LEXINGTON — For motorcycle historians and enthusiasts, this weekend is like Christmas morning, Mardi Gras and Super Bowl Sunday all rolled into one.
The BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days roar into Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and the extensive schedule of events includes something for everyone.
“Fans attending the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will have the opportunity to see some of the most classic motorcycles in U.S. history up close, either on display or racing or both,” said Craig Rust, president of the 2.4-mile, 15-turn permanent road course.
There will be plenty of action on the track and all across the grounds of the 330-plus acre complex. One of the biggest draws of the weekend is the annual swap meet, North America’s largest such event.
“Everything vintage under the sun seems to come alive in the swap meet, including old bikes, old bike parts, vintage gear and more,” American Motorcyclist Association vice president of operations Jeff Massey said. “Think acres upon acres of old motorcycle glory, as far as the eye can see, just waiting to find new life in your next project.
“Or, consider doing what others have done and buy a running racer to compete in the vintage racing program at the event. The deals are around every corner, and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.”
More than 300 vendors already are registered for the swap meet, which is presented by Federal Motorcycle Transport, agent for STI. Massey said he is expecting more vendors to sign up this weekend.
“If you love riding or restoring old motorcycles, there’s no cooler place to be this weekend,” Massey said. “Come by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and complete your next restoration or get that favorite old runner back on the highway.”
Friday’s All Year’s Bike Show and Saturday’s AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show are two big weekend draws.
“Attending BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is like stepping back through time with a pit stop in each decade,” Massey said. “There are dirt bikes, street bikes, customs and more going back to the early 1900s. The bike shows are a great way to see some of the best examples from each era.”
Indian Motorcycle will be the featured marque this weekend. There will be an Indian Motorcycle-themed tent sent up on the infield with classic and contemporary models.
“It is a real honor to our entire team for Indian Motorcycle to be selected Marque of the Year for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” Indian Motorcycle vice president Steve Menneto said. “We know that enthusiasts of all brands come to this event, and the chance to not only celebrate where the Indian Motorcycle came from but to display and ride where we are heading is going to make for a fantastic weekend.”
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Bill Tuman and Bobby Hill will serve as grand marshals for this weekend’s festivities. Tuman and Hill, along with the late Ernie Beckman, were known as the Indian Wrecking Crew in the early 1950s. Tuman won five AMA Grand Nationals during a racing career that lasted from 1947 to 1955. Hill won 12 AMA Nationals and was AMA National Champ in 1951 and again in 1952.
“We’re honored that these great Hall of Famers can join us this summer,” AMA president and CEO Rob Dingman said. “For fans of dirt track, Indian Motorcycle and the sport in general, this will be a unique opportunity to hear first-hand some of the most legendary stories in racing.”
The BikeBandit.com AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are the opener of consecutive motorcycle weekends at Mid-Ohio. Buckeye Superbike Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire will be July 19 to 20.
“Our back-to-back two-wheel events are recognized around America as among the best gatherings in the sport,” Rust said.
Activities begin at 8 a.m. Friday. Tickets are $40 for Friday, $40 for Saturday and $35 for Sunday or $60 for the entire weekend. For more information visit MidOhio.com.
Follow Curt Conrad on Twitter @curtjconrad.
“If you love riding or restoring old motorcycles, there’s no cooler place to be this weekend,” Massey said. “Come by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and complete your next restoration or get that favorite old runner back on the highway.”
