. Property owners Mark and David Avent gave free rein
to use their farm and property as needed, and the result was a fun course that featured everything from first gear handlebar width stick farms to high gear full throttle farm road romps. This part of Tennessee doesn’t have many rocks, but there were plenty of roots to make up for it and keep riders on their toes. A couple of twisty grass track sections
broke up the flowy woods sections, and a run down a sandy, whooped out creek bed felt more like South Carolina than Tennessee. The course was just over four and a half miles long, with the experts and many intermediates squeezing out five laps before the checkered flag.
Western Tennessee hasn’t had a very wet year, and course conditions
G Scott Price (O36)
on Saturday were hard-packed and dusty. Unless you were the lead dog on the sled team and got the hole shot on your line, the view was going to be pretty much the same...dusty! Add in some late summer heat, and you got hot, sweaty and dusty. Bill Malec led a sighting lap for those who wanted a preview of the course. Some people like sighting laps, some don’t, but in this case, it was probably a good idea to do it due to the anticipated dusty race conditions. There were several places where the trail came out of the woods and skirted the edge of a sandy, dusty soybean field before ducking back into the trees. At race pace, it was easy to hit top gear for a couple of seconds before having to scrub speed to re-enter the woods. Even with stakes, arrows and ribbon ahead of the turns into the woods (think road race braking markers), several riders still slid through the corners.
The vintage race went off without a hitch. The field was a little slim, probably because this is a standalone event, meaning no motocross or trials to draw in multi-discipline entries. Still, most of the usual suspects were on the line at race time, including Bill Ryburn on his Penton, Dennis Brown on the Greeves, the Puchmeister Thom Kuhns, Trini Cunningham (with her personal coach, Terry 4X!) and of course our cross country coordinator Becky Hayes. About half the field got in four laps before the checkered flag, most of the rest doing three. Fast guy for the day was G. Scott Price on the sportsman open expert Husky who put in four sub-fifteen minute laps,
fastest 14:02, slowest 14:58. The slower laps were his third and fourth, and fighting the dust as he came up on lappers was no doubt a factor. Very nice result, regardless.
The post-vintage riders lined up with everyone anticipating TC4X Terry Cunningham to easily take the overall. It wouldn’t be a cake walk, however, as former AHRMA Executive Director Curt Comer showed up to give Terry a little competition in the PV 60+ Expert class. Unfortunately for Curt, Terry set a blistering pace including one sub-11 minute lap! Local PV 50+ Expert, Josh Scott was runner-up for the overall with sub-12 minutes laps. To put that in perspective, the experts
were generally running anywhere from high 11’s to low 13’s, with intermediates a minute or two behind that pace. Despite the dust, times between racers in each class were fairly close and consistent, and even the 70+ racers got in four laps before the checkered flag waved. Curt had to settle for runner-up to TC4X and wouldn’t have a second chance at the crown as he unfortunately had to load up and head off for another engagement on Sunday. Still, it was nice to see him out racing, and he is still involved with AHRMA by proxy as Dewanna is currently ramrodding the road race end of things.
Sean Brown (244)Racers were hoping for a little rain Saturday night to settle the dust, but evidently everyone’s collective prayers were heard at the same time when an E-Z-Up shredding squall blew through just before sunrise with some hard, driving rain. The sweep riders went out for a lap to check for downed trees and just to see if the course was passable.
It was slick and greasy, and even had axle deep water running off the bean fields into the adjoining creeks, but by a second sweep lap 30 minutes later, all that was left was a few puddles. A rider vote was taken to either race on schedule, go home and get double points based on your Saturday result, or delay the start for an hour and then go racing. It was unanimous that everyone wanted to give the course an hour to dry out, and then RACE!
The vintage riders had the worst of it on Sunday, but by going out and soldiering through the sloppy spots, they actually made the course great for the later post-vintage race. The
one really tough spot that probably should have been bypassed was an up-and-down grass track mowed into the side of a fairly steep hill. It was pretty much six U-turns at the top and bottom of the hillside. The downhills were slick, the U-turns at the bottom were sloppy and muddy, and the climbs back up were as slick and the downhills. It was hard to make a good turn at the bottom and get a decent run at the uphills, especially for the 100s and 125s. 20/20 hindsight, we probably should have just run across the top of the hill (note for next year in case of rain!) G. Scott Price took advantage of that open class Husky grunt to power through the slop and up the hills for the overall win again. He got four laps in, with lap times about 90 seconds off of his dry and dusty Saturday times. Still, an impressive performance. Vintage 60 Expert Tim Banks was the only other vintage racer to get four laps in before the checkers. Most everyone else got
in one less lap than they did on Saturday, and that was to be expected with the course conditions changed so drastically.
The combination of the vintage riders churning up the course and a bit of a dry breeze and some sunshine gave the post-vintage racers the best course of the weekend. Yes, there were still some slick spots here and there, a greasy exposed root or two, the still greasy up-and-down grasstrack hill, but for the most part everyone got in the same number of laps as they did with lap times remarkably close to Saturday’s. The woodsy sections were likely a little bit slower, but the absence of dust around the edges of the bean fields meant riders could make up time there. Again, Terry Cunningham put on an enduro clinic with Josh Scott in tow, running away from the field with consistently fast laps times ranging from 11:34 to 12:03. PV 200 Intermediate rider Bill Bagby was
the next rider close, taking third with lap times in the high 12’s. Bill handily topped the 200 class on Saturday as well, running a full minute per lap faster than the rest of the class. Sweet riding! Alan Todd (PV 50+ Int), Bill Hester (PV 60+ Expert) and William Wilhite (PV Open Int) duked it out for the fourth podium spot with Todd edging out Hester and Wilhite by less than two seconds overall. Great racing, guys!
All in all, a great weekend of fun with everything from dust to mud. Huge thanks to Clayton Farris, Bob Ragon, the Avent family, and the rest of the course crew for a fun race at a great venue. Thanks to Dennis and David Brown, Bill Ryburn, and the rest of the tech and sign-up crew, and of course to our cross country coordinator Becky Hayes for doing all the work no one else wants to do. Full results can be found on the AHRMA website. Hope to see everyone at Sugar Hill next year. Bring your friends, it’s a blast!
Footnote by Bob Ragon: Special thanks to Jeff Debell for his volunteer help reviewing and improving our course marking, running sweep for the vintage race, scouting the course Sunday morning after the rain, penning this article and other valuable assistance.
