Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, the 2.4-mile road course nestled in the gently rolling hills of Lexington, Ohio, about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, has been a traditional stop for top road racers on both two and four wheels for decades. But for the past few years, it has played the perfect host for one of the American Motorcyclist Association’s premier events – AMA Vintage Days.
Being a “want” based industry, we have to create the “need” to ramp up consumer interest and emotions. And what better place to celebrate the passion for motorcycling than a weekend that highlights old motorcycles and a giant swap meet? With the superbike races long gone and the motocross track (now the site of the tamer vintage motocross track), the thrill comes from being there in person to see the cornucopia of bikes and people. This is an event where it doesn’t matter if you ride a dual sport, cafe racer, chopper or scooter… there’s a place for all. It’s all-inclusive, and that’s what makes it so unique, and well attended.
“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days provides an opportunity, each year, for motorcyclists to come together and immerse themselves in the history of our shared passion, as well as look forward to the future of motorcycling and what lies ahead for us a community,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “We would like to thank everyone who helped promote and preserve motorcycling’s heritage through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”
The annual event – organized and promoted by the association – raises funds for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to support its mission to promote the heritage of motorcycling in America.
Through the generous support of the Riders of Kawasaki – ROK, powered by the AMA – this year’s event honored Co-Grand Marshals Tony Nicosia, Steve Johnson, Gary Semics and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Fredette.
In addition, KTM North America, Janus Motorcycles, Cleveland Cyclewerks, Zero Motorcycles and GasGas provided demo rides to attendees, along with a whole smorgasbord of entertainment from live music to live motorcycle artists. We even ran into our friends from Skidmark Garage, who had a booth set up in the infield to showcase their community bike builder’s shop based in Cleveland.
“This event would not be possible without the support of our partners,” said AMA COO Jeff Massey. He also thanked all of the speakers for providing educational and entertaining seminars as well as the many vendors who filled the Old Bike Barn Crossroads and the swap meet section. “The many different and unique displays offered enjoyment for all.”
