Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic Improves

THOMPSON, CT – What a difference a year and five weeks makes. It was under a sunny sky filled with puffy clouds that shirt-sleeved riders enjoyed the 2nd annual Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic on Sunday at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. The warm day was a huge difference from the chilly, windy conditions that existed for the inaugural event in mid-May 2016, and was reflected in more show entries and much improved attendance.

“It seems to be up in all categories. We learned a couple of layout things that we wanted to change,” said Josh Vanada, general manager of the venue, referring to year-to-year improvements.

The mostly notable change involved the swap meet portion of the event. Set last year in a far parking lot and somewhat overlooked, it got moved nearby to a paved area adjacent to the garage work area for vintage race bikes. There were also more food vendors and even a beer stand.

Having displays of vintage machines were Indian Motorcycle of Springfield in Westfield, MA and the New England Motorcycle Museum/Kaplan Cycles in Rockville, CT.

Roughly 65 vintage motorcycles were entered in the show, with a good cross section of American, British, Japanese and even Italian motorcycles. “A lot of ’60s and ’70s,” said show consultant Steve Lita, editor of “American Iron” magazine. “Some stuff out there I didn’t see last year.”

Lita added that he would like to see more cafe bikes and choppers in coming years.

One treat for show entrants was getting to take parade laps on the racetrack prior to the judging of the bikes. “The parade lap is a big hit,” Lia noted.

The parade laps preceded a track day for vintage sport bikes.

Vanada was pleased with Sunday’s turnout and expects the Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic to continue. “We’ve got a great festival atmosphere. This is the best event that we’ve done out of the box,” he said.