AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS 2019
Although Mother Nature may have rained on our parade, it was not enough to dampen the drive or the spirits of those participating or spectating at Mid Ohio AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
Racers and spectators made the most of it. From the littlest guys (see photo of four-year-old, Arlo, who put in mile after mile up and down the boulevard) to the vendors in the swap meet, there truly was something for everyone.
Friday’s hare scramble races went off without a hitch. Riders maneuvered the two hour course through the woods and up and through mud and water hazards in their quest to be the best in their respective class.
Saturday brought out a huge crowd and spectator car parking had to be diverted outside the track as there was simply no more room . The boulevard grass was filled with motorcycles of every make and model. Lines for the Wall of Death were steady and the hillsides were covered with fans looking for the best viewing points.
Saturday’s race card was going smoothly until a three-bike crash in the keyhole caused a red flag delay. All three riders were transported by ambulance. I could not get a condition on all but a shout out to our friend Jon Nicholas who, I’ve heard, is in good spirits with some broken ribs.
Unfortunately, racing was unable to resume with a passing shower that kept riders off the track for the rest of the day. Mid Ohio’s road course is slippery and difficult on most days. Add the rain and it’s simply not an option for safe racing. Even the flat track racing at Richland County Fairgrounds was postponed until Sunday.
For those of us that stay the weekend, Saturday evening is an opportunity to catch up with racer friends. Although the Kennedys are no longer actively racing, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days gives us a chance to catch up and cheer on our racing family.
Officials shortened Sunday morning practice and were able to complete the races from Saturday’s program. And while a valiant effort was made to get all of Sunday’s scheduled program ran, the rain fell again, and the remaining races were canceled.
It was a great weekend of racing nonetheless. The diversity of the crowd never ceases to amaze me. The diversity of the makes and models of motorcycles is amazing. HONDA celebrated the 50th anniversary of the CB750 and the 60th anniversary of American Honda Motor Co. Both Honda and Harley Davidson offered demo rides.
I know I say this every year but AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course is something you should experience.
A special thank you to Sara Chappell Photos for the awesome shots of the weekend!
As always, ride safe!
