| FAQs |
| Getting started in Vintage Motocross (we try to answer the obvious questions). |
| Q: Is it necessary to have previous motocross experience? |
| A: Absolutely not. While some competitors have had extensive racing experience, many of them stopped riding competitively for a number of years before getting involved in vintage racing. We also have a significant number of competitors who never raced motocross before. |
Q. So, what do I have to do to get involved? |
| A. Find a bike (more on that later). You also need to join two organizations - American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Organization (AHRMA). You can get started online: www.ama-cycle.com , www.ahrma.org . |
| Q. Okay, after I have the memberships, then what? |
| A. If you don't have one already, start searching for a bike to ride. The choices are numerous and complicated. The best place to start is the AHRMA rulebook. Study the classes carefully. You will save a tremendous amount of aggravation by understanding class rules, bike eligibility, modifications, rider classifications, etc. before you make a decision. You should also scan the race results from the past year to see which classes are most popular. |
Q. Does it matter how old the bike is? |
Yes, because there are two general categories: vintage for pre-1975 bikes and post-vintage for bikes built between 1975 and 1983.
Here is, roughly, how the classes break down. |
| Vintage: |
Premier - Pre 1965, mostly four strokes - 250's, 500's, and Twins
Classic - 66-72 "transition" era 125's, 250's and 500's
Sportsman - Pre 1975 125's, 250's and 500's |
All above classes must comply with "Period" rules and have no more than 4" rear wheel travel and 7" front wheel travel. In addition, you can ride any of those bikes in age group classes: Open age, +40, +50. |
| Post Vintage: |
Historic - 75-77 -the beginning of the long travel period 9" max.
Gran Prix - 77 - 80; performance driven - check rule book
Ultima - 81 to 83; no disc brakes or power valves |
You also can compete in the Open Age class on any bike from the three classes. |
| Q. What brands are best? Haven't a lot of these companies gone out of business? |
You should choose you motorcycle carefully; it may be your most important decision. In some cases, there is a good supply of parts - reproduction or used. Some brands in that category include bikes like CZ, Maico, Husqvarna, Penton, Bultaco, Can Am, and Honda. Other brands like Montesa, Ossa, and even Kawasaki have very few parts suppliers and limited availability of NOS parts. Ask around before you decide. A bike may be a bargain initially but it will give you heartburn if you can't find parts for it. |
Q. What about my race number? |
| You will get your race number when you become an AHRMA member. Vintage bikes must have a white number plate background; post-vintage must be yellow. |
| Q. So, will I have to compete against seasoned racers? |
| A. Not necessarily. Every vintage class is broken down by ability level: novice, intermediate, expert. You would be racing against others with comparable experience. |
Q. What about gear? |
| A. Since it will be protecting your hide, you should purchase quality safety gear: boots, helmet, gloves, pants, chest protector, goggles. |
Q. What about me? |
A. It might not be a bad idea to start an exercise program at least 60 days prior to your first race. Motocross is very physically demanding. Plus, we're not as young as we used to be. It's also a good idea to get in some practice prior to your first race. |
| Q. Do people get hurt? |
| A. Though injuries are rare (and are usually not life-threatening), you are, after all, racing. And racing does have some risk. Vintage races, however, are far less likely to produce injuries than the more aggressive modern motocross. |
| Q. What is the typical race day like? |
A. Usually, tech inspection and signup begins around 7:30 am. There is a riders' meeting at 8:45 and practice begins at 9-9:15. The first races start about 10 am and, normally, the event is over by 3 pm. |
| Q. The Mid-Atlantic series involves several tracks. Are they pretty much the same? |
| A. No, and you will probably develop favorites over time. Several, including Budds Creek, Mountaineer, Rausch Creek and Camelback are hilly, natural terrain tracks, Others, including Kenly, The Landing and Elizabeth City , are more technical, man-made tracks. |
Q. Any other advice for a beginning competitor? |
| A. Consider joining the Potomac Vintage Riders - www.potomacvintageriders.com - the club that runs the Mid-Atlantic series. You will be part of a terrific network of vintage enthusiasts. It makes the whole process easier if you have access to others who have been through it all before. |
| |
| |
