Professionally I am a motojournalist. For fun I am a vintage motorcycle enthusiast. And I was able to combine to two this past week at the first ever Sons of Speed race at the tail end of Daytona Bike Week. As the only journalist crazy enough to get out on a high banked race track on a 100 year old motorcycle with no brakes, suspension, transmission or clutch, I wanted to share some of my experiences and observations here. Most journalists hang around the pits or track looking for a good story, I wanted to experience racing Sons of Speed for myself.
Buzz Kanter being interviewed with his 1915 Harley racer at the first ever Sons of Speed races in New Smyrna Speedway
I will be going into a lot more detail about the behind the scenes and actual Sons of Speed races in the pages of American Iron Magazine, but I wanted to share a bit of the story here and now.
These motorcycles are all direct drive, meaning if the engine is running, the rear wheel is spinning. So we could not practice anywhere but literally on the track. The first day of practice we all were trying to figure out how to ride the bikes and the fastest way around the track. We’d push the bike up on the high banking – often with the spearkplugs out to make pushing easier. Then we roll down the banking to spin the engine enough to start. The starting was brutal on the bike and rider as you are trying to balance the bike and get it to fire as you lift up your feet and get them on the pegs.
Rhett Rotten sliding out at the Sons of Speed practice. He broke 2 ribs and was back racing the next day
To our surprise there was only one accident on the track. And that was when Rhett Rotten, a Wall of Death rider, suffered a rear tire blow out. He and the bike slide, jumped and bounced down the track at close 60+ mph. He broke two ribs and after a visit to the local hospital was back on the track for the races.
All the Sons of Speed racers on race day. Notice the crowded stands.
When we finally got out to race Saturday, they had us in 4 heat races. The plan was the winners of the 4 move to the finals. And the 2nd place racers in each heat raced for a spot in the main.
I am not going to go blow by blow here, but in the first heat Billy Lane jumped out at the start and took the lead with me following and 2 others behine me.
Buzz Kanter (white leathers) and Billy Lane (black leathers) at the Sons of Speed races.
I was able to stay within 10 bike lengths or so of Billy until the last lap when I was able to slide past him and hold the lead for the win.
Made it to the main where I was able to hold on to 4th place with Brittney Olsen taking the win with her fast bike and smooth riding. Full report with lost more photos in an upcoming issue of American Iron Magazine. If you don’t currently subscribe, do it now to make sure you get the issue with the race coverage AND save money too. SUBSCRIBE & SAVE