AHRMA Vintage Cup Series Race Recap From Willow Springs & Inde Motorsports Ranch

The AHRMA Vintage Cup Series returned to historic Willow Springs Raceway April 19-20 after a couple of years absence, and continued its western swing the following weekend at Inde Motorsports Ranch April 26-27, as part of the 2025 AHRMA National Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia. The double dose of classic motorcycle racing saw riders on historic grand prix racing machines, battle it out over the two weekends, showcasing skill, strategy, and the power of their historic bikes.

Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2025 Vintage Cup features the 500 Premier class which includes 500cc four-stroke machines built up to and including 1968. Featured bikes from this era include the 500cc Manx Norton, Matchless or Seeley G50, BSA Goldstar or 500cc BSA Twin “works” replica, Benelli “works” Four, Harley-Davidson KR, Honda Drixton Twin, and more. 

On the 2.5-mile main track at Willow Springs on Saturday, Tim Joyce took the lead on a 1968 Seeley G50, setting the tone for a commanding performance which would repeat itself throughout both weekends. Hot on his heels, David Roper powered his 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, while Jef Elings, aboard a 1965 Matchless G50, held a steady third. Ron Melton, on his 1962 Norton Manx ran fourth, his bike’s iconic growl echoing through the desert air, but sadly retired with a mechanical early in the race. The lead three maintained their positions throughout the race, with Joyce crossing the finish line first, followed by Roper and Elings.

Sunday’s race was a near mirror image, with the same four riders storming through Turn One in identical order. Joyce again dictated the pace. Roper and Elings kept the pressure on, while Melton again had to retire with a mechanical. The checkered flag fell with no change in the order.

The following weekend at Inde Motorsports Ranch, Joyce, Roper, and Elings returned. Undeterred by the tighter, more technical circuit, they replicated their previous weekend’s success, finishing Saturday and Sunday’s races in the same order: Joyce leading Roper with Elings in third.

The Vintage Cup Series at Willow Springs and Inde Motorsports Ranch celebrated the enduring spirit of classic motorcycle racing, where every rev of the engine and lean into a corner tells a story of heritage, grit, and glory.

“The sun was shining and fortunately we didn’t have the traditional winds that Willow Springs is so well known for, making racing conditions almost perfect.  Both East Coast riders reported that the trip out west was well worth it for the weather and the competition.” says Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.

“The recent back-to-back rounds at Willow Springs and Inde Motorsports Ranch showcased the very best of vintage road racing. Tim Joyce’s sweep of all four days of Vintage Cup competition was nothing short of remarkable, and it’s a testament to his skill, machine and dedication to the sport. Dave Roper and Jeff Elings also delivered outstanding performances, consistently finishing second and third, respectively. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and pace reflect the spirit of the motorcycles they race on and legacy of the Vintage Cup. We’re proud to see such fierce but respectful competition continuing to define the AHRMA paddock”, said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, AHRMA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

“All the racers seemed to be really pleased with the track layout, great facilities, beautiful weather and the good vibes that Inde offered,  I hope this remains on the schedule as one of our west coast rounds for years to come,” added Kenny Cummings, “With seven wins under his belt, Timmy has certainly thrown down the gauntlet and is always up for a good challenge.  I encourage all of the 500 Premier racers to get out there and give him a run for his money.  We’ll pick this back up again at Motorsports Park Hastings at the end of May.”

Bob Robbins, co-Chairman of the AHRMA Safety Committee said, “A huge thank you to John Ulrich and the Roadracing World Action Fund program for facilitating the deployment of Airfence soft barriers at Inde!”

Rounds nine and 10 of the AHRMA National Road Race Series Presented by Motobilia will be May 31-June 1 Motorsports Park Hastings in Hastings, NE.

The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race will be reported in RoadRacingWorld.com’s online edition. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy will be engraved with the national champion winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.

