AHRMA MAG September-October 2023, Vol. No. 5, Issue No. 8

AHRMA Mag

EDITOR

Steph Vetterly ahrmamag@ahrma.org

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Richard Brodock, Arch E York, Tommy Ryan, Joshua Schucker, David Stark, “Chicago” Jerry Grakauskas, Bob Close

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Steph Vetterly, Richard Brodock, etechphoto.com, Sharon Bean, Craig Chawla, Penny Hoch, Sarah Lane, Karl Faruzel

ADVERTISING

Jim Doyle jim.doyle@ahrma.org

PUBLISHER

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association

ADDRESS

8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923

PHONE

888-41AHRMA

(888) 412-4762

COVER - AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ at Monterey, Laguna Seca, CA

ROAD RACING - Colton Roberts (9) racing the Classic 60s class.

Photo by etechphoto.com

MOTOCROSS - Photo by OXYmoron Photography

CROSS COUNTRY - Ethan Mendes (105R)

Photo by OXYmoron Photography

TRIALS - Keith Caldwell on his way to a Modern Classic win, and low points of the day

Photo by Sharon Coad

AHRMA MAG is published ten times a year by the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. All rights reserved under International and PanAmerican 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.

from the editor

As you may have noticed, we’ve been publishing the magazine only through our digital platform. There are still many discussions being had as to what the future for the publication looks like. Fear not, we don’t plan on stopping any time soon. The AHRMA MAG will still show up 10 times a year for your viewing pleasure.

Now is a good time to talk with your Regional Coordinators, your Race Directors, your Trustees, and let them know your thoughts. How do you like to read your AHRMA MAG?

We’re also looking for new content. We want to showcase all the racing action from National and Regional events, be it in video or photo format. We’ve had a few individuals reach out and offer to tell their story, but we need more. We are an organization with almost 3,000 interesting individuals, with countless more who decide to join us on select race weekends.

We know you have an interesting story to tell, or a cool bike you proudly discovered, or have spent hundreds of hours restoring. We want to hear from you! We want to showcase who you are and what you’ve been doing!

Send us a message at ahrmamag@ahrma.org and let’s chat!

see you on the track!

Thanks to everyone who subscribes and looks forward to each issue.

We at AHRMA MAG want to hear from our readership. We’d like to know how we’re doing.

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

photo by TIM VECHIK

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Dan May, Executive Director email: executive.director@ahrma.org

8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923

Ed Roman, Special Committee Chairman email: ed.roman@ahrma.org

MEMBERSHIP

Lorraine Crussell, Membership Coordinator email: membership@ahrma.org

8913 Town and Country Circle #1093 Knoxville, TN 37923

COMMUNICATIONS

Cindy McLean email: communications@ahrma.org

RACE DIRECTORS

ROAD RACE DIRECTOR - Al Charles 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

RACE COORDINATORS

CROSS COUNTRY COORDINATOR

Becky Hayes email: becky77m@yahoo.com

NATIONAL TRIALS COORDINATOR

Debbie Poole email: pooleschl1@hotmail.com

EASTERN TRUSTEES

Carl Anderson (Chairman) - chairman@ahrma.org

Mike Dixon - michael.dixon@ahrma.org

Arthur Kowitz - dbsuperbiker@gmail.com

David Rutherford - david.rutherford@ahrma.org

Tim Terrell - tim.terrell@ahrma.org

Fred Guidi - fredguidi@gmail.com

WESTERN TRUSTEES

Al Anderberg - al.anderberg@ahrma.org

Brian Larrabure - brianl.ahrma@gmail.com

Albert Newmann (Treasurer)newmann.albert@gmail.com

Luke Sayer (Secretary) - sayerlu@gmail.com

Kelly Shane - kelly.ahrma@gmail.com

Greg Tomlinson - speedymagoo5@gmail.com

Grand Marshal, Fujio Yoshimura

National Roadracing Series

Practice Thursday October 5th Friday October 6th

Racing Saturday October 7th Sunday October 8th

(No practice on race days)

National Dirt Track Series

Racing Saturday/Sunday October 8th — 9th

Silent Auction

Larry Poons original art - concludes with live auction during Saturday Road Race awards!

Motorcycle Raffle

1981 Suzuki GS250TX - buy tickets at Merchandise booth, winner's name drawn during Saturday Road Race awards!

DIRECTOR’S

SHOW US YOUR SHOE

NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK (RR)

SHADY ACRES CROSS COUNTRY

HONDA HILLS (MX)

BLACKHAWK FARMS RACEWAY

At each event there are many people that are critical to making it successful. You may not realize how much time and effort these folks put in behind the scenes, so I thought a brief overview of some of the roles and people holding these roles would really help to explain just how valuable these people are.

REGIONAL COORDINATORS – These folks are on the front lines working for you. You may know your Regional Coordinator because you see them setting the regional event schedule and running many of the events. But more than that, each represents the interests of their respective regions on a national basis. Our regions are extremely diverse in their interests and concerns. The Regional Coordinators meet every two weeks and work together to bring up and balance these diverse interests to see how we can best move them forward and make positive changes to processes, procedures, schedules, and more.

In addition, they help run not only their regions (including finding venues, working with the tracks on scheduling and running events), they are usually seen helping to run National events within their regions (and occasionally other regions!).

OFF-ROAD

The following are your Regional Coordinators and Assistant Regional Coordinators:

• Northeast Region – Ed Roman and Merritt Brown

• Mid Atlantic Region – Dave Kutskel and Joe Cole

• Great Lakes Region – Jim Golliher and Joe Gretchen

• Heartland Region – Chris Todd and James Sanchez

• Rocky Mountain Region – Jason Colon

• South Central Region – Albert Newmann (Retiring this year, currently looking for a replacement).

• Northwest Region – Kelly Shane

• Southwest Region – Terry McPhillips (with a LOT of help from many region members). Currently looking for a replacement.

• Southeast Region – Bob Groves and Henry Gregorich

• North Central Region – Not currently represented OFF-ROAD COORDINATORS – For trials and cross country, we have a specific individual representing each discipline. They help to develop a series of events for their respective discipline and propose and monitor changes needed to update and promote these disciplines. In addition, they regularly take time out of their schedules to show up and run these events for you.

Your current Off-Road Coordinators are:

• Debbie Poole – Trials Coordinator

• Becky Hayes – Cross Country Coordinator (Becky is retiring this year and we are currently working diligently to find a suitable replacement. She will be missed!).

I can’t thank each of these individuals enough for the knowledge, dedication, and support that they provide, not only to me, but to our organization as a whole. They have been in the background fighting for your interests. When you see them, let them know your thoughts and ideas so they can bring them forward. Most of all make sure you THANK THEM for all the time, effort and sacrifice they make on your behalf. Without people like this, we wouldn’t be able to move forward!

You also might also ask them how you can help! After all, you have a vested interest in the direction of AHRMA going forward. We value your input and want to hear from you!

Be safe, have fun, and ride fast!

Terry McPhillips

TERRY MCPHILLIPS OFF-ROAD RACE DIRECTOR

Heads up, AHRMA Members!!! AHRMA Needs YOU!!!

For the 2024 Trustee election we have the following trustee positions open:

WESTERN

• Brian Larrabure

• Luke Sayer

EASTERN

• Arthur Kowitz

• Fred Guidi

This year’s election schedule is as follows:

• October 1-10 - Trustee Candidate Statement submission

• November 1-30 - Trustee campaign period

• November 15 - paper ballots sent to those who don’t have email addresses. Must be received in the Association Voting offices by December 15

• December 1-15 - online election

If you are thinking of running for Trustee, get your statement prepared early. I know this overlaps with Barber, and that’swhy the early notice. If you start now, you can have your statement completed and ready to submit when the statementsubmission period opens.

Please make sure that any photo you provide is a head & shoulders shot like you would get for your passport or driver’slicense.

Once the Candidate Statement Submission period closes, each candidate will have the opportunity to submit one emailmessage to me to be sent out to the full membership. Please note, you must hold a current Full Membership during the election period in order to be eligible to vote. If youwish to vote please check to make sure your membership does not expire between November 15 and December 15.

CINDY MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

CALL FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATES WE WANT YOU

Any full member in good standing may run for election. The procedure starting this year requires that the Candidate Statement MUST BE SUBMITTED through the Board of Trustee Candidate Statement/Photo Submission. Candidate statements submitted any other way WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

• https://www.ahrma.org/candidate-statement-form •

CANDIDATE STATEMENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 10/10/2023, 5:00pm, eastern time.

You may review the general duties, responsibilities and expectations of AHRMA trustees on our website, here:

https://www.ahrma.org/trustee-duties-responsibilities-expectations

PHOTO BY KEITH POWELL

Larry Poons’ Original Art to be Auctioned at the 18th Barber Vintage Festival

Renowned artist and motorcycle road racer Larry Poons is adding an artistic touch to a world class motorsports festival.

Poons is donating an original, matted-and-framed (measuring 9” x 12 5/8” unframed), acrylic and watercolor on paper creation that will be auctioned during the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Barber Vintage Festival in Leeds, AL.

Bids for the silent auction will be accepted in the AHRMA road race registration area until 5:00pm Saturday, October 7 and a live auction will bring the auction to a conclusion during the road race awards ceremony Saturday evening. Proceeds from the auction will benefit AHRMA, which is a not-for-profit organization.

“Larry was one of the first AHRMA racers I ever met, in the early 1990s,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board. “He continues to brighten the AHRMA paddock with his colorful personality, his generosity, and his enthusiasm for the sport. We owe him many thanks for his continued support.” Poons has competed in a variety of AHRMA road racing events for decades aboard Ducati and Seeleyframed machines. He was the 500 Premier class champion in 1998 and 2003. In 2003, he and his wife Paula received AHRMA’s John & Ginny Demoisey Memorial Award for “outstanding husband and wife racing team.”

His career as an artist was kickstarted in 1963 with his first solo exhibition at Richard Bellamy’s Green Gallery in New York. His

works have appeared in shows along with other notable artists including Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. He pioneered groundbreaking techniques along with his contemporary and collaborator Frank Stella.

Poons continues to create original works including the piece to be auctioned during the Barber Vintage Festival. Read more about Larry Poons and his art at larrypoons.com.

AHRMA Announces Second Annual 4SR USA Pro Challenge $20,000 Cash Purse

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is excited to announce the second annual running of the 4SR Pro Challenge, on October 7, 2023, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, during the 18th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series. Sponsored by 4SR USA, the race will feature a vast array of today’s most exciting race bikes, and a total cash purse of $20,000!

“4SR USA presents open class twins and triples in the 4SR Pro Challenge, and with the generous purse money provided by 4SR USA and Fast by Ferracci Racing Products, top riders from all over the country are expected to compete in this season ending showdown,” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s Chairman of the Board.

“4SR is very excited to again bring this special show to the AHRMA race program at the Barber Vintage Festival,” said Jerry Nickell Sr, 4SR USA Owner.

To be eligible for the cash purse, a 4SR Pro Challenge racer must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.

2. Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements (found at org/schedulesresults).

