Renowned artist and motorcycle road racer Larry Poons is adding an artistic touch to a world class motorsports festival.

Poons is donating an original, 2012 matted-and-framed watercolor on paper creation that will be auctioned at the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) event during the Barber Vintage Festival in Leeds, AL.

Bids for the silent auction will be accepted in the AHRMA road race registration area until 5:00pm Saturday, October 4 and a live auction will bring the auction to a conclusion during the road race awards ceremony Saturday evening. Proceeds from the auction will benefit AHRMA, which is a not-for-profit organization.

“Among AHRMA road racers, Larry Poons is a familiar and intriguing presence in the paddock,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees for 2025. “In the world of fine art, he’s a renowned and highly collectible painter, with his work in high demand. One of the standout moments of our race weekend at Barber is the live auction of one of Larry’s original pieces during Saturday’s awards ceremony — an event not to be missed. We’re honored to count Larry as part of the AHRMA community and deeply appreciate his generous donation, with all auction proceeds benefiting AHRMA’s Benevolent and Safety Funds.”

Poons has competed in a variety of AHRMA road racing events for decades aboard Ducati and Seeley-framed machines. He was the 500 Premier class champion in 1998 and 2003. In 2003, he and his wife Paula received AHRMA’s John & Ginny Demoisey Memorial Award for outstanding husband and wife racing team.

His career as an artist was kickstarted in 1963 with his first solo exhibition at Richard Bellamy’s Green Gallery in New York. His works have appeared in shows along with other notable artists including Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. He pioneered ground-breaking techniques along with his contemporary and collaborator Frank Stella.

Poons continues to create original works including the piece to be auctioned during the Barber Vintage Festival. Read more about Larry Poons and his art at larrypoons.com.