2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series Presented by Motobilia, 500 Premier – Vintage Cup Results

Saturday, April 19, 2025

1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley G-50, Springfield, VT

2 – David Roper, 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, Hicksville, NY

3 – Jeff Elings, 1965 Matchless G50, Santa Barbara, CA

4 – Ron Melton, 1962 Norton Manx, Port Costa, CA

Sunday, April 20, 2025

1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley G-50, Springfield, VT

2 – David Roper, 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, Hicksville, NY

3 – Jeff Elings, 1965 Matchless G50, Santa Barbara, CA

4 – Ron Melton, 1962 Norton Manx, Port Costa, CA

Saturday, April 26, 2025
1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley G-50, Springfield, VT

2 – David Roper, 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, Hicksville, NY

3 – Jeff Elings, 1965 Matchless G50, Santa Barbara, CA

Sunday, April 27, 2025
1 – Tim Joyce, 1968 Seeley G-50, Springfield, VT

2 – David Roper, 1970 Harley-Davidson ERTT, Hicksville, NY

3 – Jeff Elings, 1965 Matchless G50, Santa Barbara, CA

About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles.  With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

Chase Elliott’s Iconic Sponsor Celebrates 100 Years Amidst NASCAR Controversy

Jeff Gordon, the racing legend, known for his daredevil moves on the track, has once again sparked a wildfire in the NASCAR community. Despite the backlash surrounding the Next-Gen car, Gordon stands firm in his support for the racing spectacle, all while celebrating a monumental milestone for a long-time sponsor.

In a recent turn of events at Darlington, William Byron’s dominance was cut short as he faced challenges navigating through lap traffic, ultimately losing his lead. Similarly, Kyle Larson’s struggles to overtake Austin Cindric at Talladega added fuel to the fire of criticism surrounding the new car design. Veteran drivers like Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have not shied away from expressing their discontent with the current state of NASCAR, but Gordon remains unfazed, emphasizing the importance of sponsors in sustaining the sport.

Chase Elliott, the charismatic driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, is gearing up for a remarkable weekend. Not only will he commemorate his triumphant victory in Texas last year, breaking a 42-race winless streak, but he will also honor the 100th anniversary of his esteemed sponsor, NAPA Auto Parts. The partnership between Elliott and NAPA has stood the test of time, symbolizing resilience and dedication in the fast-paced world of NASCAR.

As the racing community grapples with the challenges posed by the Next-Gen car, Jeff Gordon remains optimistic about the future of the sport. Despite recent setbacks on the track, Gordon highlights the increasing interest from potential sponsors, citing Amazon Prime’s addition to Elliott’s list of backers as a sign of positive momentum. In Gordon’s eyes, the influx of sponsorship deals signifies a promising trajectory for NASCAR, regardless of the ongoing controversies surrounding the racing product.

While the sport mourns the loss of Dr. Jerry Petty, a revered figure in NASCAR’s medical community, Gordon’s heartfelt tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and support that define the racing world. As the legacy of Dr. Petty lives on in the hearts of drivers and fans alike, Gordon’s unwavering commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future sets a compelling tone for the evolution of NASCAR.

In the midst of uncertainty and criticism, Chase Elliott’s iconic sponsor marks a century of partnership, symbolizing endurance, loyalty, and a shared passion for speed. As Jeff Gordon continues to champion the role of sponsors in shaping NASCAR’s narrative, the racing community braces itself for the next chapter in its storied history.

Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will not compete in this weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway after a hard wreck on the final lap last week at Talladega Superspeedway.

JR Motorsports released the following statement Wednesday afternoon: “Kyle Larson will sub for Connor Zilisch behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway as Zilisch continues to recover from a lower back injury sustained last weekend at Talladega.”

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Leading last Saturday‘s race at Talladega on the final lap, Zilisch got turned down the backstretch after a push from Jesse Love, spinning hard into the inside wall nose first.

The impact was enormous, as pictured above, but Zilisch exited the car under his own power before getting evaluated and released from the infield care center. He gave a post-race interview on The CW after being cleared, saying “I’m OK. … Very grateful to drive safe JR Motorsports race cars.”

RELATED: Texas schedule | Xfinity standings | Zilisch driver page

Zilisch has a win at Circuit of The Americas and three top 10s in his rookie season, and he is sixth in driver points. His average running position (10.8) is fifth best in the series through 11 races.

Saturday‘s Andy‘s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas is set for 2 p.m. ET (The CW, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The opening line from A Tale of Two Cities described Team Penske’s day at Talladega last Sunday. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”

The best was Austin Cindric’s win, his first of the season, first at Talladega, and third career victory. The worst was Ryan Blaney’s early departure, caught up in Brad Keselowski’s wreck with Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano’s disqualification in post-race inspection.

For RFK racing it was an altogether bad day with Keselowski and Chris Buescher taken out in wrecks and Ryan Preece’s second-place finish nullified with a post-race disqualification. The good news for the whole Cup garage was the lack of a “big one,” with all the wrecks limited to two or three cars. Kyle Larson advanced to second, William Byron third, Noah Gragson fourth, and Chase Elliot fifth after the disqualifications. And Katherine Legge led laps in Saturday’s Xfinity race and ran consistently in the top 15 until a mistake by Aric Almirola ended her day.

