PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Club has been selected as the Classic Club for 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 22-24, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

“Motorcycling history is rich with distinctive relationships that produced some of the most interesting examples of motorcycle technology,” said Jack Penton, AMA director of operations and Motorcycle Hall of Famer. “The Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson line of 1961-1978 certainly fits that description, and we’re pleased to provide attendees of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days an opportunity to appreciate these special motorcycles.”

The selection of the Classic Club complements the announcement of Kawasaki as the 2011 Marque of the Year for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. By honoring a Classic Club, the AMA continues a long-standing tradition of recognizing the many brands that are represented at America’s grandest celebration of motorcycle heritage.

“The legendary Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Sprint CRTT flat-single racers were born in 1961 when the Italian factory Aermacchi entered into a financial relationship with Harley-Davidson,” said John Basore, who is working with the AMA to organize the Classic Club display. “The union led to the production of 65cc to 350cc street and racing motorcycles for AMA-sanctioned lightweight competition. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be a rare opportunity for fans to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the birth of this unique brand.”

As this year’s Classic Club, Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson will be featured in a special display tent on the grounds of Mid-Ohio, and visitors will have a chance to see bikes, memorabilia and more relating to the rare motorcycles.

Those interested in displaying their vintage Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson or brand-related memorabilia as part of the Classic Club display can contact Basore at (336) 245-3594 or [email protected].

Staged at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track. In addition to demo rides of current production bikes, the event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, educational seminars, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

For tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, see MidOhio.com. For more information about the event, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.