While it was four-wheel racing just a few miles west at the YellaWood 500, at Talladega Superspeedway, “Little Tally” or Talladega Gran Prix in Munford, AL, welcomed our two- and threewheeled machines for some racing fun of our own.
The final rounds (21 and 22) before Barber are tricky. With back-to-back weekends, do you press your luck and treat it like any other race weekend or do you hold back just a little to save your engine? Can you swing time away from home/work to hit both weekends in one trip or do you have to pick one or the other? Are you in the hunt for National Championship points or still hustling to make fixes from the last race weekend before Barber?
It didn’t help that Hurricane Fiona was teasing the southeastern coast with potential heavy rains that could bleed inland and affect the weekend’s track conditions.
I have to admit, prior to this weekend’s event, I did purchase some rain gear in case of inclement weather. Luckily though, the effects of Hurricane Fiona never reached the track and I never had to bust out my umbrella hat for your track side amusement.
With the hurricane heading north to Canada, those that made it to Little Tally enjoyed perfect weather and plenty of hot-track action.
While scanning the entry list, it was indeed fairly regional…AL, GA, he Carolinas, LA, TN, FL, along with the few committed members lucky
Robert Himmelmann (62x), Keith Powell (949)
enough to participate in the full schedule out of desire or a need to stay up on National Championship points. That is, except for one name out of Texas…Joe Koury.
Now it’s not crazy to see either Joe Koury #357 or his dad, #951, of the same name, at the track and ready to battle for the lead in the lightweight GP classes, but considering neither of them have a dog in the fight for a national title or even plans to be at Barber, it was indeed curious what brought them to Tally.
Turns out, the Kourys were on a two-week, 4,000 mile, non-interstate motorcycle tour of the US and the return leg just happened to bring them to Munford, AL, in time to catch some racing.
In true AHRMA fashion, when word got out that the Kourys were trackside without a race-ready bike, it did not take long for one to materialize thanks to Rod Skaggs, Tim Terrell, and Stuart Sanders. Along with the needed equipment, Joe Jr got his unplanned race fix in the 250GP class before getting back on their road bikes and finishing out the remaining 800-mile leg of their most epic adventure.
Saturday morning’s riders’ meeting was a cool, calm, and for many, a highly-caffeinated affair. A chance to stretch one’s legs, have a quick chat with friends (human and often canine), and get up to speed on the day’s racing details. It was a nice surprise to see a familiar face in Tony Pentecost (former Road Race Director) helping out with the morning pep-talk duties. Proof that while things change, they don’t have to end. Always good to see you and Faynisha at the track and thank you.
Right out of the gate in Saturday’s first, there was another familiar face, with former Off-Road Director Tony Paul (#703) setting the bar with one of the faster lap times of the weekend while leading the way to the checkered flag on his hot pink Yamaha R6 in Next Gen Superbike 3. Did I mention former Off-Road Director? I think I did…impressive cross-discipline action right there. Brian Larrabure (#14) and Jeff Nelson (#020) would round out the top three spots both days.
In Sportsman 350, the three-way battle for the national title continued, with Rob Hall (#270) and Eric Cook (#1P) in a perfect dance lap to lap, but Hall ultimately took the lead across the finish line by just 0.737 seconds. David Miller (#69M) rounded out the top three Saturday and would bump Cook down a spot
on Sunday while Hall continued to tighten his grip in the 2022 National Title race.
Vintage Superbike Lightweight saw a newcomer to the class in Chloe Peterson (#456). An AHRMA regular and Royal Enfield’s BUILD.TRAIN.RACE competitor, Peterson is normally mounted on her trusty KTM RC390 in Sound of Singles, but like many modern bike riders, she wanted to experience the fun and challenges of racing vintage as well.
Things went well for Peterson on her 1983 Honda Ascot FT 500, but she did make a “new-to-class” mistake that potentially cost her the top spot Saturday. She forgot to note who she was actually racing against and didn’t realize the class leader was right in front of her! That would be David Evans (#590), just 0.0650 seconds ahead of Peterson and Clint Coulon (#426) following up behind to round out the podium.
Formula Thunder saw an evenly matched group battle for the top spot, with Patrick Lansu (#77L) finding the checker just 0.038 seconds ahead of Arnold Hastings (#38A) and Clint Austin (#720) grabbing third Saturday.
Sunday’s Formula Thunder race got interesting with the inclusion of Tony Paul who clearly was looking for another challenge and faster lap times. He would get it, and in turn push the class leaders to go just a
Turner Koletich (994)bit faster if they wanted to stay on the podium. Lansu and Hastings did respond going one and two, with Paul slipping into the third podium spot just a half second behind.
Race 4 saw some great back and forth battles, starting off in Formula 500 with Mark Morrow (#1D) playing catch-up the whole race and dicing it up with Kevin Dinsmoor (#304) for the lead. Nothing was guaranteed; they both had their strengths and the win was decided in the last 100ft to the finish, with Morrow grabbing the checker just 0.032 seconds ahead of Dinsmoor. A repeat of this epic battle would play out again on Sunday with the same results, including Dan Sokolich (#77Z) taking third. I’m sure after this great match-up, both Morrow and Dinsmoor were primed to do it all again at Barber in just a few days.
Race 5 - this was one to watch and watch out for. Lots happening, from sub one-minute lap times by MotoAmerica Pro, Stefano Mesa (#37x), in Battle of the Twins 1 (BOT 1), to key national championship points and photo finishes in both BOT 1 and BOT 2. Real barn burners both days, which only made for more excitement and in some cases, drama, right before Barber.
Speaking of champion points, the battle between Jessie Davis (#03) and #515 Jeremy Maddrill (#1P) in the Vintage Cup Series (Vintage SuperBike Heavyweight) couldn’t have been any closer.
Now for those that know how championship points work, you can stop reading this little bit and simply skip the rest of this paragraph. For those who don’t know, this is the breakdown: it’s your top 10 finishes out of the 22 races (2022 season)
that decide your total national championship points. If you win 10 races, you will have the maximum 10,000 points and in all probability would win a national title. In the case of a tie, the winner would be whoever got to 10,000 points in the fewest races. Most people don’t win 10 races, let alone enter 10 races in a season, so this is where going to more races can sometimes simply be enough to earn a title.
Now in the case of Davis and Maddrill, Maddrill front loaded his race schedule to build points more quickly, while Davis back loaded his schedule to catch up. Through the season, when the two racers would go head to head, the outcome would typically be Davis taking the checkered first, simply because he has the extra CC’s to do it.
