Page 51 - LaconiaMCWeek2021

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North America Vintage Road Race Championships Return o NHMS, June 12 & 13
New Hampshire Motor Speedway will once again will be the scene of the 19th running of the FIM North America Vintage Road Race Championships on its 1.6- mile road course. The vintage racers from across the US and hopefully Canada (if the border opens up) will com- pete at this internationally sanctioned event. What classi- fies as vintage for this event? Basically, all the race machines competing were manufactured prior to 2000 with the oldest race bikes dating back into the 1930’s. Make no mistake, the racers are not just parading the old bikes around, this is a flat-out elbow to elbow race at speeds exceeding 130 mph for the fastest machines!
The old ridged frame Indian and Harley tank shifter race machines from the 1930’s and 40’s are one of the featured races. These old racers have no rear suspension. Sliding these old machines in the corners on the pavement is the normal way to get around the corners. This throw back in time racing can only be appreciated by actually seeing the old machines in action.
Additional thrilling excitement includes the fabulous vin- tage sidecars. The passenger (monkey) hangs off the side- car platform scraping his/her shoulder on the ground to act as ballast for the machine in the corners. Without that
passenger ballast balancing the outfit, the sidecar would instantly flip over in a turn. Most of the passengers are women...some wives or girlfriends or the riders and oth- ers just speed thrill seekers. In addition, to the monkey balancing the machine, the driver must slide the outfit through the corners and throttle steer the controlled slide.
The real heart of the vintage races at this event are the machines from the 1960’s through mid-1980’s. Here, the old British machines, like Triumph and BSA, still com- pete on par against the new wave of Japanese multi cylin- der bikes of the 1970’s.
Admission to the races allows all spectators to park inside the NASCAR oval, wander the garages and have free access to the grandstands. Races are run rain or shine. H
For more information on USCRA, check out www.race-uscra.com
Visit NHMS at www.nhms.com
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a proud sponsor of the Rally and the local chapter enjoyed meeting visitors during the 2020 Rally.
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Inspect your motorcycle.
Use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T- CLOCS method to inspect your bike: Check Tires, Controls, Lights, Oils and fluids, Chassis and Stand to make sure everything is working properly before you hit the road. Check on these things regularly during your trip, too.
Photo Courtesy: John Bielawski
Photo Courtesy: John Bielawski
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