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This weekend the series moves on to the high-speed 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval. Hendrick Chevrolets have done well there in recent years with Elliot winning in 2024, Byron in 2023, and Larson in 2021.

In all eight active drivers have posted wins in Texas with Kyle Busch taking the checker four times and Denny Hamlin three. In addition to the Hendrick boys, Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, and Joey Logano have each won there once.

Cup qualifying airs Saturday at 9:10 a.m. on FS1 with the Xfinity race at 11 a.m. on the CW. FS1 will broadcast Sunday’s Wurth 400 at 12:30 p.m.

•••

The Formula 1 circus is in its fourth year at the Miami street course. Like Las Vegas, it’s an event that’s as much for the rich and famous to see and be seen as it is about the racing.

Max Verstappen won the first two outings while Lando Norris took last season’s Miami victory. I think those two will be in contention this year, along with Lando’s teammate Oscar Piastri, Mercedes driver George Russell, and perhaps the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton. It’s also the second sprint weekend of the season. Hamilton won the sprint in China but was disqualified from Sunday’s race.

The Sprint race airs at 9 a.m. Saturday with qualifying at 1 p.m., both on ESPN. ABC will broadcast Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix at 1 p.m.

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And to round out a busy weekend of racing, the NTT IndyCar series will be at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s Alabama Indy Grand Prix. Barber is a natural road course in a lush, green park setting, one of the most beautiful venues on the circuit.

Team Penske has been dominant over the years at Barber, winning eight of the 14 races there. Each of Penske’s current drivers have won back-to-back races starting with Will Power in 2011-12. Josef Newgarden won in 2017-18 with a third win for CFH Racing in 2015. And Scott McLaughlin has won the last two outings at Barber. Other current drivers who have Barber victories are Arrow-McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou.

Palou is the current points leader with 142 points, taking two wins and a second-place finish in the first three races of the season. Long Beach winner Kyle Kirkwood is second with 108 points, Christian Lundgaard has 96, Felix Rosenqvist 88, and Scott Dixon 86. Barber is one of the few tracks on the IndyCar schedule where Dixon hasn’t won, so he’s overdue.

Saturday’s action includes practices at 8:30 a.m. and qualifying at 11:30, both on FS1. FS1 will air pre-race warmup at 7 a.m. Sunday with the race on FOX at 10:30.

In a groundbreaking move in the world of NASCAR, a female Arab driver has received an incredible $60 million sponsorship deal from a reality star. This monumental partnership aims to empower minorities in the overwhelmingly male-dominated sport, setting the stage for a new era of diversity and inclusion on the racetrack.

The recipient of this game-changing sponsorship is none other than Toni Breidinger, a trailblazer in NASCAR who is making waves as the first Arab American woman to compete in the sport. Known for her exceptional talent behind the wheel, Breidinger has now solidified her status as a powerhouse in NASCAR with the backing of a high-profile sponsor.

The $60 million deal comes from none other than Kendall Jenner’s brand, 818 Tequila, marking a significant moment of collaboration between two influential women breaking barriers in their respective industries. The partnership will see 818 Tequila as the primary sponsor for Breidinger’s #5 Truck in 2025, with branding prominently featured throughout the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

With a strong focus on empowering female drivers in NASCAR, Kathleen Braine, the CMO of 818 Tequila, highlighted the alignment between Kendall Jenner’s experience as a female founder in the alcohol industry and Breidinger’s journey in the world of racing. By joining forces, the two aim to increase their visibility and make a lasting impact in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.

Beyond her racing prowess, Breidinger’s massive social media following of over 5 million followers and her success as a fashion model have further solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track. Her ability to attract lucrative brand deals and her unique position as a dual-threat in racing and modeling have set her apart in the world of motorsports.

Despite facing some challenges at the start of the 2025 Truck Series campaign, Breidinger remains determined to improve her performance and showcase her potential as a driver. With unwavering sponsorship support and a drive to succeed, she is on a path to make a lasting impact in NASCAR and inspire a new generation of diverse talent in the sport.

As the NASCAR landscape continues to evolve and embrace diversity, the partnership between Toni Breidinger and 818 Tequila stands as a beacon of progress and empowerment, shaping the future of racing for years to come. Stay tuned as this dynamic duo paves the way for a more inclusive and exciting era in NASCAR.