News, Event updates and Archives in the USCRA

Stay Current in the USCRA with all the latest news on your favorite teams and riders
We will work to keep you informed on changes updates and classes in the USCRA. each year, we ad something new to the table. to find out what, check back with us We want to hear from you. tell us what's new for you this coming season.

News & Updates

Chris Rawson services

Shane Rivet
03-12-2014

""The service for Chris Rawson will be on Sat. April 12, 11am at Lambert Funeral Home,
1799 Elm St.
Manchester, NH
and a luncheon to follow at 12:30 at the Backroom function hall."

Chris Rawson Services

Shane Rivet
02-24-2014

"On This day we lost a fellow racer and great friend. Chris Rawson was a beloved member of the vintage motorcycle committee.
Chris was an avid member of the USCRA since the early 80’s. He put not only his time but his heart in to the sport. Chris was a vital member of the rules committee as he brought his ideas and best foot forward in support of the club and the members that raced with the USCRA.
Chris Rawson as a vigorous competitor in vintage racing. When you saw 631 on the grid, you knew there was going to be a competitive race for the lineup and fun race to watch for the spectators. From Formula RD, Super Masters, Euro Cup to the ever popular endurance race. Chris was always making his statement at the end of the event standing on the podium with award in hand.
Chris’s family extended to Dude Wheeler - Gate City Cycle and the Endurance teams. These teams were built on the strength of members like Chris and his desire to build something great. Chris raced on the winning teams with Zeke Sherman, Jay Phinizy, Bob Balla, Brook and Dan Coyle in the Payson Cancer Center team and Gate City Cycle pits. These Team victories are a true testament to the teamwork and friendship between Chris and the rest of the team.
Chris’s outreach extended beyond the track with the Jack Cole covered Bridge, Pewter Run and many other event and meets. We would all spend many late nights on Jack Coles Porch with Chris as he brought conversation, stories and laughter to everyone who had the privilege to spent time with him.
We also thank you Chris for sharing some of your greatest most heartfelt moments with us. We had the oppertunity to ride and race with Andrew Rawson one summer. Visiting from England, Andrew showed us a side of Chris that glowed brighter they RD ever would. These are the off track moments that will stick with his friends and family as we ride on for the years to come.

"The First Day I Met Chris - Richard Midgley #46

Ed Kretz Jr. Remembered

Bob Coy
09-09-2013

"It is with great sadness that I inform the USCRA community that Ed Kretz Jr. was killed riding his Indian Scout yesterday near his home in Colorado. Ed was a guest of the USCRA for one of the Laconia Rider's Reunion events at Gunstock. I had spoken to Ed last week and he was looking forward to returning to visit with us again at Laconia and visiting with me in Florida for some fishing in March. Ed had just purchased a replica of his father's Indian racer that was on display at our FIM event in June. Ed was an amazing rider, always friendly and had a great sense of humor that always put a smile on your face."
Please take a moment to read the AMA Hall of Fame tribute to Ed Kretz Jr.

Bob Coy Judges in the Radnor Hunt Concourse d Elegance

Shane Rivet
09-05-2013

"The 17th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance – "The 2013 Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance motorcycle guest of honor will be Dick Klamfoth, winner of the 1949, 1951 and 1952 Daytona 200 motorcycle race on his Norton. The featured marque will be Norton with a selection of post-war Norton motorcycles. We will also be featuring a special collection of American Flat Track Racers. This means motorcycles raced in the USA, not just American manufacturers, and will include racers from Harley-Davidson, Indian, BSA, Crocker, Triumph, Norton, Honda, Yamaha and others. There will be guest judges from the flat track racing community for the concours." visit The 17th Annual Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance
Radnor Hunt Concours
P.O. Box 326
Edgemont, PA 19028
rhconcours@comcast.net
Sunday, September 8, 2013

USCRA to Host Laps for a Cure at NHMS

Shane Rivet
06-20-2013

"NH Motor Speedway Loudon, NH – Join your community in the fight to end cancer! Participate in the 'USCRA - Laps for a Cure' held in conjunction with The United States Classic Racing Association's Granite State Championship Vintage Motorcycle Races on Monday, September, 2, 2013.
All proceeds from the "USCRA - Laps for a Cure" event will be donated to help the American Cancer Society in its fight against cancer.
For more information on eligibility for the "Laps For Cure" and to register for the event, please email Shane Rivet at srivet@race-uscra.com.
Additional information about the USCRA Granite State Championship Vintage Motorcycle Race event and the USCRA "Laps for a Cure", visit http://race-uscra.com "Where Vintage Never Get's Old"©

