Vintage minicycle class added to VMD pitbike spectacle
The American Motorcyclist Association will bring vintage form and modern pitbike racing together this July 26 at Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha. The celebration of vintage motorcycles runs July 26-28 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
The pitbike competition will welcome older riders competing on minibikes, some as small as 50cc. The competition will range from laid-back to blitzing-fast action on purpose-built, highly modified race machines. A fun youth class will also be added.
AMA-chartered promoter Bagger Racing League (BRL) is partnering with the AMA to promote and operate the pitbike program at 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“While the AMA may be a century old, the sport continues to find ways to innovate and bring new excitement to the racetrack,” says BRL founder Rob Buydos. “Pitbikes are small, but in the right hands, they produce some of the most exciting bar-banging action you’ll see. We’ll have classes for pretty much anyone at VMD, and we expect many of them to fill up fast, so sign up now!”
Organized pitbike racing has been a staple of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for years, but this will be the inaugural year pitbike racing joins the AMA Vintage Grand Championship program, awarding AMA National Championships in select classes.
The Vintage Minicycle class will showcase motorcycling history, featuring motocross and trail bikes, primarily 80cc two-strokes from the 1970s. Also featured will be the AMA 100-Year Anniversary Invitational, which will include high-profile riders and legends, honoring the AMA’s 100-year history.
“Pitbike racing is not a modern concept, having been part of the dirt bike scene for generations, and for good reason. It speaks directly to the fun, thrill and pure joy of experiencing the freedom of two wheels,” says AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “This year, VMD will elevate pitbike racing to a new level for the event, while shining a spotlight on vintage-class pitbikes in the Vintage Minicycle class.”
In addition to the Vintage Minicycle class, AMA National Championship classes will include Production Modified, Production Limited and Vet (age 35 and older). Non-championship classes will include Unlimited, Women, Trailbike and Industry. A Youth class will be provided for riders ages 4 to 8 on 50cc playbikes and trail bikes.
Supplemental rules for the pitbike racing at VMD and pre-entry information are available now at vintagemotorcycledays.com.
In addition to demo rides of current production bikes, VMD includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the Crossroads and more.
