What kind of license do I need to race in AFM?

You have to get an AFM Competition license. The AFM also offers reciprocity to license holders from other racing organizations, WSMC, OMRRA, WMRRA, CCS, MRA, etc.

Do I have to have a motorcycle driver's license?

No.

How old do I have to be to race?

You have to be at least 14 years old to race and if you are less than 18 years, you must have your parents consent and signature on all releases, applications, and registration forms, and they must be present at all events you participate in. If you are between 14 to 16 years, you and your parents must petition the AFM Board for the "OK" to race before any license will be issued.

How much riding experience do I need to race?

A lot if possible, but it really depends on the rider. The keys are to have good control of your machine, to know how to take a turn at speed, to be very proficient in the use of the engine, gears, and brakes... and to not be afraid to go fast.

How much does it cost to race?

Well, first you need an AFM competition license, which is $120 for the full season or $60 after June 30th. In addition, you will need to enter and pass the AFM Race School or an AFM-approved Race School before your race entries can be accepted, with the school fee being at least $175; you can get a $25 discount off the AFM Race School fee if you can show proof of having taken an outside track school (e.g. dP, CLASS, STAR, California Superbike School, etc.). Current entry fees are $80 for the first race, $60 for each additional race and $115 for Saturday Practice (All fees are subject to change, Friday Practice at Infineon is generally more). Daily gate fee (ticket price) is usually $10 at Infineon, Thunderhill or Buttonwillow (this is subject to change). There are other expenses including a race bike, and "consumables" like fuel, fluids, tires, chains, along with travel expenses, and practice time, etc. The amount depends on what kind of bike you run, how fast tires wear, how far you travel to race, etc.

Do I have to have medical insurance to race?

YES, you must have a personal medical policy to race with the AFM. The risks of not having insurance are too great, so we require that everyone have coverage. Even if you aren't covered at work or school, a personal medical policy can be very affordable, especially if you are healthy, young, and get a high deductible. Look in the phone book for insurance providers (Blue Cross, Kaiser, etc.) and call for quotes.

Good medical insurance is considered to be an absolutely essential part of everyone's racing kit.

Do I have to go through a school or course before I can race?

Yes, everyone has to pass the AFM Race School (or an AFM approved substitute) before they can compete. AFM currently has a limit of 32-64 riders per AFM Race School, and since demand is great, it is possible that you may not get into a school the first time and may need to try entering once or twice more before actually getting in. This is only an issue at the first couple Race Schools of the season and/or if you are late with your entry.

Since 2004, AFM is accepting a limited number of "AFM approved race schools" put on by specific outside trackday providers. The following AFM-approved New Racers School providers are currently: Keigwins at the Track, Pacific Track Time, and Zoom Zoom Trackdays. Please contact these groups directly for their schedules, fees and availability. More information about New Racers School is on the NRS page [Click Here].

New racers who have passed a new racer school at another recognized racing club (e.g. OMRRA, WMRRA, WSMC, etc.) can obtain a license with us by showing proof of having completed the other recognized club's new racer school. If possible, please contact AFM and request a license app package before you head down to one of our events, so we can square away the paperwork and make sure there are no bugs.

AFM license paperwork MUST BE MAILED VIA USPS (no exceptions: no faxing, e-mailing, etc.), so please plan ahead to ensure that all license & and NR school completion verification (if you take an outside school) are successfully processed prior to signing up for AFM races and practice.

Does going through the Superbike School, dP School, CLASS, etc. qualify me to race?

No, you still have to pass the AFM School (or an AFM approved substitute) before racing with AFM, but you can get a $25 discount on the price of the AFM Race school if you can show proof that you participated in one of the other non-approved schools in the last 12 months. Call us for details.

Why can't my experience with the Superbike School, dP School, STAR, CLASS, etc. substitute for the AFM Race School? What is involved with the AFM School that makes it different?

Those schools are great for giving you track experience, but the AFM Race School is focused on preparing you to compete in real AFM races, including teaching you about safety flags, bike prep, mental & physical prep, what to expect and do while racing with other people, AFM logistics, etc. Also, the AFM must carefully evaluate students for on-track safety and competency. This involves both classroom and riding sessions. For a general outline of the school, see New Racers School page[Click Here]. BUT... before going racing, we do recommend getting lots of track time and track experience at track days or track schools.

Does the AFM supply the bike or gear?

No, you use your own bike and gear. See Tech Inspection Sheet to learn what is needed to get on the track with the AFM.

Do I have to race to take the AFM School?

No, but the school is designed for people who plan to go racing, and since there are a very limited number of spots available in the school, we ask that only enthusiastic race-oriented riders actually enter the school. If you just want to try riding on the track, there are a number of good classes for that offered by dP, CLASS, Star, Cal Superbike, etc.

What if I don't pass the AFM School?

You can re-take the AFM New Racers School at no charge until you do pass, regardless of the reason for not passing it. The school fee of $175 is a one time cost. Please contact the approved "outside" NRS providers for their individual policies on re-taking the NRS.

Can I take the AFM School on a different bike than I am going to be racing?

Yes, you can take the school on any bike as long as it is fully race-prepped, meets the AFM's safety requirements and it passes Tech inspection, BUT we highly recommend that you be completely familiar with whatever bike you bring and make sure you've ridden it before. A large percentage of the riders who do not pass the school are on unfamiliar bikes, whether new or borrowed, and can't get up to speed or never feel comfortable.

You should make sure your bike is in excellent running order. Another large portion of school dropouts end up being unable to complete the School due to mechanical failures. See Tech Inspection Sheet for steps on preparing your bike for the track.

What safety equipment is required to race?

