Worker HotLine (510) 796-7005
E-mail: crew@afmracing.org
The Crew web site: www.afmracing.org/crew.html

Editors: Phill Brown, Sandy Jones, Tom Bright, Barbara Smith

Just a quick newsletter to get you going for the new season. Enclosed along with this note are some schedule cards (to give to your friends and family to let them know where you will be), the three page application, a welcome letter and a worker manual. Read it thoroughly, there will be a pop-quiz at the end of this note.

2005 Die Hard Rules

We are going to change the DieHard rules just a bit in 2005. If you work all eight Sunday race dates you will receive a DieHard hat. But if you work both Saturday and Sunday for all eight races plus Friday, August 12, you will receive the coveted DieHard Jacket in 2006. Remember there are only eight AFM events this year. Remember the pressure you put on yourself to be a DieHard is you own. EveryoneÕs commitment level is different. Your family, job, vacations, and other interests enter into the equation. We always miss you when you are not there and always are happy to see you when you are.


IMPORTANT! One bit of bookkeeping - anyone who did not attend any race in 2004 and does not send in an application by March 15, 2005, will be dropped from the mailing list. The list has gotten to big and has become unmanageable. If you want to keep on the snail-mail mailing list, send in the application, quickly.

The first full issue of The Crew for 2004 should be in the mail 2 weeks before the first race. C-Ya Then!

Below is an e-mail from Jim Short about Ron Johnson

AFM Racing Schedule for 2005.
April 2 & 3    Buttonwillow
April 30, May 1    Infineon (Sear Point)
May 13 - 15    AMA Infineon 3 day event
May 28 & 29    Infineon (Sear Point)
June 18 & 19    Thunderhill
July 16 & 17    Thunderhill
Aug 12 - 14 Fri Sat Sun    Infineon (Sear Point)
Sept 10 & 11    Buttonwillow
Oct 22 & 23    Buttonwillow

Firt News Letter...

First race of 2005, April 2 & 3, Buttonwillow Raceway, 35 miles east of Bakersfield on I-5.

Good Day Race Fans! The AFM?s first race of 2005 is just around the bend and with it, all the action you?ve been missing for the past few months. A bunch of changes are in the works for 2005: insurance issues (see below), a possible racedate change/addition/deletion that may affect the end of the season (The AFM Board will vote on the changes at their next meeting, so stay tunedÉ), and a new newsletter column will debut Ð Big Bruce?s Turnworker Tips. Also the Crew?s web page address has changed - please check the newsletter header. One last thing - my old personal e-mail address has quit forwarding, please send all crew related e-mail to crew@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and it will forward it to where ever I am. So, hang on, and enjoy the ride. It may get a little bumpy, it may get a little hot, but we couldn?t do it without you. You are the best of the best, and I can?t wait to see everyone again.

New Regulations for Infineon

There is an important new change for all track workers at Infineon Raceway. Infineon will now require all track workers to carry their own major medical insurance, starting immediately this season.

As many of you know, AFM has required all riders to carry their own major medical insurance now for several years. It has helped a lot... no uninsured riders going broke and suing the club or track for money to pay their medical bills, etc. And it?s a smart rule... the insurance covers the riders 365 days per year, something we should all have anyway. And now the workers will also be included in this rule.

When you go through worker registration, you?ll fill out the usual form and sign a release, and also now sign a clipboard with a place for you to sign, print and state that YES, you do have medical insurance. You?ll be asked to state your insurance company and policy number. Bring this information with you to the track. This insurance requirement is over and above the small secondary insurance plan that AFM provides. If you do not have your own major medical insurance, you will not be allowed to work at Infineon.

I will investigate some options for those of you who are NOT currently covered. You can contact any insurance broker to get a quote on major medical. If you?re covered through a policy at work, you are probably covered. To keep your premium rates low, ask for a policy with a high deductible. If you cannot find an affordable policy, please contact me via e-mail (bsspot@xxxxxxx or phone (517) 552-5212. Remember I?m on Michigan time so don?t call me after 7pm your time because I?ll be asleep! Weekends are best, or e-mail anytime.

Please contact either Phill or me if you need to talk about this new rule. I apologize for the short notice, but I do feel that it?s a good policy. It cuts down on the liability of having workers injured while at the track during an AFM event, and also protects you all the other days of the year. As of this point in time, if you are UNinsured, you will still be able to work at Buttonwillow and Thunderhill. However, that can change at any time. So please call and get your own insurance now.

We?ll look forward to seeing you in a few days at Buttonwillow, and then next at Infineon! Question? Please call me!