Ed Fischer Wins the 2013 Pre 50 Triumph Classic

Shane Rivet
06-12-2013

"Congratulations to Ed Fischer for winning the 2013 USCRA Pr-50 Triumph Classic. Ed returned to Loudon June 8th and 9th in celebration of his 88 Birthday. This is also the 60th anniversary since the Eds victory in 1953 at the Laconia Nationals.
Ed stated that he would bring one of his old Triumphs to do a few laps on at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway only to win the class he entered. It's this desire and competitive nature that earned Ed the championship in 1953. That drive that brings him back to the track 60 years later.
Ed is not only a winner on the track but in the paddock as well. from a smile to a hand shake, Ed's character and magnetic personality drew a crowd all week-end. just to get the chance to see a legend in the paddock. Most of the USCRA Racers got a chance to talk with Ed throughout the week-end and offered a thank you to Ed for paving a way for future generations of races vintage and modern.
Bob Demetrius states "This guy is one of the true real-deal racers. I have had the privilege of getting to know Ed, and learn of his adventures...and antics...in American motorcycle racing...an amazing guy!"

PAST ‘LACONIA NATIONAL’ WINNERS RETURN

Robert Coy
06-06-2013

"Many of the past “Laconia National” race winners are slated to return for a reunion at the FIM North American Vintage Road Race Championships at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 8 and 9. Laconia Motorcycle week is celebrating its 90 year and along with that it is he 50th year since the “Laconia National” has been held at the old Belknap Recreational area. The last race in 1963 at the old track was won by a young Jodi Nicholas from Tennessee on a BSA Goldstar. Several of the old “Laconia” winners went on to make their mark in other forms of motor sports competition from stock cars, Joe Weatherly to Indianapolis racing, Joe Leonard.

Ed Fischer who won the race on a Triumph in 1953 will celebrate his 60th anniversary since that victory. Ed states that he will bring one of his old Triumphs to do a few laps. In the early planning stages now, there should be a good number of the past winners in attendance at the June 8,9 event.

For a list of the previous winners.>>>

North East Motor Sports Museum Planned

Robert Coy
06-06-2013

"A North East Motor Sports Museum is being planned for construction at the entrance to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway facility. The proposed 20,000 square foot museum will house and showcase all the unique, varied history and traditions of North East motor sports from stock cars to motorcycles. Though the museum is slated to be constructed and housed at the entrance to the Speedway facility, it will be a wholly separate entity from the Speedway that is owned and operated by the NEMSM non-profit organization. The NEMSM non-profit organization responsible for the future museum has drawn together for its Board of Directors many outstanding racers, promoters, media persons, industry leaders and individuals with a vision to permanently record, display and archive the racing traditions that have been such a strong part of North East sports history. Constantly changing and revolving exhibits will timely key into the many motor sports events that happen throughout New England during the year.

Individuals and companies interested in contributing and being a part of the proposed museum should visit the museum web site for more information. There are many levels of involvement and a variety of opportunities to have your name permanently displayed at the future museum."
http://www.nemsmuseum.com

Read in PDF Format>>>

FIM North American Vintage Road Race Championships JUNE 8 & 9 New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Robert Coy
06-06-2013

"Run under the auspices of the US Classic Racing Association with an AMA sanction, the FIM North American Vintage Road Race Championships return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway on the June 8 and 9 weekend at the start of Laconia Motorcycle Week. The fastest vintage road racers and their motorcycles from across the United States and Canada will race head to head for the prestigious FIM championship titles on the line. The 1.6 mile physically demanding and technical track will put the riders and their vintage motorcycles to the acid test producing all the sights and sounds like racing used to be. Tank shift Indians, Harleys along with the old British machines will be pitted against the newer Japanese and European machines in flat out racing competition. Vintage may be old but the racing is a fierce no holds barred competition from start to finish. The highly entertaining sidecars with their corner sliding antics and display of passenger acrobatics is always a mind boggling attraction.

In conjunction with the FIM Championships will be a gathering of many of the old “Laconia “ winners from the late 1940’s to the late 1980’s. Fifty years ago the last AMA Laconia National was held at the old Belknap track that is now the Gunstock Recreational Area outside Laconia. A young Jodi Nicholas from Tennessee won that last race on a BSA Goldstar. It is hoped that he and others from the old track era of the 50’s and early 60’s will return. Ed Fisher plans to return to celebrate his Triumph victory in 1953.In 1965 the “Laconia National” moved to the Bryar Motorsport Park facility " Read More>>>

Thank for coming to the US Vintage Grand Prix

Shane Rivet
05-15-2013

"Thank you to all the members of the USCRA and guests for coming to watch the United States Vintage Grand Prix. Thank you to Dave Roper for attending this event."

