American Federation of Motorcyclists - AFM

AFM - Race School

Written by AFM Editor

AFM New Racers Schools in 2006 will be offered by a limited number of "AFM accepted race schools."

These providers are currently:

Keigwins at the Track

Pacific Track Time

Zoom Zoom Trackdays

Please contact these groups directly for schedule, fees and other info. If taking an outside school, please allow enough time for the AFM to receive your NRS completion information when entering your first AFM race. For more info on entry procedure and timelines, see the **Race Entry page or the **Rulebook.

General Agenda for the AFM New Racers School

This is the outline for the traditional AFM Race School. Some changes to this outline may be implemented for schools that share afternoon track time with Open Practice Sessions, or for the AFM approved "outsourced" NRS classes. Be sure to listen for specific student instructions and directions at whatever school you attend.

The AFM New Racer School is designed to prepare and evaluate riders for racing in AFM events. It is an all day class held at Sears Point, Thunderhill or Buttonwillow race tracks, starting with the classroom session at about 8:00 in our palatial AFM garage.

All school attendees must get to the track EARLY on the Saturday of the Race School, to give time to register, and to push your bike through Tech Inspection BEFORE the classroom session begins. Please review the **Tech Inspection Checklist to learn what is required for AFM Tech. Plan on getting to the track by 6:45-7:00 in the morning to allow plenty of time for unloading, set-up, registration and Tech Inspection.

Each new racer will need to listen to the Tech Inspector and understand their bike's tech inspection report card (and be prepared to make any required corrections). If the student's bike passes Tech, it means that it is ready to ride on the track. If a student's bike fails tech, the person can try to correct the issue(s) before the riding sessions in the afternoon and get the bike re-teched in order to complete the NRS that day. Major tech problems (i.e. safety problems that aren't easily/quickly fixed) can end up requiring the rider to repeat the NRS. Safety is always first with the AFM.

The classroom session covers basic to advanced race & riding theory, equipment & physical prep, track safety, AFM rules & flags, attitude & sportsmanship, etc. There is a quiz and some Q&A time. The classroom session lasts until approximately 12:30, at which point the class is split up into groups of 4-8 new racers per 2-3 track instructors.

There is a break for lunch, during which everyone should drink plenty of fluids, eat something and get the bike prepped & gassed up for the afternoon riding sessions.

After the lunch, all riders get suited up and ride their bikes down to pre-grid and join their assigned riding groups and instructors. There is a number sign for each group.

The initial on-track sessions involve each group playing follow the leader and "riding the line" (one instructor at the front leading, one at the back observing, and sometimes one in the middle to keep order). Typically the first session's pace is relatively slow (but on "the line"), next time a bit faster, and next time faster yet. Between each ride, the instructors field questions, discuss problems observed individually or as a group, and offer feedback and praise. If a rider is having trouble getting comfortable or up to speed, a spare instructor may take the new rider for one-on-one instruction and evaluation. The aim is to try to give everyone non-pressured time to learn while still making sure the other riders don't get held back.

After several follow the leader sessions, each rider gets to lead a "one-on-one" lap with one of their instructors observing. During this session the instructor is evaluating whether the new rider appears to know the track, and if they are safe and consistent, etc. After this lap, the instructor provides the new rider with feedback and encouragement. After a one-on-one session for every rider, there is open practice for about 30-45 minutes (new racers and instructors only), and usually there are two practice starts for the new riders.

At some Infineon or Thunderhill AFM Schools, each group walks the track (2.3-3.1 miles, which takes approx. one hour) with their instructors describing each turn's apex, where "the good line" is, and generally informing their group about the track's nuances and other more general aspects of racing. (NOTE: the track walk may be scheduled at the end of the day or not scheduled at all. Listen for announcements, or ask if you are interested. This is not a required part of the AFM School.)

Requirements for Passing the NRS

In order to pass the AFM NRS, each student must:

- pass the written quiz on the classroom material;
- have their bike pass Tech Inspection; and
- pass the on-track riding sessions & instructor evaluations.

Falling down during NRS riding sessions will cause the new rider to fail for that day.

Anyone who doesn't pass that day (for any reason) can come back to the next (or later) class for free.