Barbara Smith
Race Director / Insurance Czar

Big Bruce?s Tip of the Month
Equip yourself

Two wordsÉ Track Bag. Make sure you carry all your goodies in one bag. Put extra gloves, sunscreen, lip balm and munchies in there. I also like to carry medical supplies such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, allergy medicine, non-drowsy cold medicines etc. along with Band-Aids and Neosporin. Duct tape, binoculars, and other things you think might be useful, but limit the weight of this bag, because you have to carry this bag. Proper clothing is also very important, but no open toed shoes, as you may have to run over uneven ground.

IRS Rules - 2005 Edition

To be in compliance with IRS laws, starting in 2003 the AFM has been keeping track of all money paid out to workers. Workers earning $600 or more during the year will receive a 1099 form as well as having a 1099 form sent to the IRS. The AFM must have your application on file with your Social Security Number on it, or you will not be paid. Also please remember that you must fill out a new application each year. Please send your application in soon to get your 2005 worker number assigned to you before the first race to help speed things up on race day.

What to Wear

The weather can be iffy, so be prepared for almost anything. Layers are the hot setup. Since we all want to look alike, please wear as much white outer clothes as you can get. No red, yellow or orange colors - you don?t want to be mistaken for a flag. You may be grabbed by the leg and thrown thusly, by mistake. Long pants, sturdy shoes, no shorts. Some other good things to bring along are sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, binox, extra clothes, a hat, energy snacks, fruits, juices and a good loud whistle. The AFM can provide you with a whistle if you don?t have one, but you don?t want to know whose lips were on it last. Please no alcohol during the races. What to Expect on Raceday

Remember, our first race is pretty far away from civilization. Unless you consider Burger King as civilization. Better bring it all with you. If you have a RV, Buttonwillow charges $30.00 for the weekend for electrical and water hookups. There is no dump. There is no charge for tent camping. They also have cold water showers. Brrrrr! Like Thunderhill, personal vehicles are not allowed on to the track. You will be taken out to the turns by our Crash Truck. So be ready to pack it all in with you.

The worker gates open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 6:50 sharp! (We also need to go to Registration and sign the forms.) Please stay to the left as you enter the gate area. That?s where the worker gate is. Because of agreements with the Buttonwillow track, no refunds to workers who arrive after we close the worker gate. Please be on time to save money and help us get used to the new procedures. The morning meeting starts at 7:00 at Start/Finish. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want. Attendance at all eight AFM races is mandatory for this year?s DieHard hat. Neither rain nor snow nor gloom of fog will keep us away from the gate taking names of those brave workers. We try to give the weather every chance of clearing before canceling the race and those days count for the hats.

Both Saturdays and Sundays we provide morning coffee and donuts, a sack lunch and after-race beverages and snacks. Please be responsible with post-race activities. We also place water, bug spray, and ear plugs out on the turns. Our payday is Sunday after the race. Our final race gets the checkered flag about 6:00 p.m. C ya !

Buttonwillow Hotels
@ I-5 @ Highway 46 - 10 miles north of Lerdo Highway
Motel 6	Days Inn
14685 Warren Street	14684 Aloma Street
Lost Hills, CA 93249	Lost Hills, CA 93249
(661) 797-2346	(661) 797-2371
Buttonwillow Off-Ramp Highway 58 -10 miles south of Lerdo Highway
Willow Inns Suites	Motel 6 - South
20645 Tracy Road	3810 Tracy Boulevard
Buttonwillow, CA 93206	Buttonwillow, CA 93206
(661) 764-5121	(661) 764-5207
Super 8 - Buttonwillow	Motel 6 - North
20681 Tracy Avenue	20638 Tracy Boulevard
Buttonwillow, CA 93206	Buttonwillow, CA 93206
(661) 764-5117	(661) 764-5153
@ 1-5 Stockdale Highway - 15 miles south of Lerdo Highway
Econo Lodge	Best Western Heritage
200 Trask Street	253 Trask Street
Bakersfield, CA 93312	Bakersfield, CA 93312
Res: 1-800-424-4777	Res: 1-800-328-1234
(661) 764-5221	(661) 764-626

2005 Schedule
4-2/3	Buttonwillow
4-30 5-1	Infineon (SP)
5-28/29	Infineon (SP)
6-18/19	Thunderhill
7-16/17	Thunderhill
8-12/13/14	Infineon (SP)
9-10/11	Buttonwillow
10-1/2	Infineon (SP)
10-22/23	Buttonwillow

Second News Letter...

Next Race; April 20 & May 1, 2005. Infineon Raceway, Hwy 37 and 121, Sonoma, CA.