3. Take part in the Thursday or Friday practice.

4. Be registered in the “4SR Pro Challenge” race on Saturday.

5. Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the 4SR Pro Challenge race (based on practice lap times).

6. Compete on a race bike which conforms to the Formula Thunder class machine requirements (refer to ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA. Waivers must be submitted through the online AHRMA Barber Waiver Request Form no later than Saturday, September 30th at 12pm CDT).

In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member pre-qualified to race at the 2023 Barber event with AHRMA may register for the 4SR Pro Challenge. Registration will be opening soon. To register, visit ahrma.motorsportreg.com. Additional information can be found at the AHRMA Barber Competitor Schedules and Information. Questions should be directed to ahrma@oneracing.org.

2022 Inaugural 4SR Pro Challenge; Stefano Mesa (37), Nate Kern (9T), Jeff Graham (222), Arnold Hastings (38A).

Photo credit craig chawla

“Good Scoot”

We met up with Rhett Smith, AHRMA member #1384, to get an inside scoop on his 1975 CZ 400 Falta Replica. Smith races AHRMA motocross in the Sportsman 500 Expert and the +60 Expert classes.

What’s the background of this particular bike?

This is a 1975 CZ 400 Falta Replica, which was named after Jaroslav Falta who was CZ’s big guy back in the day. Those bikes came out in 1974 and they were supposed to be close to what he was racing on the GP circuit. This bike I’ve known since it was new. It was sold at a shop right near our hometown, and stayed right around the Clemson-Anderson, South Carolina area for years. I found it around 2003 and set about restoring it. It was behind a guy’s shed in disrepair; I made a deal with him and bought it, brought it home, and started the restoration process on it. It took me probably 18 months or so to get it up to racing standards.

RHETT SMITH

WORDS AND PHOTOS STEPH VETTERLY

That’s an interesting looking gas tank. Can you tell us what we’re looking at?

The gas tank came from Henry Gref - he brought it over from the Czech Republic for me. The same with the pipe. Henry has built my motor for years; he is THE MAN on CZ’s. It’s a fun bike; I love to ride it. I’ve probably had as much fun on that motorcycle as anyone.

Henry goes back and forth to the Czech Republic two or three times a year, and that’s an old street bike gas tank. If you look close, you can see a seam up the middle; they buy these old street bike gas tanks and then do like the hot-rodder guys do where they cut them in half and shrink them down. They build a new inner tunnel, put them together, re-chrome them, repaint them and all. It’s gotten to the point where there’s not many of them left. I think that tank’s from the early ‘60s; it’s steel, weights a million pounds, but it looks cool, so I’m gonna run it.

Great Lakes Regional Coordinator

WORDS AND PHOTOS STEPH VETTERLY

When the Great Lakes region was in need of new coordinators, Jimmy Golliher and Joe Gretchen stepped up to the plate to run the region in tandem. We got a chance to sit down with Joe Gretchen at Honda Hills for a quick discussion on his background and why he decided to take up the role. As we chatted, Joe pulled out a HUGE photo album of images taken throughout his racing career. Joe is always willing to stop and chat, and seems to be at every AHRMA race! It’s almost like playing “Where’s Waldo.”

We only had a few minutes to chat before Joe was off to the track, and we plan on working on a more indepth story of this man’s history with motorcycles - from what we heard, it’s an interesting tale to say the least!

How long have you been racing?

1972 was my first year. And then in ‘73, I got a Pro license; I rode ‘73 up into ‘78 as a Pro. I ran my local races, of course, and then I dabbled a little bit in flat track during that time.

In ‘78 I bought a farm and started just helping another Pro rider, Tommy Carson, from Hopedale, Ohio. I kept the bike or two out on the farm and rode a couple local races once in a blue moon.

But I was in my working years, so I kind of tapered off. I got back into racing about five years ago. I went to Mid-Ohio; I was actually flagging there for Lake Erie Communications and I took my old [Maico] 250 up and rode it and now I’m back into it. Then I joined AHRMA; I’m into my fourth year here, having fun.

What made you want to help out with the Regional Coordinator position?

Last year’s coordinator stepped down. Jimmy Golliher and I talked, and I said “Well, we’ll try it,” and it was just this mutual agreement. I became the assistant to Jimmy. We put together a pretty nice regional series, including this national here at Honda Hills that we’re piggybacking. It’s something different for me, but it’s fun. You know, you get a little bit of complaints, but most of the guys

are just glad to see that the Great Lakes Region is back up on its feet. We’re going to have an awards ceremony at the end of the year and make sure everybody has a good time and gets something. You know, I believe it’s all about participation, that everybody who participates needs to be recognized. Win, lose or draw, it’s quite a mission just to get yourself to the race, bring a vintage bike, and I believe that all needs to be showcased at some some point, you know? At the end of the year, we’re going to make sure we do that.

Members can always reach out to me for help. Sometimes I don’t look at my computer, I just I overlook it; I’m not that good on the computer. But if they call me, I can always direct them. We’re going to find a class for you. Bring your bike out and have some fun. That’s what I stress. We’re going to have fun.

Show Us Your Shoe!!!

WORDS AND PHOTOS RICHARD BRODOCK

When flat track racing is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind for most is the “hot shoe” or “steel shoe.” If you’ve ever been to a flat track race you can’t miss the clank, grind, clank, grind of a steel shoe as the racers walk through the pits. Most know what a hot shoe is, but not what’s behind it or what goes into it.

A “hot shoe” is basically a metal slipper for your boot. Your left boot to be specific. This metal shoe allows the rider to plant their foot on the ground while racing to help support and balance the rider and machine as they slide through the corners. Why the slide? The slide is to “scrub” off speed and allows them to set up their exit of the turn. While most of

the classes do allow rear brakes on the machines, this “scrub” is more effective and upsets the suspension less than applying the rear brakes on dirt. Without a hot shoe, the riders foot won’t slide on the ground as easily and can cause injury to the riders ankle, knee, and leg. Ask me how I know…

Hot shoes come in all shapes and sizes and styles. They can be homemade or purchased to fit any boot from one of only a few hot shoe makers out there. Two of the best in the business are Gary Kinzler at LightShoe and Wade Lomas at West Coast Hotshoe. One of the most well known hot shoe makers was Ken Maely and often credited with pioneering the hot shoe design you see today.

Like many others, Maely would use the end of automobile bumpers from the local junkyards. However, the problems with the bumper steel shoes were that they would wear out quickly due to the soft steel, and they weighed nearly 10 pounds. Maely came up with the idea of using used bandsaw blades to make his shoes for their hardness and refined his design creating a lighter and more durable hot shoe. Fast forward 70 years and shoes these days are made and the bottoms are surface hardened using specialized welding sticks to withstand the speeds and track surfaces that today’s racing contends with. Whether you are new to the sport or a 60-year veteran, a good hot shoe is essential to racing flat track.

BUCK CUNNINGHAM LightShoe

RICHARD BRODOCK LightShoe

JON COOK homemade shoe

RICKIE POLLOCK homemade shoe

JIMMY WALKER West Coast Hotshoe

at tention paddock! -in the-

WORDS BY ARCH E YORK, THROUGH THE EYES OF TOMMY RYAN PHOTOS BY ETECHPHOTO.COM

Brian Filo (#136, Formula 750 - Vintage Cup)

Round 5 was a blast at the way east and way north, New Jersey Motorsports Park’s signature track, Thunderbolt Raceway! After a grueling 20 hours of driving, myself and Shane Quigg, of the notorious Underground Team Racing, made it to the line of RVs, race trailers, U-Haul trailers, and Ralph’s school bus! The drive was made possible by our extremely supportive sponsors. Although the line was long, the wait was well worth it when we got to indulge in some fine dining at the establishment’s Finish Line Pub. This 12-turned, half-mile straight, 40-acre full-service paddock has all the goods! After some good food, fun stories, and too many soda pops, it was time to hit the hay in the suite above our garage because tomorrow? PRACTICE! P.S. the aforementioned sponsors can be found at UTR811.com.

Anyone smell that? Great… Rain. Not a problem as we came prepared with rain tires and a willingness to get moist. The MOIST track was a blessing in disguise for me as I have not navigated this track yet. The moistness caused a slowed pace and allowed me to learn the track comfortably before sendin’ it! As lunch approached, the damp, moist, wet track slowly dried up and after chow it was perfect for some fullsend practice laps. Shane has not only raced at this track but won last year so he was all set. I was able to start knocking off seconds and could feel my hope growing as we got closer to the end of the day. The Ducatis were running strong and Shane’s Ninja 400 was still small but mighty. After swapping practice tires to race day tires and eating some Lunchables, it was time to get some much-needed rest for race day number one.

Dude, wake up... It’s time to go racing. After a couple short practice sessions to get the blood flowing and bikes warm, it was time to get nervous. Between Shane and I, we had four total races (two each).

Shane was entered to race his aircooled Ducati in Battle Of Twins 2 (BOT2) and his Ninja 400 in Sound of Thunder 4 (SOT4). I decided to enter my Ducati 848 in Sound Of Thunder 2 (SOT2)and in the bump up class, Formula Thunder. As many times as we’ve been on deck to race, we still feel that electricity in the air. We all

Race 11 start - Sportsman 500 riders

Bob Berbeco (690, 1965 Honda CB160)

Paul Canale (553, 2015 BMW R Nine T), Tommy Ryan (811, 2010 Ducati 848)

joke about the dread of being in a later race because you must endure being excited and a teeny, tiny bit nervous for a much longer period. A plus side is getting to watch your friends bang bars and enjoy their races.

Shane and I both only had to wait until Race 6 as both SOT2 and BOT2 were in the same race! After some last-minute tuning we watched Race 1: VSBHW, 350 GP, NHPHW, SP350, VINTSBLW - Race 2: PIC, NGSB2, OPEN2STRK, TCC - Race 3: SOT1, SOS1, MOTARD - Race 4: SOT3, VINTSBMW, BEARS, SP750 - and Race 5: SIDECARS. Alright, now it is our time to shine! Shane was able to real in a FIRST place in BOT2 and I was able to reel in a FIRST place in SOT2. Not to toot my own horn but this was my first ever SOT2 win! Thank you! Thank you! Now we can’t celebrate too much because we’ve got some more racing to do! After watching Race 7: 200 GP, F250, CLFT, CLCHD, 2STRK350, 2STRK 250, it was time to watch my UTR teammate in Race 8: SOT4. Shane was able to secure a podium spot in third place! We don’t mess around up in here! Okay, back to watching the rest of our AHRMA friends in Race 9: MOTO LEMANS, CLC 60s 650s, CL 60s, NHPLW. Race 10! Time to saddle up the Duc and roll out for my bump up class FORMULA THUNDER. I nailed a podium spot of third place! Whew it’s been a long day, but I can finally kick my feet up and enjoy the rest of the day as a spectator. **For those of you reading, the results along

with the times can be found on AHRMA’s webpage under “Schedules & Results.” Shane and I kicked back and watched the rest of the races whilst basking in our glory as we knew we’d get some of those sweet plastic medals. Race 11: SOS2, SP500, 500PREM, 250GP, PRE40, F125 - Race 12: FORM750 VINTCUP (“he did what in his cup?!”) - Race 13: SOS3, NGSB3, NGSB - Race 14: BOT1, NGSBMW.

