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.