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Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association of this to the rules, which allow for more brands, and thus more competition than AHRMA dirt track racing while still maintaining historical accuracy. VDTRA rules allow for dirt track machinery up to 1975 as opposed to 1974 for AHRMA, and the VDTRA also includes alloy-barreled Harley-Davidson XR750s in its Twins classes whereas AHRMA does not. "XRs were a big part of dirt track history," Isaacs says. "We do restrict them so that they don't outclass the British stuff, but it doesn't make sense to eliminate something that was part of the era we're trying to represent."ยท . . Another welcome model, which Isaacs considers to be one of the better entry-level pieces of equipment and thus responsible for getting more riders (Left) Vintage competition: Although it's all In good fun, VDTRA competition can be Intense. Current Open Pro Twins points leader Rick Flscel (53) is shown here leading former National number 45 Danny Cartwright (45) and Neal Keen (10) at the 1995 VDTRA Oklahoma City Half Mlle. (Below) Shoe man Kelly George gets In the act at several VDTRA events each year aboard his Indian Scout racers. George competes In the Handshlft classes. he strength of vintage motorcycle racing in the United States cannot be denied. D]le largely to the organizational effort of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association, the sport of vintage racing seems to be stronger than ever, and serious detractors aside, there are few who would argue that AHRMA hasn't done well to improve the profile of most facets of vintage competition. The association's presence can be felt even during Daytona Bike Week, as several days are devoted to AHRMA-sanctioned vintage road racing at Daytona International Speedway. Its National motocross and trials series have also earned the group lots of attention as first-rate vintage gatherings. Yet when it comes to dirt track racing, many racers looking to strap on a steel shoe and slide sideways like the old days have looked to another organization, one that has specialized in the advancement of vintage dirt track racing since 1988: the Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association. According to founder, CEO and \C 0\ . event referee Johnny Isaacs, specializa0\ ,...., tion has been one of the major keys to the success that the VDTRA has had -"D since the inception of its National Series ,...., eight years ago. "There is a lot more crossover from [J road racing to dirt track in AHRMA, because they (the riders) happen to have the equipment that might be able to be used in both," the 48-year-old Isaacs said. "We realize we can't do everything. We concentrate on dirt track, and ~ 34 we feel our program is refined to the point that it is where AHRMA's road racing is. We've got the classes where everyone wants them, and the rules are fair for everybody. We operate on the 'KIS' method - 'keep it simple: Most of the guys who ride with us have been riding dirt track for a lOng time, and they understand what's going on." According to Isaacs, "keeping it simple" has helped the VDTRA grow beyond his expectations, with a majority of its 670 members having joined in the last few years. That's very encouraging, but it wasn't always that way. In fact, Isaacs can remember some times in the early days when no more than three riders would show up for a VDTRA race. "It was kind of slow to catch on," Isaacs recalls. "As far as a series, we were doing stuff, but nothing serious. But we went ahead and raced. Then we asked guys, 'If we had two or three National races, would you be interested?' They said sure. It was slow for the first five years or so, but the last three years it has really taken off:' Since then, the Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association National Series has picked up help from companies within the industry such as Tucker Rocky, Dunlop Tires and Max Leathers as well as local or regional businesses such as the Denver Buffalo Company and Broz Financial Limited. In terms of the number of races, the '96 series has actuaJly rivaled the AMA Grand National Championship Series, hosting 27 events from Michigan to California. It even publishes its own newsletter, Vintage Dirt Track News, for its members, who pay $35 for an amate.ur license and $50 to be a pro. "Some of our members drive 25,00030,000 miles a year and make every one of the Nationals," Isaacs says. "That's almost as many races as the GNC guys. But they do it because they lo've it. Twenty-five percent of the members make 75 percent or more of the events:' And Isaacs says that at some events, the VDTRA has actually pulled a considerable amount of spectators, anywhere from 300 to 1,000 at the bigger events on the schedule. He credits much involved in the sport of vintage dirt track, is the two-valve Yamaha TT500. In its 600cc classes, the VbTRA makes aJlowances for IT engines built ~p to 1978. "Those things are laying all over the place," Isaacs says. "They're very inexpensive and they are very competitive. They are actually just one step above, though. They can make eight more horsepower than a B50, and you just bolt them up and go. But we don't want