Vintage Motorcycle Racing is no a walk in the park: Rider Profile Isaac Salchow

In early July we decided to visit the New Jersey Motorsports Park for an American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) race event. There, we stumbled through the garages with old friends and new.

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One such friend, Isaac, who is new to vintage racing. He's only three races deep, but has a long history with motorcycles since he's been riding most of his life. He thought his tracks days, on modern bikes, would lead to success on the vintages. Not so fast...

RH: How long have you been racing at AHRMA?

IS: I've only raced three times with AHRMA.

RH: What drew you to it?

I was drawn to vintage racing thinking I was pretty fast on my Ducati 998 track bike so that would immediately translate to being competitive. What I failed to realize is that many of these guys I'm competing against are VERY seasoned and very fast racers.

RH: How were you involved in motorcycles before racing?

IS: I've been riding motorcycles on and off since I was five. I did my first track day a year ago on my 1978 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans. Since then I bring my Laverda SFC and my Ducati 998 track bikes. From track days to racing is a pretty natural progression especially if you have competitiveness in you.

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RH: What do you get out of racing vintage bikes?

IS: Racing vintage motorcycles is far more than I expected. Of course, the actual race is thrilling but the people, the bikes, and their stories make it so much more so.

RH: What surprises you most about it?

IS: Honestly the most surprising part about racing vintage bikes is the quality of people.

RH: Tell me a little about your bike.

IS: I race a 1974 Laverda SFC. It's quite rare and worth quite a bit, but these things were meant for competition and I secretly think it's happy bring ridden.

RH: What is your number plate and do you have any sponsors?

IS: My AHRMA number is 101 and Pete at Moto Borgotaro takes care of it. So far this is a self funded endeavor, but the people I've met and the places I've been make the cost of it all the more palatable.

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