Racing into the Solstice
(Millville, NJ June 23, 2021) A familiar combination returned to its winning ways during the latest round of the American Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Vintage Cup.
After his double wins on John Turner’s impeccable BMW at Heartland Motorsports Park last month, Tim Joyce was back on the scene riding his old familiar saw, Maurice Candy’s Manx Norton, a combination that is arguably the winningest in AHRMA’s Premier 500 history.
Joyce and Candy had partnered for years prior to Candy’s recent passing. Maurice’s son, Chris now holds the keys to the kingdom and brings the bike out for select events.
This weekend was the sixth round of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) Vintage Cup featuring Premier 500 sponsored by NYC Norton (nycnorton.com) and Roadracing World (roadracingworld.com).
This event saw several racers return to Vintage Cup action including Tony Read on Andy Findling’s BSA Goldstar, Helmi Niederer on NYC Norton’s Seely Matchless G50, Brian Larrabure on NYC Norton’s Seely Matchless G50, Andy Findling on his BSA B50, Chris Jensen on his Manx Norton, and Chuck Crocco on a BSA B50.
On Saturday, although taking the checkered flag in first position, Joyce was penalized a lap for jumping the start, relegating him to fifth position. Read and Niederer took first and second with Larrabure rounding out the podium.
It was obvious the racers did their homework on Saturday night because Sunday’s race was much closer, faster, and more exciting. Joyce got a great start and held the lead from flag to flag. Niederer and Read battled for second place, but Read made some good moves and was able to put a few bike lengths between him and Niederer on the last lap, taking second place with Neiderer in third.
“The sun was shining, humidity was down and it was a great time to be at New Jersey Motorsports Park. It is a wonderful track that flows, and is well suited for the high corner speeds that the 500 Premier bikes must carry,” said Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton. “I am happy to see Timmy on the top of the box again, but the points chase is not a certainty in any respect. The championship is still up for grabs.”
The next round will be at the AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca July the weekend of 17-18, 2021.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and competing on historic motorcycles. With more than 3,000 members, AHRMA is the leading historic motorcycle racing group in North America and one of the largest in the world. The association’s enthusiastic membership reflects this country’s strong interest in classic bikes.
Race Results Saturday, June 19, 2021
- Tony Read, 1971 BSA Goldstar, Charlotte, TN
- Helmut Niederer, 1968 Seeley Matchless G50, Nashville, TN
- Brian Larrabure, 1968 Seeley Matchless G50, Calabassas, CA
- Christian Jensen, 1961 Norton Manx, Fords, NJ
- Tim Joyce, 1961 Norton Summerfield Manx, Laurel Hill, FL
- Chuck Crocco, 1971 BSA B50, Covington, LA
Race Results Sunday, June 20, 2021
- Tim Joyce, 1961 Norton Summerfield Manx, Laurel Hill, FL
- Tony Read, 1971 BSA B50, Charlotte, TN
- Helmut Niederer, 1968 Seeley Matchless G50, Nashville, TN
- Brian Larrabure, 1968 Seeley Matchless G50, Calabassas, CA
- Chuck Crocco, 1971 BSA B50, Covington, LA