Now one could say this makes for boring and predictable racing, but not always, simply on the grounds that you never know what’s going to happen across the 22-race season. Who’s going to make a race, DNS, DNF, be prepared for the rain (did you see their Blackhawk Farms race in the wet? Talk about an intense game of risk!), get caught in traffic or just be off their game.
Both Davis and Maddrill have played this chess game well, and while Davis grabbed two more wins on the weekend, Maddrill kept his tire warmers on until Barber, knowing it’s there that he has to make his move or it’s checkmate, Lurch (Davis). That is not boring; it’s how you play the game and make it interesting.
Chloe Peterson (456) Beasley Ayers (727)In the always exciting Le Mans CB160 race, it was Tim Terrell (#220) outpacing his counterparts Stuart Sanders (#215) and John Scales (#294) for the win both days. Scales would find just a bit more speed Sunday and bump Sanders down one podium spot on Sunday.
Sidecar numbers were light this weekend, but that did not lessen the action on the track. #46X Brian and Tammy Rammer had a target on their backs all weekend, with #48SC Stephen Aretz and Morgan Maney hot on their trail. With only a few races under their belts, Aretz and Maney are surely a pair to keep an eye on as they get more comfortable with their rig.
Sound of Singles is an interesting class, not sure if it’s coincidental or on purpose, but it’s a class where you can have rule-compliant engines on completely different framed bikes.
This weekend it was #80L Ralph Staropoli on his 2018 Honda NSF250R Grand Prix bike taking on #21B Andrew Berkley and his Motard styled 2021 Husqvarna FS450. So while the bikes surely took different lines to get around the track, they still found each other at the finish line with Staropoli less than 2 seconds ahead taking the win and #3Z Dave Frick in third.
Formula 750 found Trip Nobles (#114) taking a clear win on Saturday, followed by Dan Sokolich and Michael Wilson (#808) in third. On Sunday though, Nobles and his 1977 Harley-Davidson XRCR750T would have a surprise test by none other than AHRMA Academy of Racing’s very own Headmaster Mark Morrow (#1D). Following some great races, Morrow didn’t want the weekend to end and gave Nobles a great run for the checkered flag atop his 1977 RD400, just missing the top podium spot by half a second. Sokolich would get bumped down to
third. A great battle between twoand four-stroke technology.
Race 12 and the Sound of Thunder (the class not the weather) would finish out the racing both Saturday and Sunday. It was a tight battle both days in SOT1 with the same podium finishes both days. Drew Jankord (#4L), Patrick Lansu (#77L), and Arnold Hastings (#38A) rounded out the podium.
The Thruxton Cup Challenge had a strong showing both days, with Clint Austin (#1a) taking the win on the weekend, with Edward Blount (#55C) grabbed second and Dale Dutch Vanderburg Jr. (#099) rounding out the podium on Saturday. On Sunday, though, Patrick McGraw (#76x) gave Austin challenge for the top podium spot, but fell short by 1.559 seconds, with Paul Canale (#553) in third.
With that, the regular (non-Barber) AHRMA road racing season is a wrap. It was good, clean racing at Little Tally. Smiles all around as eyes turn to the big show down the road in Leeds, AL, just a few days away.
A special thanks to Talladega Gran Prix Raceway and their new management for continuing to have us. Thank you to our fearless Road Race Director, Dewanna Comer, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers for making the weekend an enjoyable experience for all.
Dustin Foretich (593)
’m now retired from road racing and my son, Joe, and I were only able to make one event this year at Heartland Motorsports Park due to work and personal commitments. We skipped the final four rounds at Little Tally and Barber to take a father/son motorcycle tour, all twisty backroads, to the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The race at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway was right smack in our route back to Texas with an easy day’s ride to get there by Friday evening after riding 3100 miles in 15 days. After we arrived and pitched our tents, it was time to catch up with all the AHRMA family. Oh man, were we ever greeted; the warm welcome teared us both up, and the camaraderie just kept on coming. About three beers into the ‘reuniting,’ Stuart Sanders approached me with a plan. Stuart and Tim Terrell had a bike Joe could ride (Rod Skaggs’ backup CB160) on Saturday and said they could also gather enough riding gear to get him on the track. Stuart giddily exclaimed, “I can’t wait to see the look on John Scales’ face when he sees Joe on the 250GP grid!”
We decided on this class since Rod was entered in the 200GP and CB160 classes and might need his backup.
We barely made the registration deadline on Saturday morning. I pasted some 357s on Rod’s number plates and made some minor adjustments to the bike. Joe slipped into the borrowed gear which was a close enough fit, and he was ready for some mighty overdue track time. He rode conservatively on the unfamiliar race bike, didn’t want to chance a ‘throwdown,’ and finished in fifth place after dicing with a pack of three or four riders who were battling for third place. We were both all smiles after the race
which put quite a cap on the 15-day, epic journey we had just experienced.
It was an incredible day-and-a-half reunion with an AHRMA family we have missed so much and were so eager to make our weekend special. Thanks, AHRMA, Stuart, Tim and Rod and also a big muchas gracias to David Miller, Chuck Stewart, Eric Cook, Karen Vanderzille Polson, Brandon and Jerry Nickell for all the delicious food. We headed out, fulfilled, for two more days and 900 miles of riding. Life behind bars just keeps on delivering.
PHOTOS BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
Chloe Peterson fan-girling out over a signed box of Buzz Lightyear branded cereal signed by AMA Pro Stefano Mesa. Mesa joined AHRMA this weekend for some racing action in his Buzz Lightyear-inspired leathers, making the box a perfect keepsake.
Beasley Ayers “nose” has to not get too serious in the paddock.
Just never know what you’ll see in the paddock after the racing is done. Here is Rosco showing off his love for steampowered tech.
Kevin Dinsmore invoking his Ricky Bobby
The 17th Barber Vintage Festival unfolded under sunny skies and near-perfect weather conditions the first weekend of October in Leeds, Alabama. This is the second year post pandemic, and Museum Executive Director, Jeff Ray, announced at Friday night’s Motorcycles by Moonlight that ticket sales were up over 10% from last year and confirmed tickets sales in 45 U.S. states and six countries.
