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Motorcycle Enthusiasts Find Slice of Heaven at Sonomafest 2000

29 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

SONOMA, Calif. - Sonomafest has grown in scope and popularity since its inception five years ago, ranking it as one of the top events of the year for motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide.

That legend will continue with Sonomafest 2000, presented by Cruise America, slated for April 28-May 7 at Sears Point Raceway. This 10-day bonanza will have something for everyone, highlighted by the Progressive Motorcycle Insurance AMA Superbike Challenge (May 5-7), featuring the country's top pavement road-racers, including 1999 Sears Point and AMA national champion Mat Mladin.

But Sonomafest is about more than just the stars of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Series. It's about all things motorcycle related.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) will sanction a series of vintage road-racing events the first weekend during the 4th annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days West (April 28-30). Fans will get to watch their favorite motorcycles of years past, such as Norton, Indian, Harley-Davidson and Triumph compete in 16 classes throughout the weekend. More than 300 entries are expected, including 2000 VMD Grand Marshal John Penton.

Sonomafest will indeed be the biggest event on the 2000 calendar for motorcycle enthusiasts. Be sure to pick up a copy of the April issue of Cycle World magazine, which features an in-depth 20-page special section.

The following is a list of some of the highlights:

Friday, April 28: AHRMA practice. The legendary John Penton, creator of the legendary Penton off-road motorcycles, will be on hand for autographs. Routes are available for self-guided motorcycle tours through the Sonoma Valley. Demonstration rides by top manufacturers, including Triumph. Fans can kick-off Sonomafest with Vintage Dirt-Track racing at nearby Vallejo Speedway, featuring AHRMA racers. Admission is $10. Go to vallejospeedway2.com for directions.

Saturday, April 29: AHRMA road-race practice and racing. A vintage motorcycle show will be held in the paddock area. American and European brands will be featured. Cycle World Magazine's 2nd annual Rolling Concours will take place with a 50-mile ride through Sonoma Valley. The ride is open to all pre-1975 motorcycles. The motorcycles will be judged by Cycle World staffers. Demonstration rides by leading manufacturers. Vendor Midway. Seminars. Lap of History. John Penton will have an autograph session and then host the Bike Show Awards. AHRMA road racing awards ceremony for all. Swap meet. Kick-off party at Golden Gate Harley-Davidson (13 San Clemente Drive, Corte Madera), 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 30: AHRMA road-race practice and racing. A vintage motorcycle show. Demonstration rides by leading manufacturers. Vendor Midway. Seminars. Lap of History John Penton will run exhibition laps and have an autograph session. Vintage motocross. AHRMA road-racing awards ceremony. Seminars will be held throughout the day. Final day of swap meet.

Monday, May 1: CLASS Motorcycle School, day one. The Web-site for CLASS School is www.classrides.com or call (805) 933-9936. Self-guided riding tours through the Sonoma Valley, with routes available at Sears Point Raceway. Various wineries are open for tours.

Tuesday, May 2: CLASS Motorcycle school, day two. Self-guided riding tours through the Sonoma Valley, with routes available at Sears Point Raceway. Various wineries are open for tours.

Wednesday, May 3: CLASS Motorcycle School, day three. Group motorcycle tour of the Sonoma Wine Country departs Sears Point Raceway. Self-guided riding tours through the Sonoma Valley, with various routes at Sears Point Raceway. Various wineries are open for tours. An All-Women's Ride will depart from Berkeley and meet at Sears Point. The track will also host BattleTrax and Motorcycle Drag Racing on its world-famous quarter-mile drag strip. It's a "Run What You Brung" event.

Thursday, May 4: Group motorcycle tour of the Sonoma Wine Country. American Sportbike Night/Buell Riders Club group ride through Sonoma Valley. Self-guided riding tours through the Sonoma Valley still available, with various routes at Sears Point Raceway. Various wineries are open for tours. On track, AMA Superbike promoter's practice all day (free admission) .

Friday, May 5: Vendor Midway. AMA practice/qualifying for companion events, as well as Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Superbikes, all day. Demonstration rides by leading manufacturers, including Triumph and Buell. Honda will also offer off-road demonstrations for children. Group motorcycle tour of the Sonoma Wine Country. Motorcycle caravan from Sears Point Raceway to Pyramid Brewery and Alehouse in Berkeley (901 Gilman Street) departs raceway at 5:30 p.m. "Motorcycles and Movies" kick-off party begins at Pyramid Brewery and Alehouse at 6 p.m., highlighted by the screening of a motorcycle classic on Pyramid's outdoor big screen. There will be ticket giveaways and other prizes, plus an autograph signing by some of the AMA's top riders.

Saturday, May 6: Vendor Midway. Demonstration rides by leading manufacturers, including Triumph and Buell. Honda will also offer off-road demonstrations for children. Group motorcycle tour of the Sonoma Wine Country departs Sears Point Raceway. Cycle World Magazine Editor's Ride through Sonoma Valley. Practice/qualfifying for AMA companion events and AMA Superbikes, all day. Main events for AMA Formula Xtreme and 750 SuperSport.

Sunday, May 7: Vendor Midway. Demonstration rides by leading manufacturers, including Triumph and Buell. Honda will also offer off-road demonstrations for children. Practice for Pro Thunder; 600 SuperSport; 250 Grand Prix; and Chevy Trucks Superbike. 600 SuperSport final. Live music and barbecue at the main concession. Lap of the Track. Afternoon main events include: 600 SuperSport, Pro Thunder, Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Superbikes, Pro Thunder ;and 250 Grand Prix.

Text provided by John Cardinale

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.