Then there are the sidecars.
The unique contraptions aren't nearly as old as the other bikes here at the Bonneville Vintage GP, presented by the American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association (AHRMA), but they are easily the most unusual.
It is believed this is the first time sidecar racing has appeared in Utah, as the three-wheeled vehicles that defy gravity continue to bring strange stares from local racing fans.
Racing of all types of motorcycles continues today at the track. Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the MMP Welcome Center or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
What makes sidecar racing unusual is that the back passenger, known as "The Monkey," scrambles all over the back of the machine to maximize traction as they race through the corners. It's nothing like the sidecars typically seen on public streets.
Among the guests on hand today: Daytona 200 winner and Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee Don Emde, two-time World Superbike Champion Doug Polen and the only American to win the Isle of Man race, Dave Roper.
"We are thrilled to return to [MMP] for the second consecutive year," said event coordinator Tom Kullen. "Larry Miller has built a fantastic racing facility, and our riders are very much looking forward to racing there again."
Andretti In Utah
Racing legend Mario Andretti will give the starting command for the Sunchaser 1,000 at Miller Motorsports Park on Saturday, track officials announced last week. Andretti is the only man ever to win the Formula One world championship, the Champ Car national championship (four times), the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring (three times) and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
He won 111 races in his career, which stretched over five decades.
Texaco is sponsoring Andretti's visit to Utah and is an associate sponsor of the Sunchaser 1,000, which is the season finale for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
Prior to giving the starting command, Andretti will sign autographs at the Texaco booth at 9:30 a.m.
drew@sltrib.com
1. Jimmie Johnson
Simply phenomenal in last two weeks
2. Jeff Gordon
Awesome battle with Junior on Saturday
3. Tony Stewart
Ran out of laps Saturday or might have won
4. Denny Hamlin
Virginian ran well at Richmond again
5. Matt Kenseth
Only Ford in the Chase, although Ragan improving
6. Carl Edwards
Fourth in the standings, but Richmond showing hurt
7. Kyle Busch
Disappointing 20th after starting in third
8. Jeff Burton
18th last night, but consistency paid off
9. Clint Bowyer
Biggest surprise entrant in this year's Chase?
10. Martin Truex Jr.
Ran 15th Saturday, but that win got him in Chase
NEXT RACE: Sylvania 300 v WHERE: Loudon, N.H. v WHEN: SEPT. 16, 11 a.m. v TV: Ch. 4 v RADIO: 860 AM, 107.5 FM