This event offers something for all motorcycle enthusiasts. Racing Entertainment: AHRMA provided the racing entertainment as national competition unfolded in trials, cross country and road racing. Swap Meet: If you’re looking for a rare part, you’re likely to find it in the acres and acres of swap meet vendors. Non-Racing Thrills: If you’re a thrill seeker, but don’t want to get on a bike, the Wall-
of-Death attracts an encouraging crowd. Machine Appreciation: Looking to ogle over some rare bikes in pristine condition? Head on over to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, with its creative
architecture and great attention to detail, the museum is home to over 1,600 motorcycles that span over 100 years of production. Indeed, this much anticipated weekend is a motorcycle enthusiasts’ holiday.
AHRMA officials rolled into town Tuesday afternoon and were allowed access to the track around 4:45 pm in preparation for hosting the last round of the 2022 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Historic Cup Roadracing Series. The parking team, lead by Michelle Fisher and her chief assistant Kirk, quickly set to marking out the paddock for the influx of 323 registered racers expected to arrive the following day.
Wednesday dawned and the line to enter began to form. Dan and Jennifer Thornton and Marcia Heck manned
credentialing as the members were welcomed and escorted to their assigned parking spots. Early afternoon Tech Inspection, led by Jim Innis, began to unfold as the anticipation for Thursday’s practice built.
Thursday and Friday the track was busy as racers did their last-minute tuning, worked on their personal-best times and prepared for what would prove to be two fabulous days of road racing. Once the track went cold, the paddock came alive. Whether it was repairing a bike so that a racer could take to the track the following day or cruising and partaking in the plethora of offerings of food, bourbon, beer, and incredible stories. The night life in the paddock offered something for everyone who wanted to participate.
Friday-evening romance filled the air as Peter & Ann Essaff tied the knot on the front straight away with Tony Pentecost officiating. I’ll never forget Ann coming up to me with a gleam in her eyes and asking about getting married at Barber where their love story began at the 11th Barber Vintage Festival in 2015.
With 17 races daily, Saturday and Sunday were packed with racing action! Including the showdown of the Vintage Cup Championship (interview of winner will be in the next
rIghT - Young love, it all began the weekend of the 11th Barber Vintage Circle and came full circle at Barber 2022 as Peter and Ann said “We do!”
issue of AHRMA Mag), the inclusion of three of the Royal Enfield Build. Train.Race (BTR) participants in a special “Director’s Choice” class gridded with the NOLA Racing Academy-sponsored Thruxton Cup class and a special 4SR Leathers Pro Challenge. Those interested in the race results for Saturday and Sunday and who beat whom by how many seconds, can check out the results at https://speedhive.mylaps.com/ Events/2060426.
Now a word from some of our racers….
DAVID TOMPKINS: “I secured the Class C Footshift championship (Sponsored by Two Phils Racing and N3 Racing) before Barber so Alex (McLean) and I had a handshake agreement to go hard and have fun. Saturday, we traded places back and forth multiple times and I took the win. On Sunday we did the same thing and he nipped me at the line by like 1/1000 of a second! We had a really good time and folks came up to
me in the paddock talking about how fun it was to watch, which is what we had hoped to do. (It’s worthy to know that Scott Dell took third place both days.)
The real challenge for the weekend was the Classic 60’s 650 race (sponsored by N3 Racing). John Rickard was leading and I was behind in points. He’s viciously fast at Barber. He took first place on Saturday and I got in a battle with GT (Greg) Tomlinson. That was one of the most fun races I’ve ever had. I was right behind him the entire race and trying to find a way around. I’d nose up next to him, but he was faster in the straights and on the last lap he took a look over his shoulder and I was able to just get around him in the chicane. Just as I got around him, we went into the corner up over the hill and I almost threw the bike away! The bike got so sideways it looked like a speedway slide! I managed to stay ahead of him and take second place which gave me the needed points to secure the championship. This is a really fun class with some fast guys and I think it’s going to grow.
Mike “Spike” Edwards: AHRMA was pleased to offer international flare as “Spike” hales from the UK. “I’d like to thank everyone from AHRMA for making me so welcome at the Barber Vintage Festival this year.
Even before I arrived in the USA, I was impressed at how the administration staff was so welcoming and helpful in making it possible for me to take part.
The event itself was fabulous, super friendly, well run with an amazing, eclectic range of machinery for me to endlessly gaze at and drool over. That combined with some good racing at such an iconic venue made it an overall awesome event.
The weekend vibe reminded me of why I started racing in the first place, and why I continue to enjoy my time riding motorcycles; AHRMA ticks all those boxes for me.”
CHRISTOPHER AKAYDIN: Christopher wrapped up championships in the 200 GP (sponsored by Kincaid Legacy Racing), CB 160 (sponsored by N3 Racing, Next Gen Superbike 2
(sponsored by SPD Action Travel / The LM2 Experiencea) and Next Gen Superbike 3 (sponsored by Larrabure Framing). Four championships, all while being a new dad.
“I had a lot of fun in all my races. Consistency won me those Championships! Funny enough, I’m not usually a consistent racer. I grew up racing Motocross, and I was the guy that had speed but always found a way to crash out. My first-year road racing, I crashed out a lot as well and lost a several races because of it. But this year I learned from mistakes and basically just made a goal to finish every race. Starting a family really helped me with winning my championships oddly enough. Winning wasn’t my first priority anymore. I just wanted to get back to the pits in one piece so I could play with my Kiddo, and change his diaper. Plus, crashing is way more expensive in Road Racing! Furthermore, I couldn’t have done it without my Team. Which includes my Parents and fiancé, the Jemco crew, the Bridgestone guys, and all my new friends from AHRMA family. A big Thank You to everyone!”
BILL DORAN: “Barber 2022, Race 8, SOS3 class (sponsored by Rising Sun Cycles) was a bittersweet race for me. After 19 years of racing the same bike, I sold my favorite ride Sunday morning at the track. I decided many
years ago I would ride my “new” race bike till I was 70 then I would slow down some and just race my vintage bike. I have been 70 most of this past season.
I had taken a deposit but the new owner was fine with me getting one last race at Barber on it. I got a decent start, but as always, the four strokes launch better and I had to get by a couple bikes on the opening lap. By then the fast guys were gone but I had a clear track and I just tried to be smooth, hit my marks and avoid mistakes. It was a great last ride at a beautiful track. I finished 5th out of 20 entries and had a laptime I had not matched in 10 years of trying.”
