1990 AFM Schedule
Next races: April 1, April 22, May 13, 1990 Turnworkers School March 31, 1990
There baaack! Motorcycle Racing at Sears Point. The first race of the year is just around the corner. Sniff... ...I love the smell of Castrol in the morning. Make sure all your Spring chores are done because we'll all be Back to the Track real soon.
You will notice that this issue of The Crew is covering the first three races. With only two or three weeks between races, and a mailing list of over 350 people it will make it much easier for me. I hope it will not be inconvenient for anyone. Thanks!
1990 Turnworkers School
Saturday, March 31st, is the date of this year's school. The format will be the same as previous years. Because of working around the New Riders School and limited meeting spaces everything is subject to change. We will meet in the area in front of the snack bar in the pit. Lunch WILL NOT be provided. so bring along your own stuff. Also bring along walking shoes and something to take notes with.
We'll start by taking a trip around the track to get an idea of where the impact areas, flag stations, communications stations, and where the handlers should be. Bob and Carol Wallermann of Master Protection Enterprises will once again put on a fire extinguisher demonstration for us. Everyone will get a chance to put out a small gas fire. After a short break we will meet one again for the lecture section of the school. Speaking will be Joe Montoya, AFM North's President, Mike Ross, AFM Inc. President and New Rider Director, Barbara Smith, Race Director, someone from the National Motorcycle Patrol will be speaking on first aid, and a cast of thousands (well, maybe a hand full). To finish up the day I'll bring back the Havoc video tapes, and the debut of the AFM Video, all edited and put to music from all the footage I shot at the last two races of 1989. The sneak preview reviews say "A must see for 1990", Sonoma Bugle, "Heart wrenching action... ...I laughed. I Cried.", Cotati Citizen, "What's a AFM?" Someone looking over my shoulder, "Phill Brown is the greatest at something, but I'm not sure what," Elk Grove Gazette (Thanks Mom!).
If you are interested in attending this year's turnworker school please contact me ASAP so I can make sure I have enough literature for everyone. Contact me at (916) 685-7927 or write me care of The Crew to the address on the front.
For the new folks, Sears Point is located about one half mile north of the intersection of highways 37 and 131 near Novado.
Name Tags
If you have attended at least three races and plan to return to work again this year and want a name tag like.
Hotshot A. Diehard AFM Safety Crew
Contact me and I will make sure you get one by the first race.
In Memory of Jim Beach
My counterpart in the AFM's south chapter, Jim Beach died recently after a long bout with cancer. I had the pleasure of working with Big Jim at Laguna Seca a few years ago. He was a hard worker but it was tempered with a great sense of humor. I'm sure he will be keeping an eye on all us turnworkers.
Same Ôole Last Paragraph (almost) as Last Year
Sears Points' gates will be open at 6:30 a.m. for all three races. It was nice sleeping in during the winter. Stay to the left as you enter the grounds and follow the Worker signs to the gate. The earlier you get there the better your chance of getting in the turn you want. The worker gate will close at 7:30 a.m. and after that you will have to pay to get in. We will meet at Start/Finish at 7:45 a.m. for our morning meeting. Green track at 8:30. Be sure to dress appropriately. Layers are the hot setup. White colors if you have them, but no reds or yellows. You don't want to have a flagger mistake you for a flag and start waving you. Sears Point will not be raced in the rain. But remember that in order to get this year's AFM Die Hard hat you have to be there, rain or shine. If it's raining I will be there taking names. Coffee and donuts, lunch, after race beverages, and ten bucks will be provided. You can bring along gloves, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, munchies, and sodas (no alcohol). We should be finished by about 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions please contact me at the address or phone number printed elsewhere. See you at the races!
Next Races: June 17th and July 1st, 1990, Sears Point
This newsletter will cover the next two races. With only two weeks between races it's really tough to get a newsletter out on time. I hope this is not inconvenient for anyone. Thanks!
We did it. Yes we did. We actually completed a raceday, and with time to spare. No red flags (A record I think.), no deer, everyone working together, and below normal number of crashes all contributed to a quick moving raceday. Even being short handed because of Mothers Day didn't have much effect. And speaking of Mothers Day, Mickey Housel brought his mother, Ann, to the race. I think she was wondering why the grass doesn't get mowed on weekends.
Turn 11 looks like it takes the honors at being the place to be if crashing was on your agenda at the last race. Linda Pauli marshaled the crew of John Paulson and Al Davies. Turn 4 was next in line with old-timer Monte Simmons heading up the crew of Rod Scott and new guy Joe Johannsen. Scott Pierce showed up a little late and helped them out in the afternoon. Turn 2 was the next most likely place to find out how to change the color scheme of your fairing with one short slide. Turn 2 masters Dennis Baird and Chuck Bates, worked along with Tommy Bright. This was a good place to work off some of Tommy's energy.
