Triumph honored as Marque of the Year at Vintage Motorcycle Days

In 1958, the first Triumph Bonnevilles (1959 models) began rolling off the assembly line. Fifty years later, to mark the birth of that iconic motorcycle, as well as all the other history, fun, excitement and beautiful motorcycles Triumph has produced since it was founded in 1902, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is honoring Triumph as VMD Marque of the Year.

The Classic Club for 2008 is the North American Laverda Owners Club, which will have a special display and activities during VMD, which takes place July 25-27 on the grounds of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Fifty years after its birth, the Bonneville remains perhaps Triumph's most beloved and sought-after model of all time. Named to commemorate the company's achievements in land-speed competition on the Utah salt flats, the Bonneville won success for both its styling and performance, and the name lives on as one of the best-selling Triumph models of today.

One of the special activities planned for 2008 Vintage Motorcycle Days is a display of 1980 and earlier cafe racers, a style that's closely associated with Triumph. Cafe racers of any marque are weclome.

And, in honor of Triumph as Featured Marque, modern Bonnevilles and Thruxtons that have been customized in the cafe racer style are also welcome.

If you would like to show off your cafe racer at VMD, send an e-mail to Will Stoner at the AMA or call (614) 856-1900, ext. 1415.

In addition to the special activities for 2008, VMD will once again include all the traditional elements that draw about 50,000 motorcycle fans to the event each year: the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum auction, the 35-acre swap meet, three bike shows, demo rides of new motorcycles, stunt shows, and a full slate of American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association competition in road racing, flat-track, motocross and trials.

More details on AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be posted at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com as details are finalized.

Order advance tickets at www.midohio.com or by calling (800) MID-OHIO.