As the day wound down to an end it was time to properly celebrate with some adult sodas as we attended the always fun awards ceremony. We plopped down our lawn chairs and cracked a cold one with our fellow

competitors, friends, and AHRMA family. We listened closely for our names, snagged the plastic medals, shook some babies, kissed some hands, and posed for some pictures for the ‘gram. Back to our seats we go so we can listen and watch everyone cheer one another on. It’s moments like these we are reminded of how lucky we are. Not only to be where we are but to also have the opportunity to share these times with others from all different walks of life. You can see the joy and appreciation in the eyes of everyone. It goes without saying but I’m fixin’ to say it anyway, we are grateful to be here. Thank you AHRMA staff, volunteers, members, and family.

Kevin Greimel (97K, 2014 KTM Duke 690 R), Bob Demetrius (600, 2001 Suzuki SV650)

Ben Schmitt (16B, 1970 Norton Commando)

THUNDER PRODUCTS #1

The Torque Wing doubles your air speed from idle to half throttle while killing turbulence. The increased air speed gives you greater hole-shots and acceleration everywhere in low or mid-range. No tuning necessary. Install and hang on!

STREAMLINE AIR/FUEL FLOW MXA RATING This simple little device works. Pat.

#9,464,605

Dial-A-Jet

FUEL

A completely adjustable external jetting system that delivers pre-atomized fuel for maximum horsepower at any temperature or altitude for the price of an ordinary jet kit.

U.F.O. ULTIMATE FLOW OPTIMIZER

Thunder

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.

Members in good standing for at least one year may take advantage of the fund. All applications for assistance are kept confidential. Requirements are listed in the AHRMA Handbook. Contact Bob Goodpaster

219.942.2401 norton80_1@msn.com

Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Cross Country

Shady Acres Motocross Park

WORDS BY JOSHUA SCHUCKER

PHOTOS BY SHARON BEAN

If there is a single word that describes the reason Becky Hayes once again pegged Shady Acres Motocross Park for a mid-summer stop on her 2023 Cross Country Coordinator Farewell Tour, it would be “TRUST”. Trust that proprietors Tim and Paula Thomas would work diligently to prepare the course and amenities to proper AHRMA standards, trust that Tim would not rest on his laurels of past success and would certainly have a new, exciting addition to this year’s event, and trust that those past successes, picturesque destination, and accommodating hosts would be sure to draw an admirable number of competitors. This level of trust has been well-earned and is built on a foundation of several years of AHRMA’s National CC series settling into the former Thomas family farm in the rolling mountains of scenic

JULY 8-9, 2023

Ted Bratton (187) Torey Trout (16T)

Chris Knorr (5K)

Western Maryland.

The Thomas’, Tim in particular, are quite keen on vintage dirt bike racing, so this weekend is often a highlight of the Shady Acres season. With a locale just north of the resort town of McHenry on Deep Creek Lake, and terrain that has just the right mix of not-too-hard and not-too-easy, the vintage dirt bike racers are pretty fond of Shady Acres as well. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Western Maryland is situated within a few hours of several successful AHRMA regional CC programs. Of course, the race loop has to be a worthy endeavor for the arsenal of vintage off road weaponry of the National series participants. As always, Shady Acres did not disappoint. In fact, some have been overheard proclaiming 2023 was the best iteration of this facility’s circuit yet! In the broadest sense, the course follows a similar path each year, with some minor tweaks of course. The layout of the property provides a little bit of everything one would expect in a cross country race. Things are spread out over a fairly large geographical footprint where variety comes in spades due to multiple transitions between field and forest, fence row and grass track, dirt road and single track, or bark buster scrapping and WFO.

Come here enough times and the sections all begin to become familiar and gain their own unique reputation. The large patch of woods east of the MX track is always a master class in traditional woods riding with great elevation change, tons of flow in a mix of single and double track, plenty of roots, and Tim is sure to sneak in a challenging uphill or downhill or both. A remarkable amount of great trail is contained in these trees as the riders are often jumping out into a fence row or field edge to attack it from multiple directions. Often accessed by a mix of MX track and farm lane, the wooded section on the western edge of the property is more technical in nature. Here the pace slows as competitors negotiate tight quarters through trees, turns, more abrupt elevation shifts, and a vein of large bedrock that pierces the area. Things get a bit rough through the valley to the south where loose rocks tend to unearth themselves in this former pasture area. A wide cut path moves through a variety of terrain that skirts and crosses a small creek running

through the low land area. Adjacent to this area, in a previously unused sloped hay field below the camping area, Tim worked his magical twist into this year’s course by cutting a ridiculously fun and flowing grass track into the hillside. And, of course, there’s the barn. It’s there each year, and no matter how many times you ride through the center of a dairy barn during a race, it is still a smileinducing, unique, and memorable experience.

Saturday’s weather was terrific, and the race action was a match with great flow and heavenly traction. Competition was top-notch with memorable performances such

as the race long battle between reigning AHRMA Women’s champ, Laci Horvath, and former champ and ISDE legend, Suzy Moody. Suzy bested Laci by mere seconds at the checkers. Sunday started off in similar fashion with great conditions in the morning race where Jacob Ritorto hustled his gentle giant BSA to the overall. Gentle enough to start bare-footed (seriously, watch him do it sometime, it’s a remarkable “feet” of strength) and a giant roost factory when thundering on the gas. Dark clouds were looming as the weekend’s last race lined up and sure enough the skies opened up shortly after the green flag went up. After

Laci Horvath (1W)

Greg Wheeler (850)

three races of pummeling knobbies, the course didn’t stand a chance in the face of the tremendous downpour that followed. The often-challenging uphill section described earlier became downright treacherous, but the majority of riders toughed it out to the finish. The sloppy conditions did not hamper the battle for the overall between the Yamaha ITs of John Brandt and Dave Smeal as

they hammered out lap times within seconds of each other with Brandt ultimately prevailing.

Much appreciation goes to the Thomas’ for sharing their wonderful facility and for doing so with joy and enthusiasm. Also, thanks to the National series volunteers under the tutelage of Ms. Hayes, and the Mid-Atlantic regional team’s Jessi

Reichart, Dave Kutskel, and others for providing boots on the ground manpower and coordination for the event. Please support Bridgestone Tires for their commitment to sponsoring the AHRMA National Cross Country Series in 2023. The upcoming national event schedule, full event results, and national series point standings can be found at www.ahrma.org/schedules-results/.

Jacob Ritorto (R69)

AHRMA brings big grids and fast bikes to Laguna Seca

WORDS BY DAVID STARK PHOTOS BY ETECHPHOTO.COM

The AHRMA magnet pulled racers from across the country and the world to WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca.

The AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey, July 14-16, had road racing, motocross and observed trials competitors and fans take over the spectacular venue.

The iconic road racing track was a perfect setting for iconic motorcycles including the 1972 Ducati Imola that Shane Turpin rode to twin wins in Formula 750, the class highlighted for the 2023 AHRMA Vintage Cup. Chris Spargo, who took the hole shot both days also was second both days on his 1976 Yamaha RD400.

Brian Filo, from Livermore, CA, competed on his custom-framed 1972 Yamaha XS650-powered bike and experienced plenty of drama. Describing Saturday’s race that was red-flagged after two laps, Filo said: “Unfortunately for Colton Roberts, he went down and that put me in third position with a pretty good lead on fourth.” More excitement was in store for Filo after the restart. “Just before the halfway point coming out

of turn 11, I broke my shifter off. All I had was a lever to try to downshift and upshift. I managed to hold off Kevin Dinsmore, but he was right on my rear wheel by the last lap. It was a close one, but I still got third,” Filo said.

“When you fall down, you just gotta get back up. That’s how it goes,” said Colton Roberts on Sunday morning. He repaired his RD400 and after another battle with Filo, rode it to fourth place. He found the podium later by winning Classic 60s and taking third in 350GP on Saturday and Sunday. Roberts, from Pawnee, Illinois, reflected on his weekend: “First time in CA, first time at Laguna. Love it here. The track is amazing, it’s everything they say it is. You should do it at least once and it’s been worth it. It’s been an amazing trip so far.”

Roberts and Spargo weren’t the only ones racing two-strokes. Sound of Singles 1 had plenty of Yamaha TZ125s and Honda RS125s, while a handful of Yamaha TZ250s appeared in Sound of Thunder 2. The big show was Open Two-Stroke with more than 20 machines on the grid.

Brian Filo (#136, Formula 750 - Vintage Cup)

NATIONAL - road race

On Saturday, Vince Rolleri, from Huntington Beach, CA took the win on a 2000 Yamaha TZ250, with Roger Baker, from Pismo Beach, California, also on a TZ250 second. On Sunday, they would swap positions. Baker also took sixth in Saturday’s Formula Thunder race.

Reflecting on his weekend, Baker explained why he was happy: “because I got a first and a second and in the last race I was 6th. But I turned my fastest time I’ve ever turned here. So yeah, I’m very happy.”

Completing the podium was David Crussell from Sunol, CA on a monster Yamaha TZ750 with aftermarket Banshee top ends grafted onto the crankcase by Jeff Henise. A crash in another race on Sunday kept Crussell out of the mix and allowed Adrian Jasso to take third.

Paul Stamper came from Texas to race his TZ250 in Open TwoStroke and said: “It was wonderful because the track is gorgeous, it has excellent grip. We had minimal red flags yesterday, and I’ve got the best neighbors in all our garages.”

Ralph Staropoli, who had a full weekend racing a variety of bikes, commented on the diversity of motorcycles in the Open Two Stroke race: “Yeah, it’s totally fine because they have their own races within the race,” he said. “We have the big bikes, then you got the 250s that are really equal, and you got the 125s. Again, they’re going to have their own race within a race, so I think it works well. You know, we had, what, 25 bikes on the grid this weekend and I think everybody had their own battles.

“There’s nothing like a Grand Prix race bike that’s built by the factory for racing and it’s not a street bike turned into a race bike. There’s nothing like it.”

Factory race bikes from a different era dominated the Formula 125 class. Dave Rhodes from St. Louis, Missouri, on a 1974 Yamaha TA125 held off Craig Hirko for the win on Saturday. Hirko was back with a vengeance on Sunday, and took the victory.

Asked about racing a diminutive Yamaha from the 1970s, Rhodes said: “It’s a lot of fun. It’s been a real challenge to get it up to speed for somebody as big as me, because

most of the riders back then were a lot smaller than me and weighed a lot less. We’ve had to do a lot of work on the suspension and stuff for me to be able to ride it.”