And a Special Thank you to Mark Gibson whom made a special guest appearance along with a 1924 Douglas to talk about the 2013 Pewter Run. To learn more about the Pewter Run, or see Motorcycle like the 1924 Douglas in person, go to http://Pewterrun.com
If you would like more information on any of our Racing events MotoGiro-USA or the Pewter Run, please contact us we welcome all new members and volunteers. The USCRA is the one stop shop for all things Vintage Motorcycling. "Where vintage never gets old"

FIM Vintage Registration now available online

Shane Rivet
05-25-2013

"Laconia, NH has been the hot spot for motorcycles since 1916. These are some of the oldest motorcycle events in the country. The Gypsy Tour and motorcycle road racing on the streets of Laconia to name a few. USCRA will once again put a mark in history with the FIM sanctioned event. If you would like to watch the race or take a lap on the track contact us and we will get you started"

If you have any questions about this event you may contact the Director Christina Divigard at Directors@race-uscra.com
If you have any questions about race school for this event please contact The USCRA Race School

We welcome all spectators to come join us NHMS is located on Loudon NH just a few miles north of Concord, NH on Route 106 Click here for more information on NHMS and directions to get there.

Read More On This Event >>>

23rd Annual Vintage Celebration Registration now available online

Shane Rivet
04-12-2013

"The 23rd Annual Vintage Racing Celebration returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2013. In an effort to keep it out of the rainy spring weather, the event shifts from its traditional May schedule to the warm mid-summer sunshine of late July and the beginning of August. The event will add two more days from 2012 to further increase track time.
Aug. 2-Aug. 4) and will feature car races from the Vintage Racing Group and motorcycle races from the U.S. Classic Racing Association"

If you have previously participated in the Vintage Racing Celebration, please follow this link to register for the 2013 event - https://my.nhms.com/ti/vc
If you have any questions about your account or would like help with setting up a new account contact Shane Rivet

If you have never participated in the Vintage Racing Celebration and would like to learn more about the event and registration, please call NHMS Operations at (603) 513-5726. You may download the registration form by clicking here.

Read More On This Event >>>

USVGP Registation now available online

Doug Donelan
04-09-2013

The 2013 Season is underway. The highly anticipated season is here, with the United States Vintage Grand Prix. Get you bikes out of the shed and off the lift and lets go racing. May13
New to the 2013 season, we introduce the maiden launch of the Mighty Minnow Endurance Race. This is the first of three this season. This highly anticipated event will set the pace for the 2013 Mighty Minnow. Race solo or put your team together for this 1/2 hour event and take advantage of this Mighty Minnow Endurance Race as you get ready for the Big Fish Little Pond Endurance Race coming up in June. If you have any questions about the Mighty Minnow Endurance Race, contact directors@race-uscra.com

Read More >>>

USCRA_Members_Go_Tally_Ho

Dave Evans
03-29-2013

Alan Perry brought down his LRRS Amateur P89 class, championship winning orange Laverda. Henry brought down his (my old) Honda CB550F, and his newly acquired Honda RS125. Henry's van mate Atom, was on a Honda CB125. Mr Roper had his familiar black and orange Harley Davidson, and a very cool, very gorgeous old Moto Guzzi single, both of which were stuffed into the back of his Chevy Astro van, along with his crew chief Ellen.
Read More >>>

New and renewal membership

Shane Rivet
04-03-2013

The new USCRA Membership Applications and renewal forms are now available online. Fill out your form for this season and send it with your $40.00 to: USCRA Registration
5 Brook Bend Place
Oakdale, CT 06370
Renew Membership Form >>>
New Membership Form >>>

USCRA March 2013 New Letter

Shane Rivet
03-28-2013

Today there was a USCRA / NHMS meeting at Loudon. both parties agree this meeting was a huge success for both the USCRA and the track. NHMS has been watching the change in the USCRA over the past few months. They share our optimism in the direction of the USCRA organization. The website was only part of the changes made in this 2013 season.
In one of the conversations we really peeled back the layers on were the corner worker, marshals and tech inspection concerns. The track has made some dramatic changes with the corner worker team. They have heard and reviewed all of the concerns and issues we presented to them ( I have been keeping track of all complaints) and took measures to move forward in a direction that will secure our questions with safety on and off the track.