We have one down, and eight more to go. Yep, nine races this year. A race date that was cancelled early on, was voted on and reinstated. Mark your calendars for another date for Infineon, October 1 & 2. Also hot off the presses is that it looks like The Crew will be staffing the AMA at Infineon May 13-15, 2005. Please see enclosed form. The good news is that we all will be covered by Infineon?s insurance policy. There will be no need to have your own coverage at the AMA. The bad news is, for right now, working AFM events at Infineon will still require personal insurance coverage (see below). We had a great turnout down (for some) at Buttonwillow. All in all, a great race weekend. A few new faces were sprinkled out amongst the veteran crew. Allison and Jamie Elliott, and Cynthia Brooks added to our numbers and to the quality of work we do out there. Thank you all for making the long journey to Buttonwillow. The 32 brave souls have taken the first step to being a 2005 Diehard. Remember; the journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step. How do you eat an Elephant? One bite at a time. The ride is just getting started; I can?t wait to see how it ends. (Am I sorry for being so corny? No!)

Big Bruce?s Tip of the Month
Dizzy Dean

Even though we aren?t deaf, the noise levels next to the track can be very high, so the only way to keep on top of everything is to keep your head on a swivel, and constantly look everywhere in your turn. Look at the entrance, look at your flagger, look at the apex, look at your communicator, look at the bikes going by, look at your handlers, look at your exit. Then do the whole scan all over again. Remember to avoid highway hypnosis. I always hated having to tell someone ?Sorry, I didn?t see that.? So I am constantly scanning everything in view to catch the unexpected.

New Regulations for Infineon

There is an important new change for all track workers at Infineon Raceway. Infineon will now require all track workers to carry their own major medical insurance, starting immediately this season.

As many of you know, AFM has required all riders to carry their own major medical insurance now for several years. It has helped a lot... no uninsured riders going broke and suing the club or track for money to pay their medical bills, etc. And it?s a smart rule... the insurance covers the riders 365 days per year, something we should all have anyway. And now the workers will also be included in this rule.

When you go through worker registration, you?ll fill out the usual form and sign a release, and also now sign a clipboard with a place for you to sign, print and state that YES, you do have medical insurance. You?ll be asked to state your insurance company and policy number. Bring this information with you to the track. This insurance requirement is over and above the small secondary insurance plan that AFM provides. If you do not have your own major medical insurance, you will not be allowed to work at Infineon.

I will investigate some options for those of you who are NOT currently covered. You can contact any insurance broker to get a quote on major medical. If you?re covered through a policy at work, you are probably covered. To keep your premium rates low, ask for a policy with a high deductible. If you cannot find an affordable policy, please contact me via e-mail (bsspot@xxxxxxx or phone (517) 552-5212. Remember I?m on Michigan time so don?t call me after 7pm your time because I?ll be asleep! Weekends are best, or e-mail anytime.

Please contact either Phill or me if you need to talk about this new rule. I apologize for the short notice, but I do feel that it?s a good policy. It cuts down on the liability of having workers injured while at the track during an AFM event, and also protects you all the other days of the year. As of this point in time, if you are UNinsured, you will still be able to work at Buttonwillow and Thunderhill. However, that can change at any time. So please call and get your own insurance now.

We?ll look forward to seeing you in a few days at Buttonwillow, and then next at Infineon! Questions? Please call me!

Third News Letter...

Next Race May 28 & 29, 2005 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, Hwys 37 & 121.

We had a great turnout of workers for both the AFM races at the beginning of the month and the AMA about a week ago. Both weekends saw some great racing and with the AMA?s lighter schedule it allowed some poking around in the pits during lunch. There were some new faces and some old ones. It was good to see Ron Johnson back with us in the fresh air after his year long absence. Our next race is on Memorial Day weekend. Why not spend it with us. Many of you will still have Monday to do all those weekend chores that you?ve been putting off.

Big Bruce?s Tip of the Month
Show your true colors

The only way we have of communicating with the riders is to display the correct flag as soon as possible. The flagger should be looking not so much at the entrance, but concentrate more on the likely impact area. When a crash occurs, make sure you orient the flag so that the ?flat area? of the flag is showing directly to the oncoming traffic. Besides showing the right flag, the way you wave it can make a world of difference. Just by jumping up and down to really whip that flag back and forth, and you see how that motion allows the riders to see you easier.

New Regulations for Infineon

There is an important new change for all track workers at Infineon Raceway. Infineon will now require all track workers to carry their own major medical insurance, starting immediately this season.

As many of you know, AFM has required all riders to carry their own major medical insurance now for several years. It has helped a lot... no uninsured riders going broke and suing the club or track for money to pay their medical bills, etc. And it's a smart rule... the insurance covers the riders 365 days per year, something we should all have anyway. And now the workers will also be included in this rule.