PETERSON: “It was great being able to
race with the AHRMA family on my Continental GT650 after finishing the MotoAmerica season on the Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. team. All season, so many people in the AHRMA family were super enthusiastic to watch the BTR races and tell me they were cheering for me. It was Jessica’s and Nicole’s first-time racing with AHRMA and
they were really excited to see all the vintage motorcycles and meet new people.
It was interesting and fun to mix it up with the Thruxtons. Even though the GT650’s had lower horsepower, we could carry a good amount of corner speed. It was great practice working through traffic. Had some great battles with Dustin Foretich and Ed Blount! When I would catch up to them it was a game of cat and mouse. I would out-brake them but they would out motor me. After reviewing GoPro footage of the races, I have some strategies to get them next time!
I know Jessica was very happy to race closely with me. She’s a fast learner! She would watch some of my aggressive or defensive moves and take them away from me. It was like playing moving chess!
Some of the Thruxton guys made me laugh because they would have me sign my autograph posters with ‘Thruxton Hunter’.”
JESSICA MARTIN: “What can I say about my AHRMA experience? It was hands down one of my Favorite events (like top 3). I think the part I admired most was the history in the paddock, the wealth of knowledge and the pure passion for the sport. I loved that people knew what Royal Enfield is and were happy to see the bikes at the track.
The atmosphere was just different, I felt a sense of relief. No pressure racing and I haven’t felt that before. I was there to have fun and it turned into my most competitive weekend racing. It’s almost like the light came on. I must thank Chloe for unknowingly help build my confidence.
So, I will say this, Chloe’s impeccable moves to just get around and capitalize in areas that I never would have tried and our underpowered machines, encouraged me to do some of the same things Chloe was doing. I started to see that if I wanted it, I had to take it as I’m traditionally very reserved racer. I often think I’m still coaching and can’t turn that off at times. I don’t pass and tend to sit back. These guys were ruthless (not in a bad way, a very respectable way). I needed that and knew If I wanted to stay with Chloe, I would have to put my dancing shoes on and get
to shuffling. I danced my rear off and had the time of my life. I built such confidence that weekend and had some amazing battles with the Thurxtons, I can’t even tell you how fun that was (I’m smiling again as if it’s happening now). I can’t thank AHRMA enough for allowing us to race. Currently in the market for a bike to race in AHRMA (Wink Wink).”
4SR LEATHERS PRO CHALLENGE: Jerry Nickell Sr, 4SR USA Owner was stoked to offer an $8,000 purse for Saturday’s Elite Construction Concepts LLC sponsored Formula Thunder class deemed the First “4SR Leathers Pro Challenge.” and there is already talk about a Second Annual 4SR Leathers Pro Challenge. “I enjoy AHRMA, the racing and the people. My wife encouraged me to get away for the weekend as it’s been all work for me and no play. I’m excited that 4SR could add something to the last race of the season.” Twenty-two racers took to the line in the last race of the day.
STEFANO MESA put in the fastest lap time of 1:27:344 and took the top honors. “It’s always a blast going racing at a vintage event. Barber offers an atmosphere like no other. There’s stuff going on all over the place and the energy level is very high. I had many good on track battles. It was nice seeing familiar faces and being welcomed back into the family! As a pro guy racing Moto America, being invited to come and race the 4SR Leathers Pro Challenge was a privilege and I want to thank 4SR USA for the generous purse. Thanks also to Brian Larrabure, Brian Sharp of Boulder Motor Sports and Pirelli Tires.”
HAYDEN GILLIM came across the line 3.946 seconds after Mesa to take second place. “Being able to run with AHRMA for the first time and represent the 4SR Challenge was a lot of fun! I got to work with Boulder Motor Sports on a Ducati, so a big thanks goes out to them. I’m looking forward to getting out to a few more races next year!”
Three weeks before the Barber Vintage Festival Jerry Nichell of 4SR USA and 4SR Leathers approached AHRMA with the idea of starting a pro purse paying race that would be a win for AHRMA, the members, and riders a like. It had to be run in a way that didn’t take track time from the standard program. Couldn’t affect any existing points for championships. It had to be open to all qualified members and qualified pros alike and would also benefit AHRMA financially. 4SR Leathers offered up an $8000 purse to be paid out by 4SR to the top 5 class finishers
Well, with quick action we made it happen. The race ran within the Formula Thunder class as the last race of the day on Saturday. The 4SR Pro Challenge helped double the Formula Thunder entries with additional waiver professionals and AHRMA Barber qualified members adding entries to get in on the fun.
The Formula Thunder race featuring the 4SR Leathers Pro Challenge launched with a clean start. After lap 1, Peter Koksakis, Drew Jankord, Nate Kern, Mark Jurczy, and Steve Metz were in the top 5 order. Lap 2 developed into a red flag situation that required a restart. After the restart, end of lap 2 found the top 5 Stefano Mesa, Hayden Gillim, Metz, Kern, and Jankord showing the way. Mesa managed to hold the lead followed by Gillim in
2nd and Metz in 3rd to the finish. A real battle ensued for the 4th and 5th place spots between Ray Hoffman, Jankord, Kern, and Brett Folkert. Folkert made some late race moves to get around Kern and Jankord for that final 5th spot.
A huge thank you to Jerry Nickell Sr, 4SR USA owner and the entire 4SR Leathers team for making this
program possible. The race drew fans to all the best vantage points to watch the battles and the final result. We can’t wait to see this grow for next year and beyond!
Please remember to support who supports us!
For countless racers, getting a chance to ride a prestigious track is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even more so when it’s your 30th wedding anniversary and the track is almost 10,000 miles away in a completely different country. But when your wife tells you to “Get on a plane and go have some fun,” you don’t argue.
Anthony Bann, a 57-year-old road racer from Australia, has had his eye on the tracks in America since he was young, reading the American racing magazines that lived on his childhood coffee table. His father was an avid road racer, so Anthony knew it was in his blood. Unfortunately at the time, Australia had no junior road racing program, so the only way he could race a bike was on the motocross track or the flat track oval until he turned 18. He began life on the motocross track, Throughout his racing career, he’s competed in 250cc production racing on the club, state, and national levels racing a Yamaha TZ250, and transitioned to campaigning various modern and classic Superbikes, including a Suzuki GSXR750, Yamaha R6, and Suzuki Katana GS1100. He has even competed in the International Island Classic, held at the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia, multiple times, even serving as a member for Team USA when they were a racer short.
