More details are being announced about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2009, and the latest bit of news is the naming of the Marque of the Year. BSA, one of Great Britain’s most storied motorcycle companies, will be the featured marque at VMD this year, set for July 24-26 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Founded in the 1860s as the Birmingham Small Arms Co. to build weapons for the Crimean War, BSA branched out to motorcycles and was making machines entirely in-house by 1910. Originally aimed at the utility and recreational market, the bikes became well-known to racers the world over after the factory entered a team in the Daytona 200 in 1954, and BSA riders swept the top three places. Its Gold Star 500cc single, in particular, has become one of the most iconic bikes in all of motorcycling.
“BSA’s place in motorcycling history is impressive, with its well-known and well-raced BSA Gold Stars, Shooting Stars and more,” said Tigra Tsujikawa, events coordinator for the AMA. “We’re glad to showcase the marque at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, and highlight the machines and people who made BSA famous.” Â
Always one of the biggest and best classic bike gatherings of the year, VMD will feature bike shows, vintage racing and the always-huge swap meet, along with a new highlight this year: a parade of classic motorcycles representing each year of the AMA’s 85 years to celebrate the heritage of American motorcycling (go here for more info on the parade).Â
For more information about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2009, visit www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.