One purpose-built race bike at the event didn’t come from a factory. Chris Cosentino from Jersey City, NJ competed in Sound of Singles 2 on his 2022 Cosentino Motor Corporation Hypermono: a bike he designed and built himself. Cosentino designed and fabricated the engine

that uses a Ducati Panigale cylinder head, piston, and transmission shafts. Cosentino said, “everything else underneath that is custom.” The bike featured an unconventional front suspension system, hand-built frame, and 3D printed fairing and seat. “I have this unending need to make fun things. I like to build and create,” he explained. “This whole paddock here is full of people, whether it’s repairing one part on your vintage bike or making the whole thing from scratch, it’s really the same mindset. And

Roger Baker (#16, Open Two-Stroke)

Dave Rhodes (#97L, Formula 125)

everyone here relates to it.”

Cosentino was up against some other hand-made and factory equipment. Staropoli, on a purebred Moto 3 bike, won both Saturday and Sunday. Cedric Smith, from Camano Island, Washington, brought a pair of Honda RSF450s: a bike he created by shoehorning a 450cc Honda CRF 450 motor into a Honda RS125R chassis. “It’s not easy to do,” Smith said. “I work at Everett Powersports and the first time I picked up a CFR450 motor

I thought, ‘this is really light’ and the wheels started turning.” Smith purchased a RS125R rolling chassis and got to work heavily modifying the motor and the frame. Asked about the finished product, Smith said: “It’s fantastic, it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I’ve been a twins guy and I started off in 750 production back in the early ‘90s and I’ll never ride another bike. This one, it’s too much fun.”

On Saturday, Dave Heinricks from

Snohomish, Washington rode of the machines to second with Smith third. “Well, that’s what happens. You build a guy a bike and he beats you on it,” Smith said. “Normally we’re neck and neck. We’ve had some pretty epic battles and a lot of fun and it’s usually at the front.” On Sunday, Smith would take second with Heinricks third.

The event attracted both exotic and interesting motorcycles and equally interesting racers.

Tracey Bryan and Jo Franzen brought their sidecar, family, and support crew from New Zealand. Sponsored by Carl Cox Motorsport, the team recently completed the New Zealand National Series and won the New Zealand Grand Prix.

Bryan, from Whanganui, New Zealand, and her passenger Franzen won Saturdays Modern Sidecar TT2 race. On Sunday, Bryan said: “I’m absolutely loving it. I love the track, the Corkscrew, that part is my favorite. Absolutely love it. The track the surface is great and the racing’s been great.”

Her passenger, Jo Franzen, agreed, “It is so much fun. It’s like a big roller coaster, especially as a passenger. Going through the Corkscrew from the left to the right is just like you kind of duck and dive down into it. It’s really fun.”

Anja Tschopp from Switzerland raced her 2018 Kramer HKR Evo2 S in Sound of Singles 1. “I’m here for the first time with AHRMA,” Tschopp said. “I like being in the U.S. in general because it’s just different than Europe but the event still seems to be really familiar. It’s about having fun. It’s about competition, but not that you need to push yourself to the limit. I like the people, it’s like family.”

Tschopp was back in Formula Thunder where she had a great battle with Jim Barker, from Steamboat Springs, Colorado on his 2007 Triumph Daytona.

The opportunity to race at Laguna Seca also brought competitors from across the United States, and some locals new to AHRMA. Many of them competed in Formula Thunder. Peter Kotsakis from Milwaukee, Wisconsin was one of the 27 bikes on the grid for Saturday’s race. His goal was,

Cedric Smith (#882, Sound of Singles 1 & 2)

Tracey Bryan & Jo Franzen (#28, Modern Sidecar)

“have fun, that’s it, not crash.” His strategy was, “focusing paying attention and giving it my all. I love this place. My second year here, I can’t wait to come back next year.”

On Saturday, Troy Siahaan, from Alta Dena, CA used the instant torque available from his electric-powered 2019 Lightfighter LF19R to take the hole shot. He would then dice with Dan Wilson from San Jose, CA on a 2017 Ducati Panigale 1299 with Wilson eventually third and Siahann fourth with Eric Gulbransen, from Palo Alto, CA on 2020 KTM 1290 Superduke R taking second.

Wilson said: “I had fun and got away from work. That’s what it’s all about, right?” Asked about racing with AHRMA, Wilson said: “I enjoy it, it’s laid back, great participation here. Great racing at Laguna.”

Siahaan repeated his hole shot on Sunday, Gulbransen was second again and Thomas Montano, from Petaluma, CA on a 2008 Ducati 1098 was third.

Stefano Mesa, from Charlotte, North Carolina on a Kramer 890R won Formula Thunder both days. “Honestly, I just want to have some fun. You know, it’s such a loving place to come.” Mesa said. “It’s like family. It’s always laid back and fun, and that’s why we’re here to have some laughs with friends and have some fun.”

The unique AHRMA vibe resonated with local club racers experiencing a MotoFest for the first time.

“I think AHRMA is a fantastic organization,” said Bob Simmons from Morgan Hill, CA, who raced his 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Sound of Thunder 4. “This is my first year out here and my first AHRMA event. I’m a long time AFM member. I’m very happy to be here. I did have a mechanical, my chain came off during my race and I was currently in third. But it was the beginning of the race, it didn’t really matter. But I’m back today to try to get back in there and do it again.” On Sunday, Simmons would take third with AJ

Shipley, from Livermore, CA first and Derek Powell from El Cerrito, CA second.

The event also included AHRMA vintage motocross racing on a natural-terrain course just west of the paved track and observed trials sections on the hillsides around the infield. A classic motorcycle show, and a swap meet provided plenty of off-the-track fun.

More than a dozen competitors went head-to-head in an informal “slow race” Saturday afternoon. “Racers” paired off to determine who could reach the end of a 20-yard course last without putting a foot down. The field included fan favorite Officer

Anja Tschopp (#855, Sound of Singles 1)

Troy Siahaan (#164, Formula Thunder)

Weaver from the California Highway Patrol aboard his “cop” bike. Once the dust settled after eight rounds, Scott Stuart aboard a Yamaha TY250 trials bike defended his 2022 win.

“I’m highly impressed. This is my first visit here and it’s just a great place to race. The weather is beautiful. The garages are so cool, it’s almost like they’re air conditioned,” said Carl Anderson, chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees. “We’re certainly pleased with the way this event has gone and if we can put the right people and plans in place, yeah, we’ll do it again. As far as participation, we are quite pleased with it and I think at this level we have enough support to continue the event in the future.”

ADVERTISE WITH AHRMA!

AHRMA members invest a lot of money in their sport. In addition to owning 19 motorcycles, the average member spends over $10,000 each year on new and used motorcycles, parts, accessories, publications, race fuel, lubricants, safety gear, tools and other related items. In other words, the association's members represent nearly $60 million in spending power!

Advertising opportunities include Sponsorships, the AHRMA Handbook, AHRMA MAG, the AHRMA website, Special Events, Barber Program and more.

Contact AHRMA and let us build an advertising package that works for you!

For more information, contact jim.doyle@ahrma.org or call 785.453.2320

Bob Simmons (#75x, Sound of Thunder 4)

WeatherTech Raceway Off-Road Bonanza

WORDS BY DEBBIE POOLE PHOTOS BY OXYMORON PHOTOGRAPHY, SHARON COAD

In the outback of the famous road race course, hidden over and amongst the sandy hills overlooking the Pacific ocean, AHRMA hosted a wealth of off-road events during the 2023 AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ weekend.

First up was a newly designed and betterprepped Grand Prix-style motocross course. The water truck began laying down water on Tuesday and didn’t stop until Friday afternoon; a tiller attachment on a Bobcat followed and mixed the water deeper into the soil than in previous years. One hundred and seventy Vintage motocross entries tore it up, and the track held up well.

Sportsman 500 was decidedly one of the most exciting races to watch, with experts Wes Poole and Colin Mclean, both on BSA’s, and former Pro from Oklahoma, Kawasaki pilot Trey Jorski, going a close 1,2,3 in both motos. Poole and Mclean had a rematch in Open Age expert, resulting in the same excitement and eventual finish. Open Age intermediate was a family affair with Johnny Dykstra dominating on his Kawasaki, while bothers Brandon (Suz) and Justin (Kaw) battled for second and third ahead of Triumph-mounted Eric Ahlquist. Vintage Open Age Intermediate also saw the Dykstra Empire take three of the first four positions, but Ethan Mendes crashed the party with his solid 2-2 behind Johnny, and followed by Justin and Brandon.

Premier 500 expert and intermediates started with seven machines on the line, and Kelly Shane lead the pack of experts followed by

Brett Giboney and Al Anderberg. Washington state was represented in full by all four intermediate riders; winner Todd Glass (AJS), Sean Fromhold (BSA), Jeff Earle (Matchless), and Tad Dean (AJS). This race was a parade of beautiful machinery. Always a force of his own, Pat Brown roared his CCM Triumph miles ahead of everyone in 60+ expert. All one can do is watch as he becomes smaller and smaller in the distance, as did second place Mike Brumit (Hus), followed by Duke Dowell (Mai), Trey Jorski (Kaw), Robert Bellicitti and the rest of the field.

Few women entered to ride the challenging course, but Emmy Poole worked to pass the six other Classic 500 intermediates for a 1-1 on her BSA; Todd Glass was second, and Sean Fromhold third. The largest race of the day was Sportsman 250 intermediate with 15 riders lining up. It was young Ethan Mendes showing them the way with a 1-1 win on his Honda. Brandon Dykstra (Hus) secured two seconds, followed by Blake Lawson (Yam) for third, John Mello (Hon) and Niels Larson (Yam). The seven experts made this a large race indeed, and Zaio Demarco (Hon) won handily ahead of Brett Gibony on his CZ, and third place Jeff Mendes. The track was watered and graded that night to host the 50 Post Vintage (PV) and Next Gen entries Sunday morning. Many vintage riders apparently didn’t get enough of the track on Saturday, and ran their vintage bikes in the PV program, entering multiple classes. The 60+ classes were the largest of the day, and former Pro, Expert Trey Jorski, took the lead and stayed

Colin McLean (51x)

there, ahead of Mike Brumit (Hus), Raymond Spore (Yam) and Duke Dowell (Mai), Jim Jenkins (Mai) and Marty Burkes (Hus). Intermediates 1-2 were John Mello and Jeff Naff, both on Husqvarnas.

While the Post Vintage/Next Gen racing was going on Sunday morning, the Ridgerunner motorcycle club was running their event for 47 trials riders. The addition of three new sections in the bottom of the property made an excellent loop of ten total sections.

An extraordinary turn out of Master class riders made for some very stiff competition. A small group of modern trial riders bought vintage trials bikes, joined AHRMA and began showing up at NW regional events this summer, and it has really raised the bar. Of the six, Bryce Propahl took the win with only 5 points. Second place Tony Campagna lost 8 ahead of Tony McGrath with 11. Fourth place Wes Poole trailed for fourth with 24 points.

Always the largest classes, Modern Classic intermediate and Novice each had 10 entrants. The novice winner and soon-to-be intermediate was Keith Caldwell, who lost only 1 point for the day; no rider lost so few points in any class for this event.