Knowing that he wanted to bring a bike over, AHRMA’s own Dan Thornton recommended that Anthony reach out to Rodney Menke and Tim Halsmer, a team of AHRMA road racers who had just created their own program – Classic Superbike Tours (CST) – offering vintage racing experiences on fully race-prepped bikes at some of the world’s most iconic tracks here in the United States. Their stable of available raceand show-winning replica builds includes a 1987 Schwantz GSXR and Rainey VFR, a 1986 Lawson FZ750, a 1992 Scott Russel Tribute ZX7, a 1992 Lucky Strike GSX-R750, a 1997 Russell YZF750r, with a Freddie Spencer RC30 currently in the works. Fast-forward a few emails and conversations between Anthony and the CST team, and a short plane ride, and Anthony could be found donning his leathers and pulling the Lucky Strike bike out for some muchneeded track practice. Complete with stock motor, race suspension, good tires, and good brakes, you couldn’t ask for a better set-up.
I got a chance to sit down with Anthony to talk about CST, the opportunity to race at the famous Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival, and his thoughts on vintage racing.
RODNEY: It’s a great fit; if we had to pick our ideal client or guest, he’s it. He’s got massive racing experience. Because he’s our first international guest, we were upfront with him. It’s been a learning process for us, and we’re open to any suggestions from him to make this even better.
TIM: It seems like his mentality fits in perfectly with AHRMA. He wants
to be competitive, he wants to do the best he can. He’s not trying to win the next contract with Honda [laughs]; those days are gone. He wants to have fun. He’s been super easy to work with. We’ve made next to no changes to the bike – we’ve adjusted levers and pedals to fit, but otherwise he’s learning the track and riding.
You started racing off-road at a young age; when you transitioned to racing on the track, did you notice any of the off-road skills helped make the transition easier?
ANTHONY BANN: Yeah, for sure. Some people say they’re chalk and cheese; I wouldn’t say that - riding a bike is riding a bike. Of course, things like getting off the line and being competitive, not being scared of passing and that sort of thing. You definitely learn those skills riding dirt bikes and racing motocross; there’s no doubt about that, hence why a lot of the guys that have come straight out of motocross are really fast until they have their first accident on the tar and then they learn just how much it hurts.
AB: I’m an old guy [laughs]. Old guys understand that technology, you know? I do a little bit of modern racing back home, but it’s all mainly classic stuff. It doesn’t matter what part of the world, we all think alike. It’s all fun telling old -guy jokes and stuff.
There are quite a few young guys that get thrown on the old bikes. You get to mix it up with some younger
guys as well; not that I have that sort of pace, but it’s just fun. It’s just relevant to your age really. You know, I’m riding bikes that were a go when I was young. It’s what we understand.
Of all the bikes you’ve raced over the years, what has been your favorite?
AB: Yamaha TZ250. GP bikes, when they go and ride and all the stars are in line, there’s nothing better than riding one of those bikes. I wish I still had mine. The period from
‘91 onwards, those bikes are just incredible. You know, it’s a shame that the class died and the world’s moved on. Seeing some here today, you know, I almost teared up. I wish I’d never sold mine.
I wish I could bring it to Barber. That’s my favorite class of all time. And particularly out of all the bikes that I’ve ridden. 250 Grand Prix bikes, there’s nothing like ‘em.
Is this your first time racing in the states?
AB: Yeah, it is. It was a lot easier than what I thought. For most events, you’ve got to get an international license and go through all the procedures through the FIM system, which is a little expensive and a bit
of mucking around. With AHRMA events, so long as you’ve had plenty of racing experience or come over and do the two initial race meetings, you get to come to Barber. It was really easy. Dewanna [Comer] and all the crew were really helpful. It’s just flowed. It’s been great.
Since it’s your first time here, what do you think of the track?
AB: It is amazing! It’s very technical. The track and the whole complex is just unbelievable. The track surface is beautiful. I’m not really getting my head around it. It’s just something a little bit different to what I’m used to. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, I’ll have it nailed. It’s a hell of a complex and I’ll be reporting back
to all those guys who were meant to come out with me to this event and hopefully next year or maybe the year after, we’ll have an Aussie contingent. Hopefully ten or more riders; there’s been talk about it for a long time and it would be great if we can make that happen.
AHRMA was very welcoming this weekend. I’d like to thank Rod and Tim from the Classic Superbike Tours. My family and my wife -as I was just telling you off-air, it’s my 30th wedding anniversary and she said, “Get on the plane and go and have some fun.” You know, you don’t get many people like that. All three of my kids supported me at doing it, so it’s been a big deal for me.
NGSb - Saturday (7th), Sunday (4th)
NGSb2 - Saturday (10th), Sunday (13th)
WORDS: “CHICAGO” JERRY GRAKAUSKAS
PHOTOS: STEPH VETTERLY, KEVIN MCINTOSH
Once again, early October brings the AHRMA National Cross-Country series back to the Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. The course itself was about 4.5 miles long and consisted of a lot of single track trails, broken up by Jeep paths with many hills and off-cambers to go up and down. Thankfully, this year was dry so the hills didn’t present the issues that they have in some previous, wetter conditions.
In Saturday’s Vintage race, Tommy Veator blistered the rest of the field en-route to winning by almost four minutes over the next rider. Second overall, winning the +60 Expert class, was AMC’s Jeff Fisher, aboard a BSA. “Frog” Mullis took his Yamaha to the win in the +50 Expert class. Rob Roberts took his newly sorted-out Penton 400 to the +50 Intermediate class win. The first Novice rider across the finish line was Larry Decker on his Hodaka.
In Saturday’s Post-Vintage session, Tommy Veator again out-paced everyone. “Frog” Mullis took the +50 expert win in PV also to go along with his Vintage win. Benjamin Davis took his Suzuki to the PV Open Expert win. Sunday’s vintage race saw Clint Hawk best everyone. He was riding his Penton on the way to winning the Sportsman 200 Expert class. Chastin Brand took his Triumph to second overall for the Open Intermediate win. Trini Cunningham continues to impress with her riding. She won the Vintage Women’s Novice class both days. Jody Adams won the Sportsman Open Novice class.