New Workers
Thanks to all the new workers for making your mom mad by making our raceday safe. Steve Gregeory, Mike Olive, Ted Nipko, Regan Cason, Debbie Kent, Carl Estrada and Joe Luciano. Thanks again and don't forget to tell your friends.
Editorial Rebuttal
In the last newsletter I wrote an editorial about how the TV network preempted the first fifteen minutes of the USGP. I am here to rebut my own statement. Through careful examination I found out it was my local TV station (where I once worked - for a short time) that played the USGP after golf instead of before, where most normal people would put it. Still, golfers beware! Thanks to Doug Smith who let me borrow the video tape of the USGP, so I can see what I missed.
Doug Tapscott Retiring
After more than 100 years of service Doug Tapscott will be hanging up the brooms at the end of this season. Doug has been our Quartermaster (Equipment Manager / Crash Truck) for as long as I can remember. Doug is a big part of The Crew and will be missed very much. When I first joined on as Worker Coordinator, Doug made sure all my needs were met and held my hand till I got a chance to get to know the brooms (ropes). Needless to say, the AFM is looking for a couple of people to take over for Doug and he will spend the rest of the season training them. The candidates need to be reliable, have good organizational skills, and live fairly close to the track. Candidates also will receive a bit more pay. If you are interested in the position, please contact me .
Officials Needed
The Super Mileage Competition at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento is looking for some course officials for their competition on June 9th and 10th. This is not the FAST type of racing we are used to. The object of this race is to build a vehicle that will get the best gas mileage possible; 400+ miles-per-gallon. Typically, carbon-fibre framed, ultra-streamlined, single seated three-wheelers. For more information contact Joe Harralson, days, at (xxx) xxx-xxxx, or Jon Manji, evenings, at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Same old last paragraph as last time! (almost)
Once again we will be starting the raceday 30 minutes earlier because it worked. The gates will be open at 6:30 a.m. for the June 17th and July 1st race. Merge to the left as you enter the grounds and follow the Worker signs to the gate. The earlier you get there the better your chance of getting in the turn you want. The worker gate will close at 7:15 a.m. and after that you will have to pay to get in. We will meet at Start/Finish at 7:30 a.m. for our morning meeting. Flag waving calisthenics will begin at 7:35. Green track at 8:00. Be sure to dress appropriately. It could rain. (Tommy Bright's truck hasn't been washed since last year) It could be hot. It could even be nice. Layers are the hot setup. White colors if you have them, but no reds or yellows. Sears Point will not be raced in the rain. But remember that in order to get this year's AFM Die Hard hat you have to be there, rain or shine. If it's raining I will be there taking names. Coffee and donuts, lunch, after race beverages, and ten bucks will be provided. You can bring along gloves, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, munchies, and sodas (no alcohol). We should be finished by about 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions please contact me c/o The Crew . See ya!
Next Race August 4-5
Two more down and two more to go. The season is moving along rather quickly. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were standing around all wet and waiting for the track to dry. June 17th had the fewest crashes we've had for a complete raceday in a long time with 28. Even with a long Deer Delay after lunch we were able to get the whole schedule completed in time. The longer, single practice schedule is working and we have been able to give the Production guys an extra lap or two to race at the end of the day. On July 1st a lot of deer were sighted while setting up the track but they were not a problem during the day.
For the first time in a while, turn 6 took top honors as the place to be if you wanted to shorten slightly one side of your handlebars by grinding it away on June 16th. Turn 6 was headed up by Andy Almeida with the help of Tracy Achtermann, Lee Foster and new guy Roy Myers. Not far behind was turn 4 with Rod Scott, Mark Everson, Regan Kason, Dylan Holwerd and 5 crashes. Then on July 1st turn 11 took top prize with Linda (I want another Die Hard hat. Maybe that's Die Hard II - Die Harder. I wonder how long it will take for people to keep reading this interruption before they forget who I was talking about? But I digress... ) Pauli, Lee and Sandy Taylor and Lee Simmons. Next in line and answering that age old question, "Gee! Why is the sky only on one side of my bike?", was turn 3 with Ron Johnson, Todd Solinger and new guys Fred Doty and Mark Perry.
New And Returning Workers
Eric Ahlstrom and Tim Roberts have both been with the AFM for a long time. Both have raced and Tim was once the Race Director. We are very happy you found your way back. Here are the rest of the new workers for the last two races: Azad Ruhs, Brian McKinzie, Chris Howard, Christopher Gossett, Dave Norgard, Ed Taylor, Greg Parks, Joseph D. Hannickel, Karen Leland, Lori Solinger, M. Montagnon, Peter Devlin, Steve Naylor, Tom Satery, Tony Allegra and Tony Hagen.