All other scores were very close, a sign of a well laid out event that results in close competition. Second place was Randy Wiggs with 21, followed by Drummond Buchenroth with 23, Sean McKenna (24), Landon Ummel (25), and Emmy Poole (26). Remaining scores were in the 30’s separated by no more than 2 points. Modern Classic intermediate was won by Tom Kane who had a 13 point loss, Bob Burns with 15, Michael Zesiger 16, Larry Cerini 19, and Blake Lawson 24.

The Premier classes had a lower than usual representation, but at least two entries in each so there was competition. Thad Wolff won Premier Lightweight Intermediate over Sean Chase, 24 and 31 points respectively. Premier Lightweight novice Mike

Keith Caldwell on his way to a Modern Classic win, and low points of the day.

Todd Winslow (#559)

Miller took the class with 42 points, over first-timer Matt Reynolds on a borrowed bike, who lost 50. Premier Heavyweight experts Rob Poole and Kelly Shane had a close day; Shane won with 20 points over Poole’s 24. Even the Beginner class had an enthusiastic showing of six riders.

Rory Buchenroth won with 6 points, followed by Benjy Childers who lost 10 points on his first loop and zero on the last two. Kim Lawson turned in a good ride for third place.

After the conclusion of the trials, lastminute attention was given to the

cross-country course and 34 Vintage and Post Vintage riders lined up for a staggered start that afternoon. The cross-country course at WeatherTech is very dry and dusty; everyone knows it and accepts that little can be done to change that. This year the layout was done by Blake Lawson and Keith Caldwell, and they took riders out of some of the horrible, long sand trap at the bottom of the property and all of the rather boring asphalt road, and moved them up into the trees on the dirt which cut down on the dust considerably. Also added was a loop cut through the brush just below the gravel motocross pits; both of these additions made for a longer route and lengthened the lap times over the previous year.

Overall winner was Wes Poole, with a total time of just over 56 minutes, which included a detour to the pits to rob an oil cap off another bike to replace the one that had fallen off. Kelly Shane took first in 60+ expert over Curt Reichlin. Matthew Reynolds bested Eric Ahlquist in Sportsman Open intermediate. Post Vintage 60+ intermediates were led by Sean Chase, Keith Caldwell got second, followed by Carl Cox. Raymond Spore, Mike Brumit and Jeff Naff comprised the 60+ experts, finishing in that order. Every rider who finished was ready for the checkered flag!

Iron Butt winners for the WeatherTech weekend, those who rode motocross, trials, and cross-country were Wes Poole, Emmy Poole, Kelly Shane, Mathew Reynolds and Sean Chase.

Sean Chase on his beautiful Premier Lightweight Triumph

Edward R Frank (#32R)

OCTOBER 14TH & 15TH OCTOBER 14TH & 15TH

MILL CREEK MOTORSPORTS PARK MILL CREEK MOTORSPORTS PARK

1920 MADISON 4275 - COMBS, AR 72721

LIVE MUSIC! FOOD! FUN! AND MORE! LIVE MUSIC! FOOD! FUN! AND MORE!

BRING YOUR UTV OR ATV FOR FUN AFTER THE RACE, AWARDS & BAND SATURDAY EVENING

BRING YOUR UTV OR ATV FOR FUN AFTER THE RACE, AWARDS & BAND SATURDAY EVENING AT THE PAVILLION WITH FOOD DRINKS AND LIVE MUSIC! AT THE PAVILLION WITH FOOD DRINKS AND LIVE MUSIC! SPECIAL GUEST: LEAH & THE MOJO DOCTORS SPECIAL GUEST: LEAH & THE MOJO DOCTORS

8:30 AM SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE AT RAZORBACK RIDERS CLUBHOUSE WITH WES WALLACE

8:30 AM SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE AT RAZORBACK RIDERS CLUBHOUSE WITH WES WALLACE

1920 MADISON 4275 - COMBS, AR 72721 DIRECTIONS

Mill Creek Road. Travel 2 miles and The Razorback Riders

Campground and Track entrance will be on your left 1/4 mile past cemetery Campground and Track entrance will be on your left 1/4 mile past cemetery.

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION: MIKE PARKER 479.530.1515 MOTOPRIMELLC@GMAIL.COM

FOR CAMPING RESERVATIONS: DANIELLE BALLARD 479.461.4677 RAZORBACKRIDERS@YAHOO.COM

Charitable Contributions to

Like us on Facebook /MillCreekMotorsportsPark

Follow us on Instagram @MillCreekMotorSportsPark

Donations to Wounded Warrior Project® Donations to Wounded Warrior Project® will change the lives of over 1 million injured change the lives of over 1 million injured warriors, caregivers, and family members. warriors, caregivers, and family members. Donate towards our $2,000 goal on our Facebook Donate towards our $2,000 goal on our Facebook page or at the Pavilion during the race weekend page or at the Pavilion during the race weekend

"WE RACE RAIN, SHINE, HELL OR HIGH WATER!" "WE RACE RAIN, SHINE, HELL OR HIGH WATER!"

AHRMA Returns to Iconic Honda Hills for Vintage Motocross

WORDS BY STEPH VETTERLY (INTRO) AND

JERRY GRAKAUSKAS PHOTOS BY STEPH VETTERLY

When Honda Hills closed their gates in 2005, I’m sure the thought was that the iconic track was lost forever. Founded in 1969 by Dick Klamfoth, three-time winner of the Daytona 200, Honda Hills had kept the magic of motocross racing alive for nearly two decades, hosting races that drew some of the biggest names in off-road racing like Ake Jonsson and Roger DeCoster. The track was on the schedule for both the 1972 and ‘74 Trans-AMA motocross series, the latter being the year the infamous “Go Roger” blanket was unfurled on the footbridge that once stood overlooking the track as Suzuki-mounted DeCoster was on his way to the first of four Trans-AMA Championship wins.

But everything ebbs and flows, and in 2021, the forums and magazines were buzzing with news that the track had been purchased with

plans to restore the facility and get it back to racing standards. Thanks to the Wilsons (Tanner & Bailee) and Bakers (Levi & Alisha), who have put countless hours into the property, the track is up and running. And what better place for AHRMA to add

to its schedule than the legendary motocross track that is Honda Hills?

Approximately 100 entries were on the books for Saturday’s Vintage motocross race, with 161 signed up for Sunday’s Post Vintage (PV) and Next Gen (NG) racing.

“CHICAGO”

JULY 15-16, 2023

William Miller (326), Joshua Horvath (237)

Thanks to early conversations from AHRMA Great Lakes Region Director, Jim “Jammer” Galliher and Honda Hills owner/operator, Levi Baker, AHRMA racers returned once again to the historic track. A great weekend of racing started off with the vintage sessions on Saturday morning, followed by pit-bke races in the afternoon, and even a live band in the evening.

The riders meeting got under way, with Dave Kutskel handling all the duties of Race Director for the weekend. At the meeting, CZ stalwart, Henry Gref, was recognized for his continuing racing career past the age of 80. His son, Jay Gref, was back to racing again after taking some time off for some personal health issues.

There were about 100 racers on the Saturday Vintage Day, with attendees coming in from a multitude of states, including Tennessee, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas, West Virginia, New York, Kentucky and Arizona.

The track itself was significantly different from the original layout of long ago, but it is a worthy configuration owing much to the legacy that is Honda Hills. The starting gate is down in the center bowl of the track, surrounded by long uphills and downhills, off cambers and the jumps were vintage friendly. Most of the track is visible from the spectator viewing section bleachers.

moto 1, race 1 start

Bill Rockley (93x)

Richard Stephens (33R), Henry Gref (a9)

Race 1 included the largest group of the day. The +60 Intermediates had 13 racers and the winner was Florida’s Lain Johnstone, going 1-1 besting Penton mounted Scott Klamforth, who went 2-2. Also in Race 1 was the +40 Intermediates.

William Miller took the win with 1-1 scores. Rounding out Race 1 was the +70 Intermediates with Chris Emshoff going 2-1, besting Max Worth Videto’s 1-3.

In Race 2 Vintage +50 Expert James Adams scored dominating 1-1 finishes over another fast rider, James Eickel, who went 2-3.

In Race 3 +60 Epert, Great Lakes Region Assistant Director, Joe Gretchen, went 1-1 to secure the win and Bob Bean won both motos in the +70 Expert. (Thanks, Bob, for handling tech!)

In another of the larger classes, +50 Intermediate William Miller went 1-1 for the win. And in Sportsmen Novice Philip Bush made the trek from Missouri to go 1-1 for the win.

Honda Hills’ Levi Baker and his wife, Alisha, as well as parents, Jeff and Cindy Baker, would like to thank John Hinderer Honda Powerstore for their continued sponsoreship. Great Lakes Region has sponsors of Jemco Pipes and Adam Thornton of Wiseco.

Jimmy Golliher recreated the infamous “Go Roger” sign from 1974 International Trans-AMA race

Trevor Kline (111), Gary Stoffer (530)

Logan Bryan (71D), Rhett Smith (661)

James Eickel (45e), Wade Doering (203)

AHRMA V inta ge and Post V inta ge Cr oss Countr y

r esented by the Ar kansas Dir t Rider s

September 23-24, 2023

A Premier Cross Country Event in the Ozarks

RV spaces with full hookups available at www.recreation.gov

Search Shoal Bay Campground. Less than 2 miles from property entrance.

Free Primitive Camping on site. No water or electricity

Saturday Schedule

Registration and Tech 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Rider’s meeting at 7:30 AM

Sighting Lap at 8:00 AM

Vintage, Women, Nov PV at 8:30 AM

PV Int and Exp at 10:30 AM

For more information contact Bobby Diffee @ 501 517 8878

Gate Fee $10 per day per adult

Friday Registration and Tech 4:00 6:00 PM. Gates open at

Sunday Schedule

Registration and Tech 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Rider’s meeting 8:00 AM

No Sighting Lap

Vintage, Women , Novice PV at 8:30 AM

PV Int and Exp at 10:30 AM

Gates Open at 6:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday

Directions to the property. Interstate US40 from West or East, take the #88 exit (Pottsville) . Turn on Highway 247 West toward Dardanelle, AR. At intersection of 247 and 27 turn left, cross river and into Dardanelle, AR. Travel straight ahead until you find the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 22. Turn right on Highway 22 and travel toward New Blaine, AR. Address is 21276 AR 22, Delaware, AR 72835. This is the New Blaine General Store. Jenkins Way is the road beside the store and leads into property. Follow the arrows.

2023 Vintage Cup - Formula 750

Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series

Joyce and Turpin Trade Wins at Blackhawk Farms Raceway

Tim Joyce and Shane Turpin trading wins turned up the heat on the 2023 American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Vintage Cup.

Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance, Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2023 Vintage Cup features the Formula 750 (F750) class which includes 750cc two and four-stroke powered machines built up to 1972. Rounds fifteen and sixteen of the Vintage Cup were held on August 5 and 6, 2023 in conjunction with the Bridgestone Tires AHRMA National Roadracing series at Blackhawk Farms in South Beloit, IL near Chicago.

Going into the Blackhawk Farms rounds, Joyce was the Vintage Cup points leader. Turpin, who joined the championship battle during the

July 15 and 16 rounds at Laguna Seca, is now in the hunt for a topthree, or better finish in the series. Having missed the rounds on July 29 and 30, during the AHRMA event at Gingerman Raceway, Christopher Spargo returned for the Blackhawk event.

