AMA Announces Field Meet for AMA Mid-Ohio Vintage Days

Motorcycling field meet coming to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- June 26, 2012 -- The field meet is one of motorcycling's most iconic activities, when riders get together and display their riding skills in an organized setting. This July 20-22, the American Motorcyclist Association will feature these classic games at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring Rockers and Mods, held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The AMA Classic Field Meet Challenge will take place on the infield of the roadrace course on Friday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, July 22, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. ABATE of Ohio will oversee registration and officiating. Registration will take place on site each morning.

"The main goal of all field meets is the same: for everyone to have fun," said AMA Director of Operations and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Penton. "Activities are designed to be as entertaining as they are challenging. These aren't trials contests! You certainly don't need a particular type of motorcycle, and you don't need any special skills -- beyond a healthy confidence in your own ability to maneuver your motorcycle."

Individual events will include activities such as a barrel race, a balloon toss, a slow race, Bite the Weenie, Ride the Plank and Whack the Murphy. Other games will be included, as well. The winning riders of each event will receive a medallion for each day of competition.

A '79 Honda CB750F and two mid-'70s Honda CB400Fs sit on display at the 2011 AMA Vintage Days celebration at Mid-Ohio.  Both of these models went on to become serious racers and winners in their respective classes in WERA and AMA Road Racing events and help lead Honda back into racing in the late '70s/early '80s.  Photo courtesy of the American Motorcyclist Association's AMA Vintage Days portfolio.

"I'd like to extend a big thanks to ABATE of Ohio for managing the field meet this year," Penton said. "The AMA Classic Field Meet Challenge will be a blast for both spectators and participants. Whether you're riding in the event or just want to figure out what Whack the Murphy is all about, make sure you check out the action on the infield at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days."

There is no extra cost to register and participate in the AMA Classic Field Meet Challenge, but a small donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is encouraged. Riders will need to ride their own motorcycle or scooter and wear appropriate gear (helmet, long pants and eye protection are mandatory). Motorcycles or scooters can be from any era; they do not need to be vintage to participate.

Questions about the field meet can be directed to AMA Road Riding Manager Dave Hembroff at dhembroff@ama-cycle.org.

With proceeds supporting the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the country's premier celebration of vintage motorcycles and motorcycling heritage. In addition to the AMA Classic Field Meet Challenge, the event includes amateur national championship roadracing, demo rides of current street and off-road motorcycles, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track in vintage classes. The weekend also features North America's largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.

This year's AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will celebrate the classic "Rockers and Mods" two-wheeled subculture that is experiencing a popular resurgence in America. Activities will shine a spotlight on British café-racer motorcycles and Italian metal-bodied scooters made popular by the self-described Rockers and Mods of the early 1960s.

The grand marshal this year is AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member and noted designer Craig Vetter, whose contributions to motorcycling range from the iconic Windjammer fairings and the Triumph X-75 Hurricane to the Mystery Ship limited-production, high-performance motorcycles and a number of high-profile motorcycle fuel-economy contests.

Tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased at www.midohio.com. More information about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be found at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org