A Letter To The Editor
June 18th, Dear Phill,
I want to let you know what a great time I had working Sunday's AFM race. I ended up working the "Pre-Grid," what great fun! A fellow named Dan gave me a thorough "crash course" in operating this important area. He thoughtfully showed me how to use the chalk board to alert riders of oil or debris in specific turns or what was holding up the start: deer on the track. I personally saw how the chalk board "eases Tension" and informs riders - several expressed appreciation. Another important perspective was listening and to a lessor degree using the communications system. A person gains a much broader view of how the turnworkers coordinate their activities. And how important it is to communicate accurately, clearly and with a systematic format. The "Communications Director" Doug Smith did a masterful job holding things together when the deer decided to cross the track with the riders on the track at the same time. His calm voice seemed to dispel worries of a potentially dangerous situation. Looking forward to the July 1st race. Thanks Again, Steve Kramme
P.S. I also Liked Doug's repeated reminders to drink plenty of water. You guys care.
(Thanks Steve. We guys care because you guys care. Editor)
hpargaraP tsaL dlO emaS ehT etiuQ toN (read it backwards)
The gates will be open at 6:30 a.m. for the August 5th race. Stay to the left as you enter the grounds and follow the Worker signs to the gate. The earlier you get there the better your chance of getting in the turn you want. The worker gate will close at 7:15 a.m. After that you will have to pay to get in. We will meet at Start/Finish at 7:30 a.m. for our morning meeting. I will start waking up at 7:31. Green track at 8:00. Be sure to dress appropriately. The weather is unpredictable, so layers are the hot setup. Wear white colors if you have them, but no reds or yellows please. Sears Point will not be raced in the rain, even though Tommy Bright's truck hasn't been washed. But remember that in order to get this years AFM Die Hard hat you have to be there, rain or shine. If it's raining I will be there taking names. Coffee and donuts, lunch, after race beverages, and ten bucks will be provided. You can bring along gloves, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, munchies, and sodas (no alcohol). We should be finished by about 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions please contact me c/o The Crew . See ya!
Next race (last of the year): Monday, September 3, 1990 (Labor Day):
Our August 8th race started out with a cool morning and turned into a real scorcher in the afternoon. We went through over 50 gallons of the water we are putting out. We all came through it alright, some with better sunburns than others though. We have had a great year, and have been adding to our ranks with every race. Even with the short time we have had at our morning meetings with the training of our new workers, everyone has given their 110 percent. Thanks!
Jumpin' Jeff Hagan once again takes to the air, but this time in turn 5. He launched his bike over the tire wall and half way down the hill on the other side. It took half of our crew to drag it the rest of the way down the hill, and then drag it back up an access road to the crash truck because the rear wheel was locked up. Next time we'll get a crash truck with a winch. Remember, nothing happens in turn 5. Thanks to the turn 5 crew of Rob Redanz, Tommy Bright and Tina. Rod Smith of turn 4 informed me that his turn is a "Full Service" turn. His crew of Monte Simmons, Steve Naylor, and new guys Tony Glenn and Reggie Dean, gassed up a racer who had run empty. I wonder if they had a Quick Fill in the Commo Box?
Other New Workers
Landon Dyer, Eric Howard, David Seegmiller, Joanne Cody, Dennis Derammelaere, Warren Donaway, Randy McLeod, Jake Dunn. We hope you had a great time and come back and visit us.
Worker Appreciation Race and BBQ? (BBQ flavored pizza)
As with previous years, the last race of the year is usually our BBQ. But because there is no practice or riders school on Sunday, we have to fit everything in on raceday. To make it easier on everyone we will have a bunch of pizzas delivered after the race. John Fosgate, our Head Burger Turner for the past few years, is somewhat disappointed not to be flipping patties this time. I guess we can let him flip a pizza... ...an anchovy and pineapple pizza. No one will miss it, I hope. With the support of all the racers, this year's Worker Appreciation giveaway will be better than last year's. So far I have received two Atari word processing systems, with printers, from Rick Brady of Pegasus Racing. If you see AFM #64 out on the track, give him the ole "Thumbs-Up." Thanks to all that contribute.
Die Hard List
If you have attended every race this year and your name is not on this list please contact me NOW: Don Alexander, Andy Almeida, Dennis Baird, Pete Barnum, Tommy Bright, Harrie Dennison, David Eggleston, Mark Eversen, Don Fritz, Steve Gregory, Ron Johnson, Ed Kelly, Stephen H. Kramme, Michael D. McKee, Linda Pauli, Rob Redanz, Denise Santarelli, Jim Short, Debbi Thomas, and David Tucker.