All three riders have won races in the chase for the Vintage Cup at various times throughout this season, which added pressure to the Blackhawk Farms rounds. Plus, during practice on August 4, all three riders put in fast laps, setting up the weekend Vintage Cup showdown.

“With the race for the championship tightening up, only a couple guys mathematically have a shot. But the rest would still love to grab a win and they could affect the outcome. zIt’s exciting!” said Carl Anderson, AHRMA’s 2023 Chairman of the Board.

On Saturday, Joyce, riding an NYC Norton 1968 Seeley NRE, got the hole shot with Spargo on a 1976 Yamaha RD400 hot on his tail. Turpin, sponsored by Larrabure Framing and Vee Two, and riding a 1972 Ducati Imola replica, started at the back of the grid. By turn 5, Turpin had worked his way through the pack up to third. During the next several laps, Joyce’s lead was under threat by both Turpin and Spargo.

On the last lap, Joyce extended his lead and took the victory. Turpin made a bold pass on Spargo holding second until the duo were on the front straight. Spargo went deep into the final corner, got a good drive on the exit, and drafted past Turpin to take second place with a third of a second lead. Results were Joyce first, Spargo second and Turpin third.

The balance of the field, in finishing

WORDS AHRMA STAFF PHOTO CRAIG CHAWLA

SPONSORED BY

Christopher Spargo (19), Tim Joyce (309), Shane Turpin (14), Colton Roberts (9)

order included: fourth - Brady Ingelse on a 1975 Honda CB750, in fifth position, Colton Roberts on his 1976 Yamaha RD400, sixth – Jeff Hargis riding a 1972 Yamaha XS650, and in seventh place, Michael Dixon racing a 1970 Yamaha XS.

Sunday’s race start was a repeat of Saturday’s with Joyce getting the hole shot and Spargo again hot on his heels. The rest of the race was a different story with Spargo putting moves on Joyce within a few turns to take the lead. By the second lap, Turpin had worked his way through the field passing Joyce and then setting his sights on Spargo. The two leaned on each other a couple of times through several turns but Turpin ultimately pipped Spargo on the brakes and pulled out to clean air where he managed to increase his lead by several seconds at the end of 8 laps.

The podium was a complete reversal of Saturday’s race with Turpin at the top of the podium, Spargo in second and Joyce in third.

Joyce’s lap times during Sunday’s race were similar to those from Saturday but it was clear that Spargo and Turpin had done their homework overnight because they both were clocking lap times by at least a second faster than Saturday.

Rounding out the field, had Roberts in fourth, Hargis in fifth and Dixon in sixth.

“This was the closest, most exciting Vintage Cup race of the year, showing

RACE RESULTS

Saturday Results - July 15, 2023

1. Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT

2. Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Hopkins, MN

3. Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ

4. Brady Ingelse, 1975 Honda CB750, Belgium, WI

5. Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL

6. Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Battle Creek, MI

7. Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL

Sunday Results - July 16, 2023

1. Shane Turpin, 1972 Ducati Imola, Scottsdale, AZ

2. Christopher Spargo, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Hopkins, MN

3. Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley NRE 750, Springfield, VT

4. Colton Roberts, 1976 Yamaha RD400, Pawnee, IL

5. Jeff Hargis, 1972 Yamaha XS650, Battle Creek, MI

6. Michael Dixon, 1970 Yamaha XS, Wataga, IL

all 3 riders with lap times within a tenth of a second of each other throughout the race.” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “As a sponsor, this is the best we could ever hope for, bringing people to the fences to watch the big show. Each day the trackside crowd audibly celebrated the victory of each of these different winners. And that is what the Vintage Cup is all about!”

The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for

the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event.

Highlights from each Formula 750 race will be reported in RoadracingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.

Ashcraft Farm’s Fifth of Fun

WORDS BY JOSHUA SCHUCKER

PHOTOS BY PENNY HOCH

I’ve been telling you for years now that the Ashcraft Farm weekend is a can’t miss deal, right? So, I am going to keep this short since y’all were there, right? Ok, ok…I get it. There may be a select few of you that had a “legitimate” excuse, like “just gave birth” or “Taylor Swift tickets”, for skipping the fifth

anniversary of AHRMA Mid-Atlantic (MA) and Northeast (NE) region’s acclaimed stop in gorgeous Happy Valley, PA. For those few, I’ll fill you in. Besides, it was so good I kind of want to relive it myself.

A warm welcome is always a guarantee at the Ashcraft family’s

JUNE 24-25, 2023

farm as the whole crew is passionate about dirt bikes and sharing in the camaraderie of all the fine people of the MA/NE regions. Not only is the vast property just north of State College a beautiful mix of field and mountain, but its also a cornucopia of trails and tracks that most off-road addiction afflicted folks dream of. In this day of ever-increasing land use issues in the off-road world, we can’t thank Brian and Lisa Ashcraft enough for allowing access to their wonderland for a few days each year. And, for always throwing in a new twist to the courses each year to keep things interesting.

As has become tradition, the weekend starts with some sweet grass track motocross (MX) action in the familiar cow pasture adjacent to the family home. In true grass track fashion, the course consists of miles of yellow ribbon snaking gloriously through contrasting green, shin-high vegetation. It’s clear that bovines were leisurely grazing here just hours ago – let’s just say there was “evidence” strewn about! There are a Nik

Dudukovich (1A)

few characteristic elements of the MX course that the Ashcraft’s manage to keep in the mix each year; the skijump downhill one-eighty, the smooth jump in the middle of the field, the down/up by the driveway, and the fast straight by the spectators lining the high-tensile fence to the north. Each year, the route to these elements differs and this year was no exception. The rubber band start resided in its normal location, but the pack was unleashed in the opposite direction from years past giving a longer run to filter the hoard before the hard right hander. The ribbon led riders through a variety of tight curves, esses, sweepers, and straights that was competitive, safe, and a hoot! With rain in the days leading up to the event, the early practice sessions were a bit slippery. With great weather conditions

Saturday, by the first twang of the rubber band, the course was in primo condition with little dust and perhaps the best traction in all the years here.

Sunday’s opening cross-country (CC) race saw the vintage bike crowd tackle a very similar course to last year’s iteration where the low ground clearance machines stick to the lower foothills of the farm’s mountain. Some initial fun stuff in the woods gets the blood flowing for a jaunt around a portion of the MX track to the far eastern end of the property. The journey then doubles back headed for the western edge and the famous sinkholes where a crowd is sure to gather. The path there should not be overlooked however, as it is an awfully cool mix of single-track with plenty of elevation changes making the trek through the undulating terrain. Once nearing the sinkholes, the ground begins to soften a bit where mountain runoff seems to create a bit of perpetual muddiness. After a quite gnarly rock ledge hill climb, a circuitous route through multiple twelve-foot-deep sinkholes allows the mass of spectators to see their favorite rider several times in a compact space. This location certainly affords a fair amount of carnage to view as well with the soft terra firma and increasingly exposed roots presenting the right combination of “oh crap” to swipe a wheel out from under you. A couple minutes of familiar switchbacks and a fence row sprint close out the lap. Things get an extra tweak in the

later post vintage and disc brake races as per tradition. The Ashcraft clan has a gaggle of prime trails across the mountain ranging from logging road to hard enduro. This area gets opened for races two and three where the bike technology helps the riders cope a bit more with the terrain. Riders lined up for the post vintage race with excitement to see what kind of cool trail was arrowed up above while Mother Nature was staging her own event tweak with a foreboding black mass of clouds to the west as row one’s “ten-seconds!” call rang out over the valley. This revised course followed the same path as the morning’s race for a half-mile before cutting out the MX track portion and jumping directly to the squiggly bits by the power line. Beyond the powerline section the route heads right and begins to ascend the mountain on a combination of rocky logging roads and quick connecting paths that

culminate into a grassy clearing atop the mountain. Two things happened here…the trail descends into the first section of pristine fresh single-track, and the skies unleashed a drenching fury of rain. Being at the apex of the elevation, the single-track withstood the torrent well. The first bit winds downhill before a sharp quick drop and hard left turn onto a logging road. A quick burst down this road leads directly to the best and longest section of single-track which begins to ascend the mountain yet again. This meandering path carves along the mountain ridge on an off camber with several uphill switchbacks directing the climb to the top. What goes up, must come down – so says physics. How to get down is not defined in any physics textbooks… at least not the way the Ashcraft’s devised. Take some kids that like downhill mountain biking, a steep mountainside, and a skid steer from

Kyle Warner (725), Randy Grove (38R)

Terry Ko (33), Kelly Ashcraft (335), Laci Horvath (1W)

Brian’s excavating company and you end up with a series of 180-degree, high-banked, bowl turns connected with short, sloped straights containing a combination of tabletop jumps and whoops. Then, turn some guys on vintage motorcycles loose on the same path. Tuck the front end in tight, lock the rear brake and sweep it around, float the tabletop and repeat about seven times. A quick and terrifically unique and awesome way to get down the mountain side. The course rejoined the morning’s tracks shortly thereafter as it made it way to the sinkholes. Here the rain really began to make a mark as the already squishy ground was quickly turning to muck. A few well-timed reroutes after lap one helped the racers greatly, in particular the tough uphill just before the sinkholes, which turned treacherous quickly. By midrace the rain began to subside with the upper single-track remaining unharmed and tractable and the lower sections suffering the most from the runoff. Race three would have to deal with a bit of mud to start, but by the time the last few laps were being rattled off, the course was rounding into shape nicely and the upper sections were downright heavenly.

What a great weekend of racing yet again at Ashcraft Farms, and the “after hours” fun and fellowship is pretty sweet too. Everyone in the MA and NE region’s is truly grateful for the hospitality of the Ashcraft family each year and we hope for many more to build upon this momentous fifth-year event. Thank you to the plethora of folks that spent time helping Brian and his family formulate the courses for the weekend, to the regional coordinators and their invaluable team of volunteers, and to the great sponsors of this amazing series dedicated to awesomeness on vintage dirt bikes; Potomac Vintage Riders, Preston Petty Products, Stainless Cycle, Grove Printing, KMI Printing, Horizon Homes, Mr. Crankshaft, Equinox Cycles, Hatch’s Hodaka, Jennings ATV & Cycle, Northeast Vintage Riders Club, Northeast Cycle Service, Metro Racing, and Works Enduro Riders... spend some money with them so they keep spending it on us! To see the results for the entire weekend, and the upcoming schedules, please visit www.ahrma.org/ahrma-mid-atlanticregion and www.ahrma.org/ahrmanortheast-region

Brian Schwein (31)

Jim Stanley (71)

Mike Blackwell (241), Dane Brownawell (730)

slippery when wet!

