American Federation of Motorcyclists Schedule for 1998

1st Newsletter...

Just a postcard with the race dates and Buttonwillow motel information

2nd Newsletter...

Race Notes - Doug Smith
The El Nino Invitational
The first annual AFM El Nino Invitational is almost upon us. Trials tires on a GSXR? Aerostitch foul weather gear in Formula Pacific? No, we can't think that way!!! It just won't be !!! The clouds will part and the sun will shine on the AFM Season Opener, coming soon to a racetrack maybe not so near you!!!. It's the weekend of March 7 & 8 down the road at Buttonwillow. Or up the road at Buttonwillow for our new and growing southern crew. Full points from the first green flag this year. Even a AFM Race School!!! How can you beat that? Get a start on your Die-hard hat, that's how. I can smell the Castol now. 'Can't wait!!!
Crew Goals
A few season opening thoughts. Many many things go into the staging and execution of a race day. In addition to setting up the rules for the event or yearlong series, contracting for a place to race, having racers with bikes show up, medical folks in place, and many of other details, there needs to be a racetrack which is ready for action when it's time to go racing. A big part of getting the track ready to go and keeping it that way all day long is what we do as a crew. As basically as it can be stated, we get the track ready and keep it that way throughout the event. And we do it as well as anybody, a lot better than most.
Our race day goals, the things that we need to do, are really pretty simple in the big picture. These are the things we shoot for, in pretty much the order that they come up:
Arrive: Show up, greet others, sign in, finish waking up. Coffee is usually in order.
Meet: Plan the day, review and learn procedures, allocate resources, share a little news and always a great joke (Ed. note: I would not use the words Ôalways' and Ôgreat' when referring to my jokes), and get pointed in the right direction. Maybe more coffee.
Set Up: Get the people and equipment in place on the turns, at the crash truck, at start-finish, where-ever we need to be. This is where individual tasks are arranged by the turn marshals, track conditions are assessed and reported in if necessary, and we generally get ready to go. We as a crew now have control of the track for our event. Racetrack personnel are there for our support all day long if we need them. And we always need to remember that it's their place after all.
Clear the Track: This is the point where each of the turns reports in that they are ready in all respects for a session to begin. Clearing of the track will happen before each session, sometimes more formally than others. At the start of the day and after each major break (riders meeting, lunch, or a long delay) it will be a critical step to the next part of the day. If this doesn't happen, nothing else does.
Do It: The "It" involves a lot of things, all working to provide the safest possible race day environment for ourselves and the riders on course. Flagging, comm, handling, being a team with the medical folks, is all part of "It". "It" involves always being alert to things that are happening, not happening, changing or not changing. "It" is being involved in a very important way with the race day. And above all "It" means having fun. 'Cause if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right.
Relax: At the end of a day we look back at the things we did, the help we gave, and the way we contributed to a pretty complex day. We talk about what happened, share some laughs and a cool one, and wonder if there's a better way to spend a weekend. Probably not.

3rd Newsletter...

Race Notes - Doug Smith
Splash Dance