In the weeks leading up to the events, volunteers from Beno Rodi’s Atlanta Motorcycle Club (aka AMC) marked and cleared the trails. Special thanks go to a few of these guys for a job well done. Henry Gregorich, Jeff Fisher, and Andy Blackburn spent many hours and miles driven from the Atlanta, GA area to enable this race to be held. The scoring area
set-up was handled by Trini and Terry Cunningham. The scoring itself was handled by our newly designated Off-Road Director, Terry McPhillips; Cross-Country Coordinator, Becky Hayes; AHRMA Trustee, Albert Newmann and Susan Blechert. Other volunteers of note include Steve Scewczyk, who rode sweep after all four races, assisting with any needed help to any injured or broken-down riders. As often is the case, father and son, Dennis and David Brown handled the tech inspections. Thanks to all of you - it would not happen without you!
In Sunday’s PV race, Tommy Veator was again unbeatable. Chance Blackwell was the day’s top Intermediate racer winning the PV 200 Intermediate class. Also, it was good to see Jim Radcliff back to racing again (both days no less) after recovering from some rather serious racing injuries.
Hope to see everyone here again next year!
John Varvil (125x)
G. Robin Davis (64D)
Clint Hawk (303)
David Brown (30W)
David Miller (675)
Wallace Frog Mullis (72)
WORDS & PHOTOS: STEPH VETTERLY
For the first year in quite some time, the grounds at Barber Motorsports Park were dry and dusty. The past two Vintage Festivals had seen their share of mud, so it seemed only fair that riders finally have a bit of a reprieve to fully enjoy the terrain that this beautiful facility has to offer.
Because of the craftsmanship of vintage trials motorcycles, section design requires the riders to be given a little more room to turn and navigate the required class gates more than would typically be seen at a modern trials event. Older bikes are much heavier and require much more effort to hop either wheel due to the lack of modern suspension.
Sections were set up around the facility’s hillsides, downed trees,
and creeks, providing enough of a challenge for the upper-class riders, while still allowing lower-class riders to remain unscathed at the end of their three loops.
Unfortunately, the first day of trials competition was canceled, which left only Saturday available for championship points. Graham Foster acted as Trials Master, as well as competing in the Premier Heavyweight Expert class aboard his Ariel. Taking only single-point loops the entire day, Foster was able to take the win over competitor Rob Poole, for a total score of only 15 points to Poole’s 31.
In the Premier Lightweight Expert class, Steven Glinski showed everyone how it’s done, cleaning every section on the day for a perfect
zero! Competitor Dennis Simoes tried his best, but ended with 21 points, having to settle for second place. One of the largest classes of the day was the Modern Classic Intermediate class, with the top podium position coming down to the wire. At the end of the day, both Michael Friesen and Scott Porter were tied on points, nine apiece; Friesen was able to take two more cleans on the day, securing the win.
Trials Inc club members Steve Berry, Dave Greenwell, and Brad Baumert made a showing and took home some trophies - Berry taking the win over Greenwell in the Modern Twin Shock Expert class (20 points to Greenwell’s 40), with Christian Alva rounding out the podium in third with 71 points.
Baumert would take the win over Mark Hawk in the Modern Twin Shock Intermediate class with a final score of 10 points to Hawk’s 16.
“Chicago” Jerry Grakauskas, author of this month’s Barber Cross Country recap, was in a league of his own in the Modern Classic Beginner class; with a fully-clean second loop, Jerry ended with a mere 10 points on the day with Justin Brown finishing second with 114 points and Corey Brown finishing third with 120 points.
Temperatures remained comfortable, skies stayed bright and sunny, sections were well-designed, and the 50 riders in attendance were able to finally enjoy a perfect trials competition at the Barber Motorsports Park.
A word from Graham Foster: “I would just like to thank Team Curmudgeon, Tom McNeal, David Miller, Mike Collier, and Mike Dalmatia for their hard work setting up a fun and challenging 2022 Barber trial. In addition, special thanks go to Donna Collier and Heidi Goff (sign up, scoring, essential misc), Bill Catogni (handmade special trophies), Greg Roberts, Bill Catogni, Curt Comer, Tommy Justice, John Speights, Cliff and Venise Mee, George Kirby, Brian Robinson, Warren Heidt, Mike Parsley, Ross and Kim Walls (checkers). AHRMA volunteers make it happen!
PHOTO BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
PHOTO BY STEPH VETTERLY
PHOTO BY
Special handmade trials trophies courtesy of Bill Catogni. PHOTO BY STEPH VETTERLY
PHOTO BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
PHOTO BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
PHOTO BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
BY STEPH VETTERLY
KEVIN MCINTOSH
PHOTO BY STEPH VETTERLY
PHOTO
PHOTO BY
PHOTO BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
PHOTO BY KEVIN MCINTOSH
Sharon and I made the trip down to Georgia to the Georgia Practice Facility (GPF) track in Cairo, GA, for the penultimate Vintage/Post-Vintage Motocross National of 2022. This was our first time to this track and as we rolled in, I must say we were impressed! Pecan trees, orange trees, lemon trees.. Oh, and the beautiful sight of a rolling hilly
motocross track amongst the tall cedar trees. This track is right next door to the Milsap Training Facility and not far from the Star Racing one as well. There are four or five big training tracks all in this one county. I was told that these motocross facilities bring in over 1.25 million dollars each year to the community! Impressive.
We were greeted by AHRMA’s new Off-Road Director, Terry McPhillips, and our friends, Henry and Jay Gref, as we rolled in. We chose a nice, shaded campsite under some big, tall cedars and set up camp. For those needing power there were also full hookup campsites available as well. Track owners, Ray Hood and his wife, were great people and even invited Sharon to pick up pecan nuts by the trees... and did she... a nice big bag of
2022 BRIDGESTONE TIRES AHRMA NATIONAL VINTAGE MOTOCROSS SERIESpecan nuts were gathered and stored in the motorhome!
Friday was an open practice day and I decided to roll the 125 out for some laps. Jerry Mattix on his vintage CR125 and I hit the perfectly watered and manicured track for some testing.... At first the 125 felt like the brakes were sticking and the wet sand and clay mix was sucking the power... But after more bikes got out and we kept burning laps the track just got better and better.. Its definitely one that you keep the power on and don’t use much front brake!
The long uphill start line curves up and around a long hill dropping down to a long straight.. several nice turns and a big sweeper and a big, long back-straight gets you around to the lake jump which you want to make sure you hit at the right angle or you might get a little wet! Then you are into the long rollers! Keep it humming and the front end light... Even with my vintage ‘73 CZ, I could do the first double into them and then just hammer the long straight.. BUT.... the tight deep sand corner at the end was troublesome for quite a few... I saw many a rider laying down in that corner....