Read More >>>

Gate City Cycle to Sponsor USCRA

Shane Rivet
03-10-2013

Gate City Cycle is now a proud sponsor of the USCRA for the 2013 season. Dude Wheeler is a staple to the vintage riding and racing community. Zeke Sherman, Brook, Allan Perry, Jay Phinizy, Bob Balla and the rest of the racers are a part of a winning 3 tier endurance racing team. This team has proven successful in the years past with the backing of Gate City Cycle.
Dude Wheeler's goals mirrors that of Zeke Sherman in the Gate City Race team. This is why a strong foundation was build so quickly in the early stages of the teams history. these goals are simple, to keep the bikes on the track, be competitive and most of all have fun. Dude has been very supportive of the USCRA and its racing heartbeat.

P4 Machine Chart

Doug Donelan
02-25-2013

I've gotten a lot of questions about the adoption of the fully updated Period IV rules. I put together this poster to show the wide variety of models that are allowed in P4, in the hope it might show what machines are available and what those machines are paired against. I hope we see some of these 'modern classics' on the track this season. Happy building!

Read More >>>

2013 P4 Rule Changes

Rules Committee
02-03-2013

The expanded and updated Period IV rules break down into three classes:

FORMULA 3:
125cc two-stroke GP bikes
500cc two-stroke singles
400cc two-stroke street based twins and triples
(must have original frames, cylinder blocks and engine casings)
400cc four -stroke four cylinders 650cc four stroke twins unlimited four stroke singles

FORMULA 2:
250cc two-stroke GP bikes
750cc four-stroke twins
860cc four-stroke twins, two valve heads, air cooled
600cc multi-cylinder (3 or more cylinders) four strokes

FORMULA1:
500cc two-stroke two or more cylinder
1000cc four-stroke twins
750cc multi-cylinder (3 or more cylinders) four strokes

1103cc multi-cylinder (3 or more cylinders) 4-stroke air-cooled, steel frame only

The big change is the cut-off. Period IV Form. 1 & 2 had a cut-off date of December 31, 1985, it has been expanded to 1989. The biggest issue is that current Period III machines with a cut-off of 1976 won't be competitive when bumping into Period IV and going up against machines made in the mid-late 80's. I want to speak to Bob, I think we might want to expand Period II cut-off to 1982. It might help make with bikes from the late 70's be more competitive within Period III.

Here is a list of many of the 'approved' machines for the expanded and updated Period IV classes:

The following are examples and exceptions permitted in Period IV.
If no date is listed for machines, then only those built up to and including model year
1989 are eligible. In cases where the following machines featured aluminum frames or upside down forks, etc. as OEM, they are allowed.

• Aprilia 250

• Bimota DB1 750

• BMW R100, K75

• Cagiva 500 GP bike

• Ducati Paso 750 to 906, 851/888, 750 F1, SS/Sport 750 to 900, 900SS air/oil cooled V-Twins to 1996

• Honda XL/XR 500 to 650, RS 125 to 1994, RS 250 to 1990, 500, 650 Hawk, 600 Hurricane
and 600 F1, 750 Interceptor to 1989, RC30

• Kawasaki KX 500, KLR 650, EX 500 to 1993, ZX6 (Ninja 600) A-D to 1993, ZX7 (Ninja750) to 1990 KTM 600

• Moto Guzzi 1000 LeMans

• Suzuki RM 500, DR650, GSF400 to 1993, GS500E to 1996, Gamma/RG 250 to 500, Katana 600/750 to 1996, GSXR 750 to 1990

• Yamaha RZ 350, TZ250 to 1990, TZR/TDR 250, FZR400 to 1990, FZR600 to 1991 1999, FZR750 to 1989

Read More >>>

Masters 2013

Rules Change
5.9 Masters and Super Masters
02-03-2013

We are very happy to announce there is a rules change in the USCRA Special Classes Masters and Super Masters.
in the past the Rules stated the Master Class was eligible for 50 years and the Super Masters for 60 years in age. in 2012 the rule was changed. the class were now Master with at Machine cc Split. the First issue was the Machine Split. example: the Honda CB350 is a 325cc however can be modified over the 350 limit to the 351cc range. this became an constant topic of conversation. the next issue was the removal of the Super Masters
The History of the USCRA Members along with the history of the club was taken into consideration when the next rule meeting was in section for the 2013 season. The committee has resurrected the Super Masters class however the age limit has raised for to 65 years for the class. this for the younger up and coming members is quite a treat to watch. legends of vintage Racing and veteran racers are once again in that race with that competitor they love to dice with. to read more about the rules in the Masters and Super Masters Class, Read More >>>