JULY 29-30, 2023

WORDS BY BOB CLOSE PHOTOS BY SARAH LANE AND KARL FARUZEL

Whoa, we’re halfway there... Oh-oh, livin’ on a prayer…” Try and follow my musical analogy here: a bunch of people just had a bunch of fun in the hills of North Central Pennsylvania over two days that included an AHRMA Northeast cross-country race on Saturday, and a combined AHRMA Northeast and Mid-Atlantic motocross race on Sunday. For both regions, this race is almost the “halfway” point in their respective series. And the weather gods tossed down just enough moisture leading up to and through the weekend that I just had to go with that Bon Jovi album title to lead this article. If I have to do any more explaining at this point…

A very technical and treacherously slick four-mile cross-country course was laid out up, down, and across the nearby hillside by Tim and Mike Ferguson with help from Jay Lane for the 50+ entries that signed up for the Vintage and Post Vintage (PV) races. This combined with 80 degrees and about 85% humidity made for a very tough day for all. How tough? Well, your dedicated moto-journalist and three of my fellow competitors sat around for 30 minutes after the Vintage cross-country race –hydrating, complaining, and moaning – before we even THOUGHT about opening a beer. That has to be a record. Your dedicated moto-journalist was signed up to go back for the second (PV) race and that did not EVEN happen. But we do have some Iron Men in the Northeast that did do both races and I’ll mention them shortly.

The first Vintage race saw Mike Ferguson and his race-prepared Honda XL250 bring home the first overall bacon after four laps as well the +50 Expert win over Glenn Hershey, our Mid-Atlantic crosscountry brother in arms who was visiting. Second overall and first place +60 Expert was Tim Ferguson (beating Drew Smith and Al Shnug) on his Triumph 250. First overall Intermediate was “Catch Me” Rick Ketcham on his Honda XL125, wait…XL173, and he also claimed the 200 Intermediate win over Dave Salmen and Bill Gordan. Now – are you seeing a trend here? The first three bikes were diesel

Don’t get sucked in! 80+ racer Ray Rondinella (43H) and Joshua Fisher (17F) are keeping it clean, while Chris Miller (68c) definitely is not.

Photo by Sarah lane

mid-atlantic northeast

powered, my code word for four strokes. Yes, that seemed to be the set-up today in Vintage. Kudos to Bill Ferguson, who came in behind Rick for second Intermediate and won the +60 Intermediate class over three other racers. And finally, we gotta mention very fast PV 200 Novice winner, Fred Handel, on his IT200, who started from the third row and - I think – finished in front of all the Intermediates!

The Vintage race “prepared” the loop for the second Post Vintage race, which ran as one hour plus one lap. I think there was a moment of silence and prayer for the safety of the Post Vintage competitors before they started. Oh wait…that was the 30-second warning for the first line of Experts before the dead engine start! Amazingly, the muchdeteriorated course conditions did not hold back Expert Mike Rockefeller, who took his 1976 Yamaha IT 400 to first overall and first place Historic Open, repeating his recent Unadilla MX Rewind PV cross-country victory. Randy Grove grabbed first place in the Next Gen Expert, and Tony Yanitelli showed everyone how fast his Maico GS is by beating five other class competitors for the PV +60 win. Honorable mention to Rik Smits for his PV +50 win. This was a very large Expert crowd, and I can’t do all the class winners justice, because I need to mention some of our faster Intermediates. Bob Connors was the fastest Intermediate and first PV +60 Intermediate, beating three other guys. Kudos to Mark Cuomo for his PV +50 Intermediate win over three of his competitors, and a very fast Gary Seliga, who grabbed the Millenium Open Intermediate win over Dustin Loss and Jerry Doster.

About those Iron Men who did both cross-country races - burn some incense for Rik Smits, Mike Ferguson, and Dave Salmen. Rik laid on the ground under his RV shower for 10 minutes, Mike Ferguson lit up a cigarette, and Dave? I think he started getting his motocross bikes ready for the next day!

After a late Saturday afternoon rain, the evening was dry, and Sunday dawned sunny with a significant humidity drop and a nice breeze. Some motocross track re-routing was in order to remove a couple of

Up, up, and away: one of best sections at Allen’s Farm, Dale Houck (177) and his ATK lead Dustin Loss’s Suzuki RM (741) through the roller coaster section. Photo credit Sarah lane

Chaos theory explained: David Hurley (594), Vince Snyder (64), and Warren Snyder (824) battle for the lead in Pre-Modern action.

Photo by Sarah lane

very wet areas in the lower pasture, but not all of them. And practice quickly revealed that - while most of the course had dried/drained very well and conditions were dust-free with lots of traction, there were also several sections that could almost grab your bike and swallow it. And did I mention that the course length was almost 1.5 miles – this was a serious lap, my friends. Riders beware!

A great turn-out by both regions resulted in 140 rider entries that broke down to 11 races and 22 motos to get all of the racing in. AND there was a “Northeast vs. Mid-Atlantic” competition at half time (between first and second motos). More on that in a bit.

I’m a little short on details (and lap sheets…) regarding who was the fastest man (or woman) in each of the eleven races. So, I’ll call out the fast folks that I remember and highlight class winners and action.

Race 1 was all PV action as was Race 2 with Experts in the first race and Intermediates in the second. Mr. Brian Eichelberger grabbed overall and PV +50 Expert gold, and Tony Yanitelli beat four others to the PV +60 Expert win. Race 2 PV Intermediate fast guys to recognize would be Bob Grimes and his Red Rocket Honda taking the PV +50 win and Carl Hutchison beating four guys for PV +60, and Carl Convis winning +70 Intermediate. I get this feeling we are going to be seeing more and

more +70 racers, don’t you?

Disc brakes required in Race 3 as the Next Gen (NG) and Pre-Moderns (PM) roared off the line. Mike Rockefeller grabbed both moto wins and PM 500 Expert on his Honda CR 480, but Vince Snyder was also impressive, beating five other guys for PM 250 Intermediate, with Torey Trout taking 2nd. I think was Dave Hurley on RM125 that was second fastest overall, as well as taking the NG 125 Expert win.

Old guys on old bikes were the rule in pre-1975 Vintage Race 4. Dave Smeal won the first moto on his Maico, grabbing the Vintage +60 Expert win, and your intrepid, hardworking moto-journalist won

the second moto (fall out of your seat, readers!) on his YZ 125 as well as Vintage Open Age Intermediate. Big shout out to our Northeast racing coordinator, Merritt Brown, on winning Vintage +60 Intermediate on his CZ and his dad, aka Senior, grabbing a Vintage +80 Expert board.

Twenty racers made for a lot of noise and entertainment in Battle of the PV displacement classes that was Race 5. Mr. Rockefeller again ruled the Overall win, and the next fastest guys included Brian Eichelberger and his Suzuki in Ultima 250 Expert, Devin Trexler and HIS Suzuki in Grand Prix 500 Expert (beating four of his fellow racers), Tom Curry with an Ultima 250 Expert win, the always fast Henry Ahnert in Grand Prix 125

My Cool Bike award at Allen’s Farm MX goes to Merritt Brown’s 1969 CZ 360 side-piper. Yes, these only came with a red tank, take it up with the owner if you have an issue. Photo credit Karl Faruzel

Maico America Great Again! Sportsman Novice Greg Adomaitis (180) is certainly doing his part.

Photo credit Sarah lane

Expert Craig Lane (88) and his 1970 DT1 MX get the holeshot on the pre-1975 Vintage moto field at Allen’s Farm MX

Photo credit by Karl Faruzel

It’s not fair. Vintage dirt track multi-time champ Steve Bromley (62) is also a natural crosscountry racer on his TS 185, finished third overall Intermediate in the Vintage

Intermediate.

Novice racing was witnessed in Race 6 and Race 9 on the day with 12 racers signing up on the day – a beautiful thing! Kevin Keesler’s 77 YZ250 was fastest in Race 6, winning Historic Novice, and Michael Brown beat NINE other class competitors in Next Generation Novice.

Getting back in race sequence, let’s talk about Race 7, which brought together our Vintage Displacement classes. For the record, Craig Lane and his 1970 Yamaha DT1 MX ruled both motos as well as ESS 250 Expert, with Devin Trexler fastest of the rest and winning Sportsman

250 Expert on his beautiful Elsinore. Dave Salmen claimed Sportsman 500 Intermediate, great job by William Hausler and his Husky in Sportsman

250 Intermediate also. Race 8 was all Next Generation (NG) machinery with Mark Curran grabbing the NG 250 Intermediate on his YZ 250, Jamie Miller looking good on is Honda for NG +40 Intermediate, and I think the fastest guy in both motos was David Hurley on his RM125, winning NG +60 Expert. Feel free to find me at a future round if I am wrong about that and I’ll offer you a White Claw as an apology.

endless

We mentioned Race 9 above, so it is onto Race 10 which featured our “Pre-2K” classes, aka ‘97-’99 Millenium, and an NG class for good measure. Good job to Mike Blackwell on his Yamaha in ‘97-’99 125, Gary Seliga in ‘97-’99 250, and Rik Smits in ‘97-’99 Open. But the best racing was in NG 250 Intermediate, where Warren Snyder’s Honda beat out Ryan Collins, Dustin Loss, and Grant Riechart. The final race of the day, Race 11, brought out our Historic contingent again for the most part and it’s time to give a big shoutout to Kelly Ashcraft, who didn’t let gender get in the way of putting the crush on three of her male Historic 250 Intermediate racers. I also want to mention PV 100 Expert winner Kyle Warner, whose very “interesting” YZ100 build was also very fast. The fastest guy in this final race was Bob Grimes on his CR250, taking another win on the day in PV +40 Intermediate.

It’s time to wrap up this write-up my friends, I am waaay over my word limit. But I gotta tell you about our Northeast vs. Mid-Atlantic relay race! But we’re so sorry, Uncle Albert – we had no Mid-Atlantic guys sign up for the race (a nod to Dave Salmen, who

signed up and actually races both series). SO…we organized sign-ups into four three-man teams, with two teams wearing the green Northeast arm bands, and two “mock” MidAtlantic teams wearing the orange bands. Each racer did one lap in these randomly organized teams, where an effort was made by race organizers to evenly distribute Experts, Intermediates, and generations of bikes. Oh– and yours truly put fast boy, Mike Rockefeller, on my team, but alas, I forgot to turn on my gas and came to a stop after he handed me a 15-second lead at the end the first lap, so THAT leaning on the scales strategy clearly did not work. Congratulations go out to the ‘MidAtlantic’ relay team consisting of Rob Clare, Vince Snyder, and Mark Curran. By the way, all proceeds raised by race (almost $200) were donated to the Silver Lake ambulance service.

Thanks to Jim and Kelly Allen once again for allowing us to show up and tear up their beautiful location/farm once again. Thanks to Merritt Brown, Ed Roman, and our Mid-Atlantic teammate Jessica Reichart! Go to the AHRMA website and Region links to see result for these races and schedules for the 2023 season.

XC race.

Photo credit Sarah lane

Gary Seliga (414) didn’t let

roots and slippery rocks slow him down, taking a class win in the Post Vintage cross-country race.

Photo credit by Sarah lane

What mud? John Columbia (22) and his IT 200 plow their way to the PV 200 Intermediate win.

