Danville, VA – Historic racing motorcycles and carefully crafted replicas will be displayed and ridden at VIRginia International Raceway’s AMA Superbike Championship Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals presented by Dunlop Tires and Makita, August 14-16. VIR’s Gallery exhibit hall serves as host to cycles representing the history of motorcycle racing, with examples from flat track to MotoGP to trials and motocross. A collection of this caliber in one location is rare. The Big Kahuna Superbike Nationals is always one of the most popular events on the VIRginia International Raceway calendar and this year’s August 14-16 event will be an even bigger draw – attracting fans of both classic racing bikes and the latest factory offerings. Headline bikes will include a collection of rare Bimota bikes, highlighted by the YB4-R “Spirit” bike, plus more equally interesting machines, will be on display. Some of the bikes planned for display include: 1977 Bimota SB2 Corsa: (top left) Based on their success producing chassis for Grand Prix racing in Europe, Bimota began producing chassis kits for street motorcycles in 1977. The first model was based on the Suzuki GS750, and following the Grand Prix chassis, many of the early motorcycles were converted to racing motorcycles for the track. This is one of the earliest models of the SB2 – VIN 00005, and was probably raced in the Italian TT F1 series as well as the Trofeo Gentleman series – the Gentleman’s Trophy. 1987 Bimota YB4R – Ferrari: (Top right, bottom left)Prior to 1998, the World Superbike Championship was called the TT F1 (Tourist Trophy Formula One) World Championship. The last TTF1 World Champion was Virginio Ferrari riding a Yamaha-engined Bimota – the YB4R. This is one of two bikes that he rode during his championship year. 1981 Bimota KB1 Corsa: (Bottom right) The second street motorcycle kit that Bimota produced was based on the KB1 Kawasaki KZ1000. Many of these kits were built into racing motorcycles, including the one that was raced by Graziano Rossi (father of multi-time World Grand Prix Champion – Valentino Rossi) at the Imola 100 Mile Superbike race in 1981. 1991 Bimota Dieci (YB10) Superbike: The Bimota Dieci is a descendant of the YB4R chassis that Virginio Ferrari used to win the World TT F1 Championship in 1987. The Dieci (10 in Italian) uses a Yamaha FZR1000 EXUP engine. The motorcycle slated for display is the only factory-supported Bimota ever to race in the USA – sponsored by Roscetti Corporation – the US Bimota importer in that era and run by the Human Race Team in Endurance events. The team set the track record at Blackhawk Farms. The bike was built by Dave Zupan with support from Rob Muzzy on front forks and exhaust and ridden by, among others, Dale Quarterly and Andy Fenwick. Tim Keane restored the bike. “Being able to bring this exhibit of historic machinery back for our guests and fans is a huge thrill,” said VIR general manager Josh Lief. “With motorcycles participating in some of the earliest races here, VIR’s motorcycle heritage extends over 50 years. Displays like this exhibit cement our commitment to honoring all forms of racing.” Promoter Cameron Gray of M1 Entertainment echoed those sentiments: “we never stop searching for enhancements to the fan experience at all our events,” he said. “Combining AMA’s American Superbikes and the vintage bikes is a great way for all fans of motorcycle racing to experience the heritage of the sport.” Planned exhibits will include riders in period riding gear replicating historic leathers. Some original riders will also be present, meeting the fans and signing autographs. The Big Kahuna Nationals promise more than racing for fans with multiple big-screen television monitors so guests won’t miss any action; bigger and better vendor displays and fun and games with a special section for children in the infield; Vanishing Species endangered animal displays; live music, and more. Spectator tickets for the Big Kahuna are selling faster than ever so make sure you aren’t disappointed and place your order online now at www.amabigkahuna.com or by calling (303) 377-3278. About M1 Entertainment: A Denver-based company, M1 Entertainment has been working in motorsports for 15 years. Originally spawned from Daniels Corporation under the name FAST, the fledgling company was heavily involved in television production for car and motorcycle racing. With the birth of Speedvision, FAST morphed into Race Promotion Management (RPM) and now is operating as M1 Entertainment with many of the same staff still in place. We still sell advertising for Speed and promote our own events, keeping us busy year-round.We are currently in our tenth year promoting the Big Kahuna Nationals and have also promoted many AMA Supermoto events, including the Suzuki CycleFest. For more information, please call 303-377-3278 or visit www.amabigkahuna.com. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Virginia. VIR hosts a wide range of professional and amateur auto and motorcycle racing and track events, and is well established as “America’s Motorsport Resort. For further information, call 434-822-7700 or visit our web site at www.virclub.com.