USCRA Hall of Fame

New Inductees
USCRA Hall of Fame
02-03-2013
Congratulations to the new inducted members to the USCRA Hall of Fame. this is a prestigious Club that only the select few have been nominated for. We have have 5 new members for the class of 2013. so congratulations to:
- Eve Stein
- Mark Gibson
- Frank Camillieri
- Frank & Cathy Smith
Read More >>>

Sidecar Racing

SideCars in the USCRA

Bob Coy
05-30-2013

"The history of sidecar racing in the USCRA is an interesting story that doesn’t parallel the historical evolution of sidecar racing. Sidecar racing in North America has always been a fringe sport. It had a small following in the 1960’s in California, the mid –west / East Coast and Canada. Its heyday on the East coast was the late 60’s to early 70’s in the Association of American Motorcycle Road Racers (AAMRR) Sidecars to the late 60’s early 70’s were primarily run on 16inch wheels with British twin or BMW engines
The Japanese multi cylinder invasion and available wide racing tires changed the sidecar-racing scene dramatically. With the wide racing tires, chassis development moved the passenger further back to what is known as a rear exit chair. The passenger no longer

Read More >>>

USCRA Sidecar Racing
Sidecar racers

Mark Gibson #8 and Chairman and Director of the USCRA pioneered the launch of sidecar racing this the USCRA. when they did decades ago. they started a movement that lives strong today. Each year we see new and resurrected rigs ready to race in the USCRA. in 2013 Marcus Poisson gave new life to the late Bruce Richmond's rig. again as we say in the USCRA where vintage never gets old. this rains true to sidecar racing. also in 2013 the USCRA launch a new class for sidecar racing, some of the more elite Vintage sidecar racers to ever hack the track. Sidecar racing will continue for years to come in the USCRA. come see what the hype is about.. More on SideCars>>>

Race Tracks

New Hampshire Motor Speedway
The Magic Mile

Located on approximately 1,200 acres, the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England and features a 1.058-mile oval speedway, with a total capacity for 105,491 spectators, and a 1.6-mile road course. Read More >>>
Circuit Mont Tremblant
Canadian Tire

Circuit Mont Tremblant is regarded as one of the finest racing circuits in North America and has seen some of the greatest names in racing drive their way around it's demanding layout. Famous names like Villeneuve, Andretti, Stewart, Moss, Ickx, Rahal, and Tracy have all raced here on what Michael Schumacher described as the Little Nurburgring. Motorsport, sportsmanship and competition are our passion! Whether you're behind the wheel or not, we look forward to seeing you at the track. Read More >>>

Documentation Resources

Rodney Helsens
Online RS125 manuals

Online RS125 manuals and Search to help you with your RS125 build Read More >>>

media

Motorcycle Classics Magazine

Newcomers and life long motorheads who love the sound and the beauty of classic bikes. Every issue delivers exciting and evocative articles and photographs of the most brilliant, unusual and popular motorcycles ever made!Read More >>>

USCRA Obtains FIM 125cc Grand Prix Sanction

Road Racing World

From a press release issued by USCRA:

FIM North American 125 GP Championship

The United States Classic Racing Association in conjunction with the North American Motorcycle Union have secured the first annual North American FIM 125cc Championship race to be held August 1 at New Hampshire International Speedway. This race will bring together the best 125 grand prix riders from across the US and Canada to compete for a 4000$ purse. First place will take home 1000$ and the payout continues to 20th place! The competition couldn't possibly be hotter on the tight and twisty Loudon circuit, where riding skill overcomes outright power.

We are running the race as a professional, international event. Grid positions will be determined by qualifying sessions or heat races on Saturday, and all 125 practices will be exclusively for this class. The race Sunday afternoon will be 25 laps to separate the men from the boys, or vice versa! Rising Sun Cycles will be on hand with their trailer filled with the latest GP parts and machinery from HRC and Yamaha.

To ensure the success of this event we really need everyone in the club who owns a 125 grand prix machine to be out there on the grid. Offering a significant purse poses a huge risk to the club in case of poor attendance or weather, so please plan on attending. Of special interest to owners of older grand prix bikes will be a special prize offered to the first Pre-1994 machine across the line regardless of position. Due to the championship nature of this race, licenses from any North American racing organization will be recognized, only membership in the AMA, CMA, or an FIM sanctioned national organization (ie: ACU, etc.) is required. AMA and CMA memberships will be sold at the event

Placing Prize

1 $1000
2 $750
3 $500
4 $300
5 $250
6 $200
7 $150
8 $100
9 $75
10 $75
11 $75
12-20th $50

Pre 1995
$ 75.00

Total
$4,000

Read More >>>

News, Event updates and Archives in the USCRA

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