2011 Vintage Motorcycle Days
On July 22-24, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will welcome a variety of classic motorcycles from numerous eras, styles and points of origin to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days featuring Kawasaki, Marque of the Year, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
These motorcycles will be on full display as part of the bike show program at the country’s leading celebration of motorcycling’s heritage.
Jack Penton (AMA Director of Operations) says: "Two wheels, a frame, an engine – the fundamental parts of a motorcycle are refreshingly simple and elegant, yet the ends to which designers and engineers have taken those core pieces test the bounds of human creativity.
"Many motorcycles representing these unique designs will be featured at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days on July 22-24. We invite all fans of two-wheeled motive art to join us as we celebrate both the original designs of these motorcycles and the tireless efforts of master restorers."
There will be two bike shows at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, both held on Saturday, July 23, in the infield of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Static Show will feature motorcycles from the early 1900s through 1989. Bike featured will include American, British, European and Japanese models that span various decades. The machines will be set on the show grid and be on public display throughout the day.
The Ride ‘Em Don’t Hide ‘Em Motorcycle Ride and Show will begin with a 50-mile ride in the picturesque Ohio countryside that surrounds the Mid-Ohio facility. After a lunch break, the bikes will return to Mid-Ohio where they will be parked on the show grid for judging. Motorcycles in this show must be 1989 or older and be mechanically sound enough to complete the 50-mile ride. (A tow vehicle is provided.) This show will also include categories for country of origin and decade.
Awards for both shows will be presented at 3 p.m.
Jack Penton says: "AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is about the people, the motorcycles and the competition that has shaped our motorcycling culture from the beginning. The bike shows are a key ingredient to that mix, and we’re looking forward to seeing some stunning examples of motorcycle technology this year."
In addition to the bike shows, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features various activities in celebration of Kawasaki as the 2011 Marque of the Year. These include displays, demo rides, seminars and autograph signings.
Grand Marshal Jeff Fredette, a multi-time national and international off-road champion, will be on hand to reminisce and sign autographs, as well as compete in several vintage racing classes. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a new Kawasaki Z1000 and a classic Z1, given away in a single raffle that benefits the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days includes vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track. In addition to the bike shows, enthusiasts will enjoy North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs. The Classic Club this year is the Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Club.
Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
Tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased online at MidOhio.com. For more information about the event, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.
