Paul Canale (9R), Conner Dylan (198), Maxon McLaughlin (713), Eric Burrell (6E), John Waverka (647), Nicolas de Sena (806), Brian Lowe (73), Landen Smith (786), Jim Barker (59), Shawn Velsz (901), Peter Nicolosi (447) – Sound of Thunder 2, Barber Vintage Festival 2024 – Photo Credit Etechphoto.com

Pro racers will once again add to the sights, sounds, and smells of the Barber Vintage Festival.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is hosting the fourth annual Pro Challenge set for October 4, 2025, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL.  This event will occur during the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival as part of the 2025 AHRMA Roadracing Series presented by Motobilia.

The Pro Challenge will showcase a diverse lineup of today’s most dynamic racing motorcycles, piloted by pro racers and eligible AHRMA competitors. A cash purse, to be revealed soon, will also be part of the excitement.

To be eligible, a Pro Challenge racer must meet the following criteria:

  1.  Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.
  2. Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Eligibility Requirements (found at ahrma.org/schedules-results).
  3. Take part in the Friday practice (Thursday optional).
  4. Take part in a 20-minute timed qualifying session on Friday afternoon.
  5. Be registered in the “Pro Challenge” race on Saturday.
  6. Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the Pro Challenge race (based on lap times during the Friday qualifying session).

Eligible machines include liquid-cooled twins to 900cc; unlimited air-cooled twins; triples up to 765cc; and two-strokes to 250cc.  Please see the AHRMA Handbook for full details regarding the Sound of Thunder 2 class at ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook/

Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA for the competition.  Waivers must be submitted through the online  AHRMA Barber Road Race Waiver Request Form no later than September 24th at 12pm CDT.

In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member pre-qualified to race at the 2025 Barber event with AHRMA may register for the Pro Challenge but must participate in qualifying and meet the qualifying criteria.