If you made it through that corner, you then faced a small tabletop, followed by a step-up jump that even the vintage bikes were making. A nice big bowl berm shot you around to the last turn before the finish with another tabletop jump. The track was a very big track, sand/clay mix with a lot of safe jumps.
However, for the small bores and very old bikes and novices, it was a challenging track. Proper set up and riding techniques go a long way for this one.
Miz Lykins #59 Greg Lykens #5 and Jay Gref #4J Curt Jaimet #9
The Georgia Practice Facility (GPF) is Located in Cairo, GA, and run by Josh Woods. This facility is where many of today’s top talent and future talent train for motocross. With the addition of a dirt track, AHRMA returned for its second year in a row.
Kicking off the day with a TT course, Preston Palmer would continue his charge at the national championship in the Dinosaur and Sportsman 125 classes with a win in each. Richard Brodock would take the win in Brakeless Lightweight over Daniel Beher while Beher would go on to win Brakeless Heavyweight. Brodock would also grab two more wins on the TT - one in Sportsman 250 with Tim Banks close behind and another in Sportsman 750 over a hard-charging Jon Cook. Banks would go on to grab the win in 50+. Shane Scott would take the win in Vintage Heavyweight but come up just short taking second to David Aldana in Four-Stroke Super Singles.
After a short break and some track maintenance, the racers took to the Short Track program. Palmer would again taste victory in Dinosaur but would settle for second in Sportsman 125 to the ever-fast Gary Wood. Wood would also take the win in 50+ over Rickie Pollock with Bob Mason taking third. Banks would take the win in Sportsman 250 over Craig Light while Brodock would suffer from mechanical problems but still grab third. Cook and Brodock would run neck and neck in Sportsman 750 with Brodock inching out Cook in the end. Pollock would take home victory in Brakeless Heavyweight over
Beher who would settle for second in both Brakeless Heavyweight and Brakeless Lightweight. Scott would take another win in Vintage Heavyweight and Aldana the win over Scott in Four-Stroke Super Singles with Glen Barrett taking third.
Thank you to Ray, Josh, and all the Woods’ family and all the crew at GPF-MX. A truly great motorcycle training and racing facility.
Resurfacing $55 plus shipping. Disc drilling $100.00 and up. Disc thinning $85.00 Frame and swingarm strengthening, modification. Frame restoration, Custom axles, Wheel spacers, and custom control cables. Tool Salvage & Motorcycle Works, 15709 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44112, 216.451.5500 or 216.851.5166
LOCATION: Cleveland, OH
CONTACT: Ronald Kretz - (440) 729-4111
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Triumph Tiger - 73 Triumph 750 Tiger - Driven 2200 miles motor runs very strong. 2nd owner -Very good condition New Chrome pipes,headlamp bezel,directionals, handlebars and battery.
PRICE: $5,500
LOCATION: Savannah, GA CONTACT: John F. Golumb (603) 799-4656
2022 Honda NSF250R - It is with sadness and regret that I offer my 2022 Honda NSF250R for sale. Purchased new from RS Cycles in April of this year for $16,500, the motor was carefully broken in per manufacturers recommendation. After the initial break in I have logged about 180 miles on the motor.
PRICE: $15,000
LOCATION: Santa Rosa, CA
CONTACT: Norman Smith (707) 477-5888
AERMACCHI 350cc RACE BIKE PACKAGE FOR SALE - One and a half road race bikes for sale. Both come with shouldered alloy rims and frames modified for road racing. Complete bike: big bore/short stroke 350cc, dry clutch, 5 spd close ratio trans, race cam, SSI Dellorto carb and remote float...
LEARN MORE AT AHRMA.ORG/SWAP-MEET
PRICE: $11,000 or reasonable offer
LOCATION: Ontario, Canada
CONTACT: Paul Rostic - (519) 774-3113
This is probably the fastest NSR50 around, perfect for the miniGP series running at kart tracks. This bike is NOT street legal and cannot reasonably be made street legal; this is a race bike. There is no ignition or key, push starts easily in 2nd gear. It is a two stroke. There is no title for this bike, but a bill of sale will be included...
LEARN MORE AT AHRMA.ORG/SWAP-MEET
PRICE: $3200
LOCATION: Huntsville, AL
CONTACT: Ben - (832) 315-7043
v superbike lite weight mega cam head work ss valves springs gest bored 10,5 to one race teck valves front forks cbr front forks hpi ignition new barnett cluch springs new never raced pirelli front rear 38 mm mikuni gas roller starter new break s from rear. dyno . ready to race 3000.00 for all.
PRICE: $3,000
LOCATION: Blairville, GA 30512
CONTACT: Michael Robinson (256) 493-6669
wanted used roller starter - Looking for a good roller starter for CB450; CASH
PAID FOR GOOD USABLE PADDOCK STARTER
PRICE: $500
CONTACT: John Grether (954) 832-4956
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/
for Honda NSF250R, RS125 and Moriwaki MD250 - Battle Factory front and rear stands for Honda NSF250R, RS125, Moriwaki MD250. Lightly used. Retail is about $410 from RScycles. Will ship to continental US least expensive way or may be picked up at or near zip 95403. Guessing about $30 for shipping. Buyers pays actual.
PRICE: $350
LOCATION: 95403
CONTACT: Norman Smith (707) 477-5888
Battle Factory Engine Repair Stand for Honda NSF250R, RS125 - New and unused, this stand retails for $225 at RScycles. Buyer pays actual shipping or may be picked up at or near zip 95403. Will ship least expensive way. Guessing about $20.
PRICE: $150
LOCATION: 95403
CONTACT: Norman Smith (707) 477-5888
LOCATION: Port Orange, Florida
CONTACT: Ralph Wessell(386) 760-0932
Transport Needed: Honda XL100
I need a Honda XL100 moved from Tulare to San Diego.
LOCATION: California CONTACT: Ed Stovin(858) 822-8274
a source of
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The Benevolent Fund was created in 1992 as a means of helping AHRMA members in need. AHRMA offers a variety of raffles and other fundraisers benefitting the Benevolent Fund. Members also are encouraged to contribute directly.
James P. Hayes, Sr. began his storied motorcycle career in 1936. In the 2010’s Pro Motocross came to Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville, Tennessee. There were many motorcycle events “In The Heart of the Appalachians” between these years.
Some of the happenings are reported in the book.
Published by Fulton Books, Inc. It is available for
both paperback and digital editions at: Amazon.com ☺ Barnes&Noble.com
