Vintage Two-Stroke Racers Ignite Excitement at Barber Vintage Festival

The roar of two-stroke engines echoed through the Barber Motorsports Park as the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) hosted its annual race event during the 19th Barber Vintage Festival. The event, which took place on October 12, 2024, saw a diverse array of two-stroke machines, ranging from 125cc to 500cc, compete for cash prizes and the thrill of victory.

Unleashing the Power of Vintage Two-Stroke Machines

A Nostalgic Celebration of Motorcycle Racing History

The Barber Vintage Festival has long been a haven for enthusiasts of vintage and historic motorcycles, and the AHRMA race event was no exception. More than 20 two-stroke machines, representing a bygone era of motorcycle racing, took to the track, captivating the audience with their raw power and distinctive sound. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic machines, which have left an indelible mark on the sport of motorcycle racing.

Fierce Competition and Impressive Performances

The Open Two Stroke class saw a diverse field of competitors, with the majority of the entrants riding 250cc machines, followed by 125cc and a single 500cc machine. The 250cc bikes dominated the podium, with Ralph Staropoli, riding a 2002 Honda RS250, taking the overall win. He was followed by Oliver Hutchison, on a 2007 Yamaha TZ250, and Sven Bley, on a 1997 Honda RS250 NX5.

Generous Purse and Dedicated Organizers

The event was made possible by the efforts of Ralph Staropoli, who organized and raised the sponsorship money from a group of individual AHRMA racers, as well as from Iconic Motorbikes, Comstock Energy, Rising Sun Cycles, and MojoYamaha. The total purse of $6,000 was distributed among the winners, with $1,000 for first place, $750 for second, $500 for third, and $250 for fourth in each tier.

Celebrating the Legacy of Two-Stroke Racing

The presence of racing legend Kenny Roberts at the event added to the excitement, as he cheered on the two-stroke racers and celebrated the enduring legacy of these machines. The Barber Vintage Festival has long been a hub for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, and the AHRMA race event was a fitting addition to the festivities, showcasing the passion and dedication of the two-stroke racing community.

The Winning Machines and Riders

In the 125cc class, Jacob Trosper, riding a 1998 Honda RS125, took the top spot, followed by Matthew Crabtree on a 1995 Honda RS125, Eric Lukehart on a 1995 Honda RS125, and Steven Belknap on a 2004 Honda RS125.In the 250cc class, Ralph Staropoli's 2002 Honda RS250 claimed the overall victory, with Oliver Hutchison's 2007 Yamaha TZ250 and Sven Bley's 1997 Honda RS250 NX5 rounding out the podium. Paul Stamper, riding a 1992 Yamaha TZ250, finished fourth.The 500cc+ class was dominated by Adrian Jasso, who piloted a 2017 Suter 500 to the top spot.

The Sponsors and Their Contributions

The event was made possible by the generous support of several sponsors, each with a unique connection to the world of vintage motorcycles and racing.Iconic Motorbikes, based in Santa Monica, California, is a hub for enthusiasts, collectors, and experts in the field of vintage motorcycles. They provided valuable advice, VIN checks, and motorcycle servicing to ensure the smooth running of the event.Comstock Energy, a Texas-based oil and gas development company, contributed to the event's success, showcasing their commitment to supporting the preservation and celebration of historic motorcycles.Rising Sun Cycles, a long-standing importer of new and used Yamaha and Honda Grand Prix road-racing motorcycles, as well as replacement parts and accessories, played a crucial role in providing the necessary equipment and support for the two-stroke racers.The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) itself is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world, reflecting the strong interest in classic bikes among enthusiasts.