Barber Vintage Festival Two-Stroke Race Gets $4,100 Purse
The Open Two-Stroke race at the 21st Barber Vintage Festival will have a $4,100 purse on October 10. Rising Sun Cycles, MojoYamaha, and three unnamed AHRMA competitors are funding awards for the top three in the 125cc, 250cc, and 250cc-plus groups. Bridgestone will provide a tire certificate to the overall Saturday winner.
The 21st Barber Vintage Festival takes place October 10–11, with the Open Two-Stroke contest set for Saturday. The class welcomes two-stroke motorcycles regardless of engine size, cylinder count, chassis type, cooling system, or production year. Entrants must hold a valid competition license from a recognized organization and complete Thursday or Friday practice plus qualifying.
Since 1997, Rising Sun Cycles has supplied Yamaha and Honda Grand Prix road-racing machines, components, and accessories, both new and used. Mojo Yamaha campaigns classic Yamahas, including FJ1100-based Formula One bikes expanded to nearly 1300cc and TZ750s in CMR Racing frames. AHRMA is a nonprofit with almost 3,000 members and is considered North America’s largest vintage racing group.
The added purse may encourage more two-stroke racers to enter, possibly increasing paddock activity and spectator interest at Barber. Local hospitality and vendors could see modest spending from teams and fans. For the vintage racing community, sponsor-backed awards may help offset costs and draw attention to older GP machinery, though the effect likely remains niche.