Here’s a tradition that maybe they should have kept going – it’s a victory lap for the podium finishers after the 1989 Road America AMA Castrol 250 Grand Prix race. The winner holding up the flag is John Kocinski. He is flanked by second-place finisher Rich Oliver (behind Kocinski) and third-place Alan Carter (with the Aprilia leathers). This gave the fans a chance to see the riders without helmets. It was a great idea and maybe it can be revived someday.

A victory lap for the podium finishers after the 1989 Road America AMA Castrol 250 Grand Prix race. The winner holding up the flag is John Kocinski. He is flanked by second-place finisher Rich Oliver (behind Kocinski) and third-place Alan Carter (with the Aprilia leathers). (Larry Lawrence photo)