Did you know that the original “Laconia” Hill Climb was held on Tower Street, just off Lakeside Avenue in the Weirs? The first hill climb took place in 1916, marking the beginning of the Gypsy Tour and the area's rich racing history. Back then, Tower Street was just a dirt road. Fast forward to today, and Tower Street is paved, but the steep challenge it presents remains just as thrilling—an exciting showcase of motorcycles roaring up the hill.

After 1924, the AMA Sanctioned Hill Climb moved to Gunstock Mountain Resort, where the iconic 70-meter ski jump now hosts modern hill climbs. But on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, the Vintage Tower Hill Climb will bring us back to where it all started, at the Weirs.

This exclusive Vintage Hill Climb Exhibition will run from 1pm to 3pm, featuring classic motorcycles from 1916 through the mid-1970s. Hosted by the United States Classic Racing Association (www.race-uscra.com), this event is sure to bring a rush of nostalgia. From the very first machines to more recent vintage bikes, this exhibition will showcase the history of hill climbing in all its glory.

You’ll see incredible machines like the 1917 Indian with a sidecar and a 1916 Excelsior. One of the highlights in past years was a 1960 Triumph that took home the “King of the Hill” title, with a young woman rider!

Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot along the hill to catch all the action. And the best part? IT’S COMPLETELY FREE FOR SPECTATORS!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic blast from the past!

Rider: Mike Corcoran, 1969 Kawasaki H1 500. Photo: Scott Hussey. www.scotthussey.com

Loudon, New Hampshire, April 9, 2025 – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., is proud to announce legendary builder and racer Todd Henning to serve as Grand Marshal at the 2025 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) North America Vintage Road Racing Championships, scheduled for June 21-22, 2025, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

The USCRA is once again honored to host the only FIM-sanctioned vintage road racing competition on the continent. This year’s event marks the 23rd annual gathering, which will take place on the final weekend of the 102nd annual Laconia Bike Week. For 2025, the club will return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for what promises to be an exhilarating two-day event, showcasing the best in both vintage and modern motorcycle and sidecar racing.

“I raced with USCRA for 22 years. It's a great club, and I'm excited to be part of this
 summer's event. It's a huge honor.” – Grand Marshal, Todd Henning

If there were ever a personification of the term “privateer,” it would be Todd Henning.
Over the span of more than two decades of engineering, building, and racing, Todd was the quintessential outsider, always finding a way to come out on top. Estimated to have won over 500 races between the 1980s and 1999, his reputation was forged in victory.

Pitted against legendary British machinery like Matchless, Norton, and BSA, Todd's
tricked-out, Drixton-framed Honda CB450 was a game-changer. It ruffled many feathers
and in its day – putting many of the Premier 500 bikes to shame.

Completely self-taught, Todd transformed the modest Japanese engine into a fierce and
reliable power plant. From meticulous milling and porting to precise flow bench testing,
Todd and his team were able to squeeze an impressive 60 horsepower from the motor.

His riding prowess was just as refined as his builds. Todd's versatility allowed him to dominate on both two- and four-stroke machinery, cementing his place as a well-rounded and exceptional competitor and perennial champion.

Sidelined by a serious injury in 1999, his career was unfortunately cut short. However,
Todd’s legacy endures. Recently, his son, Ari, alongside best friend and partner, Zack Courts, produced “1300 Miles of Mayhem”, an episode of Revzilla’s Common Tread XP that celebrates the resurrection of Todd's legendary Drixton 450. The episode can be viewed here.

About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA)  www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: road racing
on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), Observed Trials, as well as The Tower Hill Climb and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads.

About the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM)   www.fim-moto.com
Founded in 1904 in Paris and currently based in Mies (Switzerland), the FIM is the International organization acting in all matters connected with motorcycling activities (sporting & non-sporting) and defending the rights and interests of motorcycle users and industry.
121 National Federations across the world and regrouped in 6 Continental Unions are affiliated
to the FIM. FIM is the supreme and sole international authority empowered to control international motorcycling events organized under its jurisdiction throughout the world.
It is recognized by the IOC as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport. It is also
the 1st international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.
About FIM North America   www.fim-northamerica.com
The FIM North America (FIM NA), which includes two national federations --
the American Motorcyclist Association and Canadian Motorcycle Association
— is one of six Continental Unions (CONUs) recognized as a geographical subdivision
of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). 
The FIM North America, which is held accountable to the FIM, establishes a yearly calendar of Continental Championship events, declaring champions in selected disciplines and classes.
The FIM NA’s member federations issue CONU licenses to riders participating in FIM NA events. Additionally, the FIM NA issues licenses to riders planning to participate in Continental Championship events organized by other CONUs.

About the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) https://americanmotorcyclist.com/
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests
at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competitions and recreational events
every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services,
the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in
Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

About Revzilla Common Tread XP. https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread
Common Tread is about two things; motorcycles and the riders who love them. If you’re looking
for regurgitated press releases and fluffy bike reviews, then go to the traditional mags. We’re opinionated, meticulous and completely obsessed with bringing you the most noteworthy news, expert analysis and ardent community of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts on the planet.

Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Canaan, New Hampshire, May 2, 2024 – The United States Classic Racing
Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the
U.S., announced legendary racer and AMA nationally-ranked rider Frank Camillieri
as Grand Marshal of 2024 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) North
America Vintage Road Racing Championships, June 9-10, 2024 at Canaan Motor Club
in Canaan, New Hampshire.

The USCRA is once again honored to host the only FIM-sanctioned vintage road racing
competition on the continent. This year marks the 22nd annual event, which will take
place at a new venue. Canaan Motor Club, in Cannan, New Hampshire will be the site for
the what promises to be two days of the very best in vintage and modern motorcycle and
sidecar racing.

More information on the event, which kicks off the 101th Annual Laconia Motorcycle
Week, can be found at www.race-uscra.com.

“I’m honored to be chosen for Grand Marshal. I wasn’t one of the big stars when I raced with
the AMA but I managed a 5th at Daytona and 4th at Talladaga. I also won races as an
amateur the year I was promoted to expert before I retired. 25 years later Bob Coy got me
back into racing with the USCRA, and I’ve been having a great time with the club ever since. Great bunch of people having way too much fun. Hoping it lasts a few more years before I check out.” – Grand Marshal, Frank Camillieri

Frank Camillieri didn’t start riding a motorcycle until his 20’s, but he was a fast learner,
literally. Beginning his racing career in 1965, he quickly moved up the grid, winning multiple class champions with aamrr (Association of American Motorcycle Road Racers) before graduating to the ranks of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association).

By the late 60’s, Frank was sponsored by Boston Cycle and became a nationally-ranked AMA rider. His on-track accomplishments include consistent top ten finishes at tracks throughout the United States, battling (and often besting) the likes of Phil Read, Bill Ivy, Yvon DuHamel and Mike Hailwood. He finished 5th in the 1967 FIM Grand Prix at Mosport in the 250cc class aboard his Boston Cycles Yamaha TD1C 250

Frank retired from racing in the early 1970’s to start his machining business and raise a
family. He returned to racing some 25 years later, racing with the USCRA, and picked up
where he left off, becoming a perennial race winner and class champion.

Throughout his racing career, Frank has been a constructor and fabricator, building custom
Yetman frames and motors for all the machines he, and his son Matt ride.

At 85, Frank is still active in the club and still building bikes – but just the fast ones!

About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States
and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events:
Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock®
and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, Motogiro USA® and Pewter Run®
touring events held on open public roads.

About the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) www.fim-moto.com
Founded in 1904 in Paris and currently based in Mies (Switzerland), the FIM is the
International organisation acting in all matters connected with motorcycling activities (sporting & non-sporting) and defending the rights and interests of motorcycle users and industry. 121 National Federations across the world and regrouped in 6 Continental Unions are affiliated to the FIM. FIM is the supreme and sole international authority empowered to control international motorcycling events organised under its jurisdiction throughout the world. It is recognised by the IOC as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport. It is also the 1st international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

About FIM North America www.fim-northamerica.com/
The FIM North America (FIM NA), which includes two national federations --
the American Motorcyclist Association and Canadian Motorcycle Association — is one of six Continental Unions (CONUs) recognized as a geographical subdivision of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

The FIM North America, which is held accountable to the FIM, establishes a yearly calendar of Continental Championship events, declaring champions in selected disciplines and classes.

The FIM NA’s member federations issue CONU licenses to riders participating in FIM NA
events. Additionally, the FIM NA issues licenses to riders planning to participate in
Continental Championship events organized by other CONUs.

Thompson, Connecticut, April 15, 2024 – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., is excited to kick off the 2024 road racing season at the famed 1.7mile Thompson Speedway road course. Bringing motorcycle racing back to the legendary course after 47 years, this event promises the very best in vintage and modern motorcycle and sidecar racing. Spectators are welcome and admission for the two-day event is $20. For more information on the event visit www.race-uscra.com.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 16 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2023 include a diverse and accomplished group of men and women who’ve demonstrated exceptional achievements in competition, advocacy and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “They have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in various areas, from excelling in dirt track, motocross and road racing competition, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights, to creating enduring events that have helped grow motorcycling, to creating innovative motorcycle designs. We’re honored to recognize this year’s nominees and eagerly anticipate announcing the Class of 2023 soon.”

Bob Coy has been nominated in the non-competition category as an Ambassador & Industry leader.
Bob is best known as a pioneering vintage racing organizer, racer, and vintage car and motorcycle collector. He dove into two-wheeled competition in 1965, and throughout his 45-plus year racing career competed in scrambles, flat track, roadracing, AMA Superbike, AMA National Sidecars and more. Coy helped organize the first vintage motorcycle road races in North America in the 1970s, and in 1980 founded the United States Classic Racing Association — which he continues to run today as Director. Additionally, Coy started the Vintage Sidecar Racing Series in 1990 and revived the AMA Gypsy Tour from Laconia to NHMS for vintage races.

Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Committees. AMA Life Members with at least 25 years of consecutive membership are also eligible to vote but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.

If you are a lifetime member of the AMA, we encourage you to vote for Bob Coy. Voting ends Sunday, June 18 at 11:59 p.m.

Loudon, New Hampshire, May 1, 2023 – The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the U.S., announced Founder and Director, and AMA Hall of Fame nominee, Bob Coy as Grand Marshal of the 21st annual FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships, June 10-11, 2023 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

More information on the event, which kicks off the 100th Annual Laconia Motorcycle Week, can be found at www.race-uscra.com.
       
“I have been extremely fortunate that motorcycle racing has been my passion for the past 58 years. I have been very lucky to have raced all over the world. I was the only American to have ever raced the Cuba Cup races through the city streets of Havana, Cuban on the Canadian team in the 1976 and 1977. I have always said that I wasn’t a great racer but I was good enough to be there racing among and against world champions.
 
Running and developing the USCRA as a club has been my passion for the past 43 years, It has provided FUN and safe racing to hundreds to riders over the years for riders from sixteen to 85+ years of age.  The USCRA embodies the concept of fun and competitive racing in a family atmosphere of people helping people enjoy the sport. Make no mistake, the USCRA states the concept that racing motorcycles can be a very dangerous sport that one must enter it on his own terms. Volunteerism is the backbone and strength of the club. Unbelievably, n 43 years there has never been an official protest registered at an event. That speaks volumes of the participants and their willingness to promote fun, safe and competitive racing.”
 
Born in 1945, Robert Coy grew up in a racing family in Chappaqua, N.Y., first getting the racing bug when he attended his first sports car race in the back luggage well of his father’s 1949 MG TC at the age of five.
Coy began his competition career racing go-karts in 1958, and went on to race motorcycles beginning in 1965, getting started racing scrambles and flat track and, later, road racing with the AAMRR organization. and CMA of Canada. He progressed to professional status in the late 1960s, in AMA racing. Through his 45-plus years of racing he raced TZ Yamahas, AMA Superbikes, AMA National Sidecars, AMA Battle of the Twins, competing in international races in Canada, South America, the Caribbean, Cuba, Italy, and Japan.

In 1976, Coy founded and organized the first vintage motorcycle road races in North America at Bridgehampton NY with fellow enthusiast Rob Ianucci. In 1980, he formed the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), for which he is still the Director. The USCRA conducts vintage road racing events, including the FIM/NAMU North America Vintage Road Race Championships.

In addition to the USCRA, Bob’s achievements in classic racing are numerous:
• Started the Vintage Sidecar Racing Series in 1990 building 10 outfits to promote the class,
• Revived the AMA National Gunstock Road Races on the original course (Laconia Classic)
• Developed and initiated the FIM Vintage Trials series
• Resurrected the AMA Gypsy Tour from Laconia to NHMS for vintage races
• Founded, organized and promoted Motogiro USA, the Streets of Laconia Vintage Road Races, and the
  Vintage Invitational Tower Hill Climb 

 *Organized a team and took 14 USCRA members to race in Philip Island, Australia in 2014.

Through his years as a race and event promoter, Coy also sponsored several notable riders, including Todd Henning, Frank Camilleri, and even put Gary Nixon back on his Kawasaki KR750 a few times when the bike was part of his collection.

Coy was appointed to the AMA Track Racing Commission in 2019, the AMA Specialized Sports Commission. He was nominated for the AMA Hall of Fame in 2022 and 2023..
In recent years Coy has focused on recording and maintaining the history of the sport. A fixture of New England motorsports, he serves on the Board of Directors for the New England Racing Museum and is also a nominating and voting committee member for the Motorsports Hall of Fame in Daytona.

About the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) www.race-uscra.com
The USCRA is the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States and includes over 400 active members. The club promotes four general types of events: Road racing on both proprietary built road race circuits and real roads courses (Gunstock® and the Streets of Laconia®), as well as Observed Trials, Motogiro USA® and Pewter Run® touring events held on open public roads.

About the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) www.fim-live.com
The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 113 National Federations throughout the world. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes it as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport. Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

The United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA) is excited to announce the club's events scheduled for the 2023 Laconia Motorcycle Week (June 10-18, 2023).

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the rally and the USCRA will be kicking off Laconia Motorcycle Week with the 2023 FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships on June 10 and 11th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This two-day event, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the world governing body for motorcycle sport and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), features the very best in solo and sidecar motorcycle racing. Gates open each day at 8am and admissions is only $20 for the weekend. All racing is rain or shine.

Additionally, the USCRA will be hosting the Tower Hill Climb on Tuesday, June 13th in downtown Weirs Beach. This exciting event challenges our riders to beat the clock in their attempts to climb Tower Hill. The event begins at 11am and ADMISSION IS FREE!

Our full road racing schedule for 2023 is listed below. Hope to see you there!