Sons Of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th century board-track racing featuring stripped-down bikes with pre-1925 American V-Twin engines and a steeply banked racetrack, Sons Of Speed hearkens back to a wide-open, full-throttle, thrilling style of motorcycle racing. The inaugural Sons Of Speed race will take place at New Smyrna Speedway half mile during the 75th Anniversary of Daytona Bike Week in March 2016.
Co-founded by motorcycle bike builder Billy Lane, the first Sons Of Speed race will feature some of the sports most accomplished riders, builders, and enthusiasts, including Jay Allen (proprietor, Broken Spoke Saloons), Tommy “Chibs” Flanagan (of Sons Of Anarchy fame), Shelley Rossmeyer-Pepe (GM, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson), Warren and Billy Lane, and many more.
The race will feature up to 9 riders in several different heats, and winners of the heats will advance to a championship round. Each racer will sit astride identical hand-built racing chassis holding pre-1925 1000cc American V-Twin engines, and most racers will customize their machines by fabricating handlebars, exhaust, fenders, foot pegs, and fuel/oil tanks.
Billy Lane and his Crocker speedway racer will be on hand at the Broken Spoke Campground during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally–along with a few of the potential Sons Of Speed racing participants–for information sessions and photo opportunities. Limited-edition Sons Of Speed merchandise will also be available at the Broken Spoke Campground for purchase. Billy’s personal race bike–featuring his Sons of Speed hand-built chassis and 1914 Pope Model L engine–will be on display at Michael Lichter’s Naked Truth Exhibit all week at the Buffalo Chip.
Sons Of Speed is selecting race sponsors and previewing some of the bikes at the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 3-9, 2015. “There’s a lot of interest, a lot of sponsors approaching us,” says “We’re already thinking about expanding to more race classes, but, obviously, our focus now is on preparing for the first race during Daytona’s 75th.” says founder and bike builder Billy Lane.
Very cool
Good idea. But is the new Smyrna Speedway a good track for these races? Where in Sturgis?
Gee, the 75 Daytona! Wonder if it will be bigger than the 75 of Sturgis ?
Maybe Dave Perewitz should build one to compete..
Nice idea, hadn’t ever gone into New Smyrna Speedway before but it’s a great location and bike week is long overdue for some new events. Please don’t schedule in conflict with Willies!
Very cool – seeing something like this has been a wish of mine for a while. What i’d really like is to see not only the races televised but the behind-the-scenes stuff too. It would be fun to see the builders do a reality tv format (without the fake drama b.s. that you get with other shows)
Great idea.
Hope the logistics of keeping all that old iron runnign won’t become a show stopper.
-nicker-
Interesting concept, could be crazy cool. Is the goal to make it like the old IROC “identical machines” but with slight modifications?
If there is a market for building these kinds of bikes again, has any company ever considered manufacturing these pre-1925 motors using today’s technology?
Board tracking on a flat track? Not much bank at New Smyrna. Going to be interesting to see these skinny wheeled tall bikes take the turns.
That’s gonna be a great event! Good luck to all the racers, and welcome back to the multi talented craftsman Billy Lane!
Dear Billy Lane….I want some of this….can I get an email?
Awesome work Billy! I’m in if you need more racers! I’ll call you later to get more info! See you out in Sturgis buddy!
ANYBODY GOT A PRE 25 I CAN BORROW FOR A WEEKEND? WAKSLER? HELLO?
Good for you, Billy !!!
Keep on keepin’ on !!!