AHRMA Vintage Cup Recap From Willow Springs & Inde

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.

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