When you go through worker registration, you'll fill out the usual form and sign a release, and also now sign a clipboard with a place for you to sign, print and state that YES, you do have medical insurance. You'll be asked to state your insurance company and policy number. Bring this information with you to the track. This insurance requirement is over and above the small secondary insurance plan that AFM provides. If you do not have your own major medical insurance, you will not be allowed to work at Infineon.

I will investigate some options for those of you who are NOT currently covered. You can contact any insurance broker to get a quote on major medical. If you're covered through a policy at work, you are probably covered. To keep your premium rates low, ask for a policy with a high deductible. If you cannot find an affordable policy, please contact me via e-mail (bsspot@xxxxxxx or phone (517) 552-5212. Remember I'm on Michigan time so don't call me after 7pm your time because I'll be asleep! Weekends are best, or e-mail anytime.

Please contact either Phill or me if you need to talk about this new rule. I apologize for the short notice, but I do feel that it's a good policy. It cuts down on the liability of having workers injured while at the track during an AFM event, and also protects you all the other days of the year. As of this point in time, if you are UNinsured, you will still be able to work at Buttonwillow and Thunderhill. However, that can change at any time. So please call and get your own insurance now.

We'll look forward to seeing you in a few days at Buttonwillow, and then next at Infineon! Question? Please call me!

Fourth News Letter...

Just a quick note to say that pre-registration for Thunderhill is very light, so if you're sitting on fence about going, get off and be there. It does not matter if you pre-registered - just be there.

We'll see ya there!
Phill

Fifth News Letter...

Next race; Thunderhill, July 16 & 17, Willows, CA

Once again the pre-registration for Thunderhill is very light - even lighter than last race, so if you're sitting on fence about going, get off and be there. It does not matter if you pre-registered - just be there.

We'll see ya there!
Phill

Sixth News Letter...

>...The pre-race worker signup is still a little light - by all means, come join us for three days in the California Sun - Now, on with the newsletter...

Next Race August 12, 13 & 14, 2005 Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA, Hwys 37 & 121. (Yes a 3-day event)

A little over 30 of us lived through extremely high temperatures at our last race at Thunderhill. The call went out that we were short handed and many of you changed your plans to survive the weekend with us in hell. USGPRU ran 2 races on Saturday and we had our regular schedule on Sunday. There was some very tight battles for the lead that kept our minds off the heat. Barbara Smith, our race director, started Sunday?s events a little early to get us on the road back home before it got too hot. Unfortunately, two red flags and three medivacs before the racers got to turn one on the start of two different races hampered the early departure plans.

Three Days of Infineon. Yes, three days. Open practice on Friday, Open practice in the morning and a four hour endurance race on Saturday. And our regular schedule on Sunday. Once again, pre-registration for workers is a little light so if you?re fence sitting, why not spend a few days with us? We could sure use your help. And bring a friend!

Big Bruce?s Tip of the Month
Show your true colors

The only way we have of communicating with the riders is to display the correct flag as soon as possible. The flagger should be looking not so much at the entrance, but concentrate more on the likely impact area. When a crash occurs, make sure you orient the flag so that the ?flat area? of the flag is showing directly to the oncoming traffic. Besides showing the right flag, the way you wave it can make a world of difference. Just by jumping up and down to really whip that flag back and forth, and you see how that motion allows the riders to see you easier.

Seventh News Letter...

Buttonwillow Race Reminder

September 10 & 11, 2005, 35 miles west of Bakersfield on I-5

We are going to need all the help we can get so bring all your friends and relatives, only eight are signed up as of 08/31. The gates open at 6:00 a.m. Please stay to the left as you enter the main gate. There will be staff to sign you in. We quit signing in workers at 6:55. If you are late you may have to pay to get in. The morning meeting starts at 7:10 both days. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want and we also need to go to Registration and sign the release forms. Attendance at all nine AFM races is mandatory for this year's DieHard hat. Neither rain nor snow nor gloom of fog (not likely) will keep us away from the gate taking names of those brave workers. We try to give the weather every chance of clearing before canceling the race and those days count for the hats.

Both Saturdays and Sundays we provide morning coffee and donuts, a sack lunch and after-race beverages and snacks. Please be responsible with post-race activities. We also place water, bug spray, and earplugs out on the turns. Our payday is Sunday after the race. Our final race gets the checkered flag about 6:00 p.m. C ya there!

Eigth News Letter...

