AHRMA Roadracing at Utah Motorsports Campus – Inaugural AHRMA Vintage Cup featuring 350GP
ELORA, TN – AHRMA Rounds 19 and 20 of the AHRMA Vintage Cup series featuring the 350GP class, sponsored by NYC Norton (NYCNorton.com)and Roadracing World Magazine (RoadracingWorld.com) took place over the Labor Day weekend at Utah Motorsport Campus.
These two rounds were highly anticipated with Brian Filo traveling east, fresh off back to back wins at rounds 17 and 18 at Buttonwillow and Alex McLean traveling west holding the current point lead with the question of could he shake off his trend of Saturday 2nd place blues. Both riders are veteran racers within the AHRMA series and both are riding highly tuned machines. This is the first time these two racers have ever gridded in the same class at the same venue. Helmi Niederer, the newcomer to the Vintage Cup series, was campaigning a NYC Norton Seely 7R and Jim Neuenberg and Robert Aegerter returned, each riding beautiful 1968 Aermacchi CRTTs. Rounding out the field was Sei Kosaka riding his 1963 Honda CB77.
Saturday Race start… Niederer stalled on the start while the field took off. Jim Neuenberg led into turn one by a wheel with McLean in second. McLean, Neuenberg and Filo diced through the first 3 turns and then McLean put his head down, taking the lead and never looking back. Helmi got bump started and was able to collect Sei Kosaka in spite of his delayed start to collect some points. Filo ultimately got around Neuenberg, putting in a solid second place. At the awards banquet, class sponsor NYC Norton Kenny Cummings was all smiles, finally being able to present Alex with the Saturday enhanced Vintage Cup Trophy.
Sunday was a repeat, with the exception of Niederer getting a better start. After a lap or two the field was set with McLean, Filo and Neuenberg spread out and set. However Niederer was able to reel in Neuenberg for 3rd position but was forced to retire with a faulty ignition wire. Alex took the checkered handily for a double and is going into the Talladega round with 9 wins.
Next up, Talladega Gran Prix, rounds 21 and 22. Little Tally is smack dab in one of AHRMA’s strongest demographics, the southeast. It’s certain to bring out some reliably strong competition.
Saturday, Round 19 Race Results:
1. Alex McLean – 1967 Aermacchi Drixton 350
2. Brian Filo – 1968 Kawasaki A1R
3. James Neuenberg. – 1968 Aermacchi CRTT
4. Robert Aegerter – 1969 HD Aermacchi 350
5. Helmi Niederer – 1962 Seely 7R
6. Sei Kosaka – 1963 Honda CB77
Sunday, Round 20 Race Results:
1. Alex McLean – 1967 Aermacchi Drixton 350
2. Brian Filo – 1968 Kawasaki A1R
3. James Neuenberg. – 1968 Aermacchi CRTT
4. Sei Kosaka – 1963 Honda CB77
5. Helmi Niederer – 1962 Seely 7R