Belknap Motorcycle Vintage Grand Prix

I had been racing the race-prepped Honda 350F for a year of so when I was invited to participate in the Belknap Vinatge Grand Prix in June 2000, run by Robert (Bob) S. Coy at the Gunstock Ski Area in Gilford, New Hampshire. It is the site of the original Laconia track and later nearby Loudon motorcycle races. Bob brought together a wonderful mix of ex-champions, like Dick Klamfoth, Ed Fisher and many other racers of the original course.

Mechanics were to wear their 'AMA whites', so my brother Michael donned his gear to keep an eye on the bike.  The bikes were brought to the grid with silent engines before the race day kicked off.

Looking pensive as the reality of this 'parading' was looming. The narrow, crowned , bumpy course consisted of a short straight, a sharp left turn, into the forest, and a run up the hill to a 90 degree left turn and a slight down hill, off camber and into another 90 degree left and then a plunge down the long hill hurtling by the straw bales and trees before reaching a first gear left to cross the finish line. 

Sidecars were on hand as well , the USCRA is a hot bed of sidecar racing in America.

That Bultaco looks like a good choice for the task at hand.

AMA Hall of Fame legend Dick Klamfoth #2, with a friend on a Norton Commando. Mr. Klamfoth, aka "Mr Daytona" won on the famous beach course at Daytona in 1949, 1951 and 1952 also won the Laconia 100 mile race here in 1950 on a Norton.

Harley's and Triumphs. Two of the greats to do battle at this track. It was here that Ed Fisher won the first AMA National roadrace on a Triumph in America in 1953.

There were several sidecar teams that featured dad and son, husband and wife and even father and daughter.

Thru the trees, lined with haybales, there was no run-off room, so a measure of reserve was in order...until the flag drops. Then it's every man for himself.

The event lasted a few more years before the USCRA moved it right into dowtown Laconia. That was quite different with 'racing' going on right down Main St. USA. We'll post that story later.  

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