Photo credit Sarah lane

2023 AHRMA NATIONAL SERIES SCHEDULES

2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series

AAR: Academy of Roadracing SRS: Sidecar Racing School

2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Vintage Motocross Series

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

2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Cross Country Series

2023 4SR AHRMA Vintage Dirt Track Series

SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE! PLEASE CHECK WWW.AHRMA.ORG FOR INFO & UPDATES

2023 Redwood Engineering AHRMA Vintage Trials Series

2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Post Vintage Motocross Series

2023 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA NextGen Motocross Series

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

2023 AHRMA Northeast Schedule

2023 AHRMA Mid-Atlantic Schedule

8/19 MotoMasters MX; Mexico, NY Cross Country & Motocross

8/20 MotoMasters MX; Mexico, NY Motocross

9/2 Bear Creek Sportsmen; Hancock, NY National - Cross Country & Motocross 9/3 Bear Creek Sportsmen; Hancock, NY National - Cross Country & Motocross 9/16 Kelso Creek Classic; Minerva, NY Cross Country

9/17 Kelso Creek Classic; Minerva, NY Motocross

9/30 French Woods; Hancock, NY Cross Country

10/1 French Woods; Hancock, NY Motocross

10/8 Cayuga County Riders; King Ferry, NY Cross Country and Motocross

10/21 White Rose MC; Spring Grove, PA Motocross

10/22 White Rose MC; Spring Grove, PA Cross Country

Championship Criteria for Cross Country and Motocross are:

Six (6) events minimum to qualify for regional championship and year-end awards. Best seven (7) events count toward points championship.

* all events are for regional points only, except Shady Acres National pays only National points for Cross Country

** all motocross events will host Vintage, Post Vintage, and NextGen competition Best seven (7) cross country class placings count toward Regional Cross Country Championship/Awards. Best six (6) motocross class placings count toward Regional MX Championship/Awards.

2023 AHRMA REGIONAL SCHEDULES

2023 AHRMA Great Lakes Schedule

Date Event Disciplines

5/6 Lightning Raceway; Tippecanoe, OH Cross Country

5/7 Lightning Raceway; Tippecanoe, OH Motocross

5/20 Saddleback East; Bedford, KY Cross Country, Trials

5/21 Saddleback East; Bedford, KY Motocross

6/3 Grears MX Park; Zanesville, OH Motocross

6/4 Grears MX Park; Zanesville, OH Cross Country, Trials

7/8 Shady Acres; Friendsville, MD National Motocross - V, Cross Country

7/9 Shady Acres; Friendsville, MD National Motocross - PV, NG, Cross Country

7/15 Honda Hills; Thornville, OH National Motocross - V, Cross Country

7/16 Honda Hills; Thornville, OH National Motocross - PV, NG, Cross Country

8/6 Fly MX Park; Sardis, OH Motocross

8/19 Pine Lake; Ashtabula, OH National Cross Country

8/20 Pine Lake; Ashtabula, OH Motocross

10/21 Lightning Raceway; Tippecanoe, OH Cross Country, Trials 10/22 Lightning Raceway; Tippecanoe, OH Motocross

2023 AHRMA Rocky Mountain Schedule

Date Event

Disciplines

3/11 Aztec Family Raceway; Colorado Springs, CO w/ CORCS Cross Country

4/16 Lakeview Motosports Park; Ordway, CO w/ RMVMC Motocross

5/7 Aztec Family Raceway; Colorado Springs, CO w/ RMVMC Motocross

5/27 Two Rivers Racing; Leahy Family Farm; Milliken, CO National Vintage Motocross, Regional Cross Country / Trials

5/28 Two Rivers Racing; Leahy Family Farm; Milliken, CO National MotocrossPV and NG only

6/3 Jenny Ranch; Steamboat Springs, CO Trials

6/4 Jenny Ranch; Steamboat Springs, CO Motocross - Vintage only

6/18 Jewell MX; Watkins, CO w/ RMVMC Motocross

6/24 RAM Off Road Park; Colorado Springs, CO w/ CORCS Cross Country

7/9 Bull Hollow Raceway; Monicello, UT w/ AVDRA Motocross

7/23 Dry Lake Motocross Park; Gypsum, CO w/ RMVMC Motocross

8/13 Sidney Cycle Association; Sunol, NE w/ RMVMC Motocross

9/2 PNCC Hare Scramble; Potter, NE w/ CORCS Cross Country

9/17 Sweney Cycle Ranch; Brush, CO w/ RMVMC Motocross

10/8 Jewell MX; Watkins, CO w/ RMVMC Motocross

10/14 Aztec Family Raceway; Colorado Springs, CO w/ CORCS Cross Country

Rocky Mtn Regional Championship Minimum Requirements

Motocross - 5 to qualify, best 7 finishes count

Cross Country - 4 to qualify, all finishes count

Trials - 2 events scheduled, no overall Regional Series Championship in 2023

Two Rivers National counts for double Rocky Mountain Regional Championship Series points for Motocross, and single points for Cross Country

Jenny Ranch, Steamboat Springs will offer VMX ONLY Regional Championship points (no PVMX or NGMX points)

2023 AHRMA Northwest Schedule

Date Event Disciplines

3/18 Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA National Trials, Cross Country

3/19 Burrows Ranch; Chrome, CA * National Motocross - Vintage only

4/8 Pacific Northwest Vintage MX; Washougal, WA Motocross - Vintage only

4/23 Leapfrog Classic Trial, Frog Pond Motoranch; Vacaville, CA Trials

5/6 Crooked River; Crooked River, OR Trials

5/7 Crooked River; Crooked River, OR Motocross - Vintage only

6/11 Original Standard MX w/ Sierra Old Timers; MMX Racing; Marysville, CA Motocross

6/17 Bullard Canyon; Lakeview, OR National Trials, Regional Cross Country

6/18 Bullard Canyon; Lakeview, OR * Motocross - Vintage only

7/15

Weathertech Laguna Seca (AHRMA Classic MotoFest™); Monterey, CA National Trials, Cross Country

7/16 Weathertech Laguna Seca (AHRMA Classic MotoFest™); Monterey, CA * National Motocross

8/12 Pacific Northwest Vintage MX; Pacific Raceways; Kent, WA Motocross

8/26 Tea Cup Trials; Point Arena, CA Trials

8/27 Tea Cup Scott Trials; Point Arena, CA Trials

9/16 Rattlers Run Ranch; Fairfield, WA Trials

9/17 Rattlers Run Ranch; Fairfield, WA Motocross - Vintage only

9/30 Bushey Ranch; Canby, CA National Trials, Cross Country

10/1 Bushey Ranch; Canby, CA * National Motocross - Vintage only

11/19 Original Standard MX w/Sierra Old Timers; MMX Racing; Marysville, CA Motocross

** Iron Butt Weekend

2023 AHRMA Northwest Regional Championship Series

All Northwest events count for 2023 Northwest Championship Vintage Motocross and Trials - Best 7 events, 4 to qualify Cross Country - Best 4 events

Regional points awarded at National events on Northwest’s schedule

Post-Vintage and Next Gen Motocross - Support Only

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

2023 IRON BUTT

Complete 2 motos in the same class

3 Trials loops

Finish Cross Country in all 4 scheduled events

2023 AHRMA South Central Schedule

Date Event

Disciplines

3/31 Farm 14 MX; Centreville, MS Cross Country

4/1 Farm 14 MX; Centreville, MS National Motocross - Vintage only

4/2 Farm 14 MX; Centreville, MS

6/10 Desoto Motorsports Park National; Grand Cane, LA

6/11 Desoto Motorsports Park National; Grand Cane, LA

National Motocross - Post-Vintage and Next Gen

National Cross Country and Vintage Motocross

National Cross Country and Motocross (Post-Vintage and Next Gen)

9/8 Diamond Don’s Riverport National; Jefferson, TX National Trials and Cross Country

9/9 Diamond Don’s Riverport National; Jefferson, TX National Motocross - Vintage

9/10 Diamond Don’s Riverport National; Jefferson, TX National Motocross - Post-Vintage

9/30 Waco Eagles Regional; Waco, TX Cross Country, Vintage Motocross

10/1 Waco Eagles Regional; Waco, TX Post-Vintage Motocross

10/14 Mill Creek Motorsports; Combs, AR National Motocross - Vintage

10/15 Mill Creek Motorsports; Combs, AR

National Motocross - Post-Vintage and Next Gen

11/3 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK National Cross Country

11/4 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK

11/5 T&S Racing; Henryetta, OK

12/2 TBD

12/3 TBD

National Vintage Motocross, Cross Country, Trials

National Motocross - Post-Vintage and Next Gen

Cross Country and Vintage Motocross

Motocross - Post-Vintage and Next Gen

2023 AHRMA South Central Regional Championship Series

Vintage and Post Vintage MX minimum 5 events must be raced of which 2 must be a regional only event

Next Gen MX minimum 5 events must be raced of which 1 must be a regional only event.

Cross-Country minimum 5 events must be raced of which 2 must be a regional-only event.

All events will be counted towards points totals for championship. You must be an AHRMA member to receive Regional AHRMA Championship Awards and Points. Non-member points will be removed and rescored for members

MARKETPLACE

1974 maico 400 mc

ADVERTISE YOUR VINTAGE RACING

RELATED BUSINESS & PRODUCTS

Powder coated frame, Rebuilt engine by Fritz Gunther (maybe 8 hours on the rebuild), PVL ignition, Easy pull clutch basket mod, New fork seals and rubber fork gaiters, Polished fork sliders, New Fork springs, Original NOS Aluminum Finned Poppy rear shock bodies with correct Koni / IKON internals, New Michelin tires, New D.I.D. chain, New front and rear sprockets, Wheelsmith chain guide, Wheelsmith footpegs, New Bing 54 carb, New Air boot, New Twin Air filter, CZ bend handlebars, All new Magura levers, covers and grips, Torsten Hallman made Ake Jonsson rear brake pedal. You won’t find a better example of a 1974 MAICO in this restored , race ready condition.

PRICE: $7,500

LOCATION: North Central Florida

CONTACT: Skip Harley - (352) 651-2035

SWAP MEET

WHERE AHRMA MEMBERS BUY, SELL, AND TRADE

honda xl350 new center port cylinder head and cover

Honda XL-350 center port head and cover. This is a new head that has never been run on an engine. It has only been used to measure new cams. Shipping cost will be calculated based on the destination.

PRICE: $600

LOCATION: 94903

CONTACT: James Dour - (415) 472-7422

bsa b50 road racer ted hubbard

One of Ted’s last bikes. B50 road racer five speed, short stroke, 500 cc. has not been fired after Ted’s passing. Contact David at Easley Cycle Repair in Easley SC 864 850 3057,

PRICE: $7,100

LOCATION: Easley, SC

CONTACT: David Bossert - (864) 850-3057

motorcycle transportation

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

LOCATION: Port Orange, Florida

CONTACT: Ralph Wessell - (386) 760-0932

SWAP MEET & MARKETPLACE AD GUIDELINES

SWAP MEET ADS: AHRMA members may submit two free Swap Meet, non-commercial, 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/

Join