The Last, Of The Regular Last Paragraphs For This Year - Anyway
The gates will open at 6:30 a.m. for the Monday, September 3rd race. Stay to the blah blah blah blah blah blah blah left as you enter the grounds and follow the Worker signs to the gate. The earlier you get there the better your chance of getting in the turn you want, but remember worker seniority. The worker gate will blah blah blah blah close at 7:15 a.m. After that you will have to pay to get in. We will meet at Start/Finish at 7:30 a.m. for our morning meeting. I will start blah blah blah blah. Green track at 8:00. Be sure to dress blah blah appropriately. The weather is unpredictable, so layers is the hot blah setup. Wear white colors if you have them, but no reds or yellows please. Sears Point will not be raced in the rain, even though Tommy Bright's truck hasn't been washed for months, but remember that in order to get this year's AFM Die Hard hat you have to be there, rain or shine. If it's raining I will be there taking names. Coffee and blah blah donuts, lunch, after race beverages, and ten bucks will be provided. You can bring along gloves, binoculars, sunglasses, blah, sunscreen, blah, boots, munchies, and sodas (no alcohol). We should be finished by about 6:00 p.m., with the pizza fest and giveaway starting shortly thereafter. If you have any questions please contact me c/o The Crew . See ya blah!
End of Season Newsletter
The last race of the year fell early in September instead of late October so the weather was still very warm. With over 70 people out on the track I think we had the biggest turnout ever for a race. It almost got crowded out on the turns. But with all the new racers out there making "Bionic Lane Changes" it kept us all on our toes.
Turn 7 was overheard saying: "You crash Ôem. We stash Ôem." but it didn't win the prize for most crashes. Once again turn 11 was the place to be if you were a racer and you wanted all the stars on just one side of you racebike. Linda Pauli headed the crew of David Seegmiller, Anton Lovette, Pete Devlin, Steve Gregory and new guy Jared Sexton. Not far behind them were turn 5 and 6. Turn 5 was headed by Rob Redanz with help from returning old timer Ken Collins. Turn 6 was headed by Regan Cason and supported by John Hendrix, Jim Holiday, Mark Everson, Dennis Derammelaere, Dylan Holwerda.
New Workers
Even with the turnout we had at September's race we had fewer new workers than usual. John Mechelke from turn 2. Ken Feod and James Faulknier from turn 4. Brad Lovell and Jerry Brunet from turn 9. Additional help was provided at Start/Finish by Ryan Margetich and Steve Simpson. Thanks, one and all. Don't forget your way back next year. Tell your friends.
Worker Appreciation Giveaway and BBQ Pizzafest
Two computers, lots of hats and T-shirts, cash, soft luggage, cups and many other items were given away at our Fourth Annual Worker Appreciation Race and BBQ. We also had a chance to honor this year's Die Hards even though the special hats were lost on UPS somewhere. Truck loads of pizza were brought in to feed the masses. Even with the usual confusion around drawing the numbers everyone walked away with something. A special thanks to Rick Brady of Pegasus Racing and his boss at Atari for the great computers. I also want to thank all the others who gave to the workers. You all know who you are. Most of the slips with your names on them were lost during the mayhem. Thanks again, you should feel proud!
Christmas Wish List For Turnworkers
The AMA CCS Midwest Region newsletter, Corner Station, has a list of things to pack along to the races. The "Track Tote" was put together by Cindi Singer, Editor, and Neil Manske. Thanks Marcia and Jim for sending it to me all the way from Wisconsin:
Many of you might remember Ken Severin Who worked with us last year and moved to Puerto Rico just in time for hurricane Hugo. Well, now he's moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, and has attended races at a 1/4 mile dirt track there. He says the only real problem they have are Moose on the track!?! Really! Thanks, Ken.
Our retiring Quartermaster and Mr. Crash Truck, Doug Tapscott sent me an article from the Wall Street Journal on the British Lawn Mower Racing Assoc. (BLMRA). No kidding! The BLMRA held its 12 Hour Endurance Classic on a 20 acre pasture with 60 lawnmowers, souped-up, and de-mufflered, screaming around at speeds approaching 60 MPH. Drivers take corners on two wheels, sometimes leaving the ground altogether as they bounce over ruts and potholes. You might think if you had a LARGE lot to mow you might stage an event at your place, but they remove the blades for safety reasons. Sorry. Thanks Doug.
This is not my Daddy's Last Paragraph or Oldsmobile (However, he did have a Buick once)
The year is at an end and the next one is right around the corner (turn 12). This has been the most-attended year of races that we have ever had as far as workers go. On behalf of the AFM, Barbara, Doug S., Doug T., Danny, Patti, and me, I would like to thank everyone who contributed. You did a great job. From the rumors that I've been hearing it looks like next year will be another great year (I almost said "bang-up year," but hey, nobody might crash!). The 1991 race schedule has not been settled on yet, but I'll send you a postcard with the schedule as soon as it has been finalized. It looks like the first race will be at the end of March, along with the return of the Turnworker School. So for now, enjoy the holidays, and we'll meet back here again real soon. Thumbs-up and Seasons Greetings!