One-piece or zip-together leathers in excellent condition (no holes, rips or tears); a full-face helmet with a 1995 or later Snell sticker inside or a BSI 6658-A or ECE 22-05 certification sticker on the shell, and which is in excellent condition; boots at least 8" high; gloves in excellent condition; a back protector (either built into the leathers or separate) that consists of impact-resistant material and impact absorbing padding, and which covers the spine from the shoulders to below the waist. Leathers and protective gear are an exceptionally good investment for anyone intending to ride at speed on a motorcycle, be it on the street or track... do not scrimp on safety gear!!

What kind of motorcycle do I need to race?

Almost any kind of motorcycle will do, since the AFM offers classes for bike sizes from 125cc to over 1000cc, and for bikes with little/no modification up to those made for racing only. For information on what classes your bike might be suitable for, please see the AFM Rulebook.

What do I need to do to my motorcycle to make it legal for racing?

Remove some of the street stuff: turn signals, mirrors, license plate and bracket, passenger foot pegs, side & center stands. Headlights and tail lights need be removed or taped over. Aftermarket side cases are required on certain bikes. All 4-strokes must have a "belly pan" installed or incorporated into the fairing lower; even bikes which didn't come with lowers must have an AFM legal belly pan. Cooling systems CANNOT HAVE ANY ANTI-FREEZE (GLYCOLS, ETC.) AT ALL... ONLY WATER. Approved additives are Redline Water Wetter or Prestone Water Pump Lube... all glycols (ethylene-, propylene-, etc.) are NOT OK. You will need to install three number plates (1 on each side and 1 on the front); on some bikes there is an area on the fairing or seat which is large and flat enough to put a "stick-on number plate". Novice number plates must be yellow with your assigned AFM number in black. Plates need to be securely fastened. Finally, certain bolts, nuts, and fasteners need to be safety wired or have locking devices (i.e. nylocks, locking tabs, etc.). More information on bike prep is found in the AFM Rulebook and the Tech Inspection Sheet page. If you have questions after reading the Rulebook and the Tech Information page, you can e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Do I have to strip my motorcycle down to race it?

No, you just have to remove certain items as described above. But some people choose to remove as much "costly-to-replace" bodywork as possible while they are on the steep portion of the learning curve.

How do I find out about setting up my motorcycle for racing?

There are a number of good ways to get such information: 1) Best way... go to a race, browse through the pits, look at the bikes, and talk to people about their setup. Most racers are friendly and willing to tell you what they run; 2) Or call one of the AFM's technical info people for tips; 3) Or read the roadracing newspapers for technical articles and race bike info; 4) Or make friends with an experienced racer and pick his/her brain over beer (hint: you're buying); 5) Or if you have money, hire the services of an experienced and successful tuner/mechanic to help you get set-up.

If I was going to buy a motorcycle for racing, what type should I buy?

While the type of bike you like most is largely a personal preference, we usually suggest something that will allow a new rider to get the most racing time & fun for the least money, and that isn't so large that it is either intimidating or overly difficult to learn to ride in the turns. Bikes like 250 Twins (i.e. Ninja 250, Aprilia RS250, etc.), Thumpers (single cylinder 4-strokes), 500 or 650 Twins, and even 400 fours are thought to be good starting places.

Where would I find a good bike to race that's already prepared?

One of the best places is from roadrace oriented classified ads, like the those in the AFM Newsletter or on the AFM Forums, or in the back of Roadracing World, or by browsing the pits on a raceday for "bike for sale" signs.

How many races can I enter on a raceday?

As many as your bike(s) legally fits into, BUT due to raceday space limitations (i.e. more entries than we have grid space for), just be aware that you may not get into all the races you want or sign up for.

Can I race more than one bike on a raceday?

Yup, but you should consider costs, effort required, and whether there is room in those classes. This is especially important to consider when just starting out, as there is REALLY alot to learn with one machine, much less the extra distractions of multiple bikes to prepare, maintain, pay for, and most importantly, switching between them without losing some of the close feel for each.

For my first race, which practice session should I enter?

We suggest that new riders who are unsure of their lap times enter the slowest (or at most, the next to slowest) session; AFM will often place new racers in the slower practices for their first event. If possible, have a pit friend take your lap times during the open practice portion of the Race School (or on a track riding day), so you will know better which session to enter.

What do the flags mean?

Below is an overview of what the flags mean. The Race Director will cover flags in each Rider's Meeting at race and practice days. Flags will be covered in depth in the New Racers Schools also.

• GREEN: Start
• RED: Slow Down. Hold in turns 1 or 7. Hold position until directed by an official.
• CROSSED GREEN AND WHITE: Halfway point.
• WHITE: Last lap.
• CHECKERED: Finish.
• BLACK WITH RED DOT (at Start/Finish displayed with rider number): Complete lap and see starter.
• WAVING BLACK (on all turns): Race has been red flagged.
• STANDING YELLOW:
  • 1. Indicates “caution” to riders.
  • 2. Means that workers, riders or bikes are near but not on the racing line.
  • 3. Display a standing yellow if the next turn is showing a waving yellow.
  • 4. Display for a maximum of two laps for any single incident.
  • 5. No Passing. Report violators bike numbers.
• WAVING YELLOW:
  • 1. Indicates “great danger ON track AHEAD!”
  • 2. Means workers, riders, bikes or debris On the track surface, on racing line.
  • 3. Display for maximum of two laps; if situation has not cleared, change to standing.
  • 4. No Passing. Report violators bike numbers.
• OIL FLAG:
  • 1. Indicates a slippery substance or debris ON the track surface .
  • 2. Display for a maximum of 2 laps.
• AMBULANCE FLAG:
  • 1. Indicates ambulance on or at edge of track ahead.
  • 2. Display flag as ambulance passes your position; hold until it is two turns past your flag station.
• DEER FLAG
  • 1. Deer on or near track.
  • 2. Race is Red Flagged.