Part of the excellent 3-day long AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the action moves from the paved 2.25 mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to the 1/2 mile Ashland County Fairgrounds dirt track for some AMA vintage flat track racing. Let’s get under the lights and catch some rocks in the face.
The Real Deal
Much like today’s road racing, tonight’s event is the real deal; Round 10 of the 14-round season. Motorcycle racers on vintage machines dating to the 1940s will display their skills as they continue their quest for the coveted AMA National No. 1 plate. It’s awesome to watch these old machines with historic marques like Bultaco, BSA, and Indian race alongside Harley Davidson, Ducati, Triumph, and Honda for vintage flat track supremacy.
In addition to the vintage racers, there are a few modern classes thrown in the field, too.
The crowd favorite (at least where I was) had to have been Sandriana Shipman, a young girl riding a Bultaco with the 555 number plate. She couldn’t be much past 18 and rode like a bat out of hell.
Vintage flat tracking is so much more exciting than road racing, in my opinion. The bikes are flicked into a slide, dirt sprays everywhere, and as a spectator, you can get right up against the fence. Just you, the track, the racers, and a hay bale—plus the night setting amplifies the drama. When you see two 750cc machines sliding into the corner together, you’re never sure that they’ll both make it out.
Vintage Flat Track Racing
The dirt track races are not included with AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days admission and are $20 per ticket. For $5 extra, you can upgrade to a grandstand box. I recommend setting up shop in a corner, where you can see the action closest. How else are you going to get dirt in your beer? Find a vintage flat track race near you.
Comments (4)
See you didn’t mention Triumph bikes. Give a shout out!
You’re right! And I’m a Triumph rider so there is no excuse. I’ve added Triumph to the list in the blog above. Thanks for reading!