June is right around the corner, and that means it's time for motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country to descend upon the Lakes Region for Motorcycle Week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. From June 10-18, NHMS will serve as the ultimate pit stop for demo rides and gear from top manufacturers and vendors, live entertainment, a "Wall of Death" stunt show, and on- and off-track racing, including the 94th annual Loudon Classic, the longest running motorcycle race in America.
"As a rider, I look forward to trying out what the manufacturers have to offer and to be able to try on some of the new gear," said David McGrath, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "Mix in some awesome racing throughout the property, and this is absolutely going to be the place to be for 10 days in June. I encourage riders to stay, play and enjoy everything we have to offer at New Hampshire Motor Speedway."
New for 2017
A "Wall of Death" and a swap meet will be added to the docket for this year's Motorcycle Week, providing breathtaking stunts, bonus off-track racing, and a two-day swap meet.
It all begins on Saturday, June 10 with a two-day Loudon Motorcycle Swap Meet, which will run through Sunday, June 11. The swap meet will provide riders and guests an opportunity to gather and exchange motorcycle parts and ideas. The swap meet will run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days. Admission is $5/day (cash only).
Using antique Indian, Harleys and go-karts, the Wild Wheels Thrill Arena's "Wall of Death" will provide four days of heart-pounding entertainment from June 15-19.
Charity Rides
New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be a starting point, a finish line, and a ride-through spot for a number of different charity rides during the course of Motorcycle Week.
On June 10 and 11, the 37th annual Cystic Fibrosis New England Classic Charity Trail Ride will start and finish at NHMS. Riders will be able to enjoy more than 100 miles of dual sport and hero section trails along the way. There will also be a Kids' Classic on both days for ages 10-16 on a closed course.
The 11th annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride will be held on Saturday, June 10. The ride will begin at the NASWA Resort in Laconia and ride around Lake Winnipesaukee. The N.H. State Police escorted ride will include a turn into New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where they will ride around the 1.6-mile road course before continuing back to the Lakes Region. The ride benefits the Laconia Fire Department's Water Rescue Team, Easter Seals of New Hampshire and the Veterans Count Program.
The annual Gypsy Tour motorcycle ride from Weirs Beach to NHMS will take place on Sunday, June 11. The ride will include a free pass to the North East Motor Sports Museum and a 50% discount on tickets to the exciting USCRA motorcycle races the same day. All those riding in the Gypsy Tour can take a guided lap on the road course (helmets are required to ride on the track). Registration is 9:30-10:15 a.m. where the ride forms at Weirs Beach Bike Week Ground Zero; departure will be at 10:30 a.m. The ride will travel through Laconia and Belmont on its way to the track.
On Monday, June 12, the 4th annual Mae-West Memorial "For The Love of Pets" Ride will leaves Rally Headquarters in Laconia and finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The ride benefits the N.H. Humane Society.
Off-track events
Starting on Monday, June 12 and running daily through Saturday, June 17, the speedway will be home to the largest demo ride course in the area. The seven-mile trail will take riders through an on- and off-property riding experience to test out the latest and greatest that the top motorcycle manufacturers in the world have to offer. The list includes Indian, Yamaha, Slingshot and Ducati with other manufacturers also expected to provide demos.
On top of the demo rides, there will be more than 30 vendors on site with gear, accessories, and more for bikers. Vendors include S&S Cycles, Leon Leathers, Wheel Dock, Clark Heintz Tools, and many more.
For those looking for food, drinks and entertainment, the Miller High Life Hub will be the place to be. Starting on June 10, the Miller High Life Hub will be open daily with food and beverages from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with bands joining the lineup from June 14-17 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Other events taking place throughout the week include fashion shows, a bikini wash, demos from the New Hampshire State Police, and much more.
On-track lineup
On June 10 and 11, the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the oldest vintage motorcycle road racing organization in the United States, will run the FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships on the 1.6-mile road course from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The week culminates with the 94th annual Loudon Classic, which will run June 16-18. The three days of intense racing will feature more than 30 races, including the LRRS Supermoto, USCRA Side Cars, and the 94th running of the 12-lap Loudon Classic on Saturday, June 17, featuring the top riders in the Loudon Road Race Series.
Grandstand tickets for on-track racing will be $15 or $25 for infield access, while camping will run for $25 per day.