Infineon (Sears Point) Race Reminder
October 1 & 2, 2005, Hwy's 37 & 121 Sonoma

This is our last trip to Infineon in 2005 so don't miss it. And please remember this is a "Med Insurance Required" event. The gates open at 6:00 a.m. Please stay to the left as you enter the main gate. There will be staff to sign you in. We quit signing in workers at 6:55. If you are late you may have to pay to get in. The morning meeting starts at 7:10 both days. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want and we also need to go to Registration and sign the release forms. Attendance at all nine AFM races is mandatory for this year's DieHard hat. Neither rain nor snow nor gloom of fog (not likely) will keep us away from the gate taking names of those brave workers. We try to give the weather every chance of clearing before canceling the race and those days count for the hats.

Both Saturdays and Sundays we provide morning coffee and donuts, a sack lunch and after-race beverages and snacks. Please be responsible with post-race activities. We also place water, bug spray, and earplugs out on the turns. Our payday is Sunday after the race. Our final race gets the checkered flag about 6:00 p.m. C ya there!

Ninth News Letter...

Next Race: October 22 & 23, 2005, Buttonwillow Raceway, about 35 miles west of Bakersfield on I-5, Middle of Nowhere, CA.

Another AFM racing season is almost at an end. But before we close the record books on it we have one last round to put under our belts. It will require a long drive through California?s heartland to Buttonwillow, California. For those brave souls who will accept the challenge to make that expedition, great rewards will be theirs. Besides the camaraderie, Phill?s morning joke and the BEST after race BBQ on the planet ? this race is our season ending Worker Appreciation Giveaway. Did I mention the BBQ? At this race, the racers, spectators and officials bring all kind of great stuff to show their appreciation of all the hard work you do. Including cash! You don?t want to miss out on this event. In the past we have received: helmets, computers, gloves, cash, gift certificates, time share weekends, tools, track days, cash, lots of wire ties, soccer mom chairs, hats, t-shirts, booze, did I mention cash? and lots of other goodies. We can use all the help that we can get because the last race is usually the least attended of the year and we have been running short all season. So make your plans to be there and don?t miss out. Your reward could be?.

Increasing Our Numbers

We have been running short handed pretty much all year. With the Infineon insurance issue, IRS 1099 forms, wanting to race, and just needing some time off, our number have been steadily going downhill. Many of our workers are (how can I say this without offending someone?) having an involuntary change of hair color. We need some youthful workers to help us. I mean, three handlers to deal with the whole track at the last Buttonwillow (East side, West side and Bus Stop) wore them out. In 2006 we are looking at bringing back the two sided business cards with the race schedule on one side and a little about The Crew and what we do on the other, that you can give to folks or place on motorcycles you spot, and setting up Point of Purchase displays in motorcycle oriented businesses to help promote the AFM and the Trackworkers. Bring a new worker ? get a ?Hey, I brought a new worker? t-shirt. We will also do a better job of following up with the list of possible candidates from the motorcycle show. Do you have any other ideas? Drop me an e-mail. We need your help to add to our numbers. On the subject of those IRS 1099 forms, you may be able to write off your travel, mileage, motel, part of your meals, and any other expenses related to your trackworking income, gloves, whistles, etc. Please check with your taxperson for the details. (I am not a taxperson, though I play one on TV.) You may be able to use your trackworking losses against your other income. Please read, understand, and follow all safety rules when using power tools. As usual, your mileage may vary.

General Donut

After a 3 year hitch of picking up our donuts and coffee at Infineon , the two person assault team of Harold Kaye and Michael Reichert are stepping down. So in order to keep order in our ranks, we are looking for a person or persons to keep the troops happy and fueled with high octane coffee and treats every morning we race at Infineon. If you are interested in enlisting, drop me an e-mail and I?ll give you the battle plans. A full and caffeinated platoon is a happy platoon. Can I get a Hoo Yah for Harold and Michael? Carry on!

Those Pesky Little Yellow Postcards

So you say you didn?t get one, can?t find it, or can?t remember if you really mailed it back? The AFM has put a temporary hold on the yellow ?I?m gonna be there? postcards. These were initiated because of 80+ workers at Infineon a few years back. (Where did they all go?) Possibly in 2006 we will ask that you drop us an e-mail or click on a box on an internet form to help get counts for pre-ordering lunches.

Big Bruce?s Tip of the Month
Time?s a-wastin?

When someone crashes, you get to the scene, wait for your chance, then go to the bike. While you are there, keep that clock ticking in the back of your mind. You don?t want to spend any more time on track then you have to. Get there, get the job done, and get out as quickly and efficiently as you can. It is very important to not over focus on picking up the bike that is there. Another bike could follow that one in and if you aren?t looking, you might have to learn the frog jump really quickly. (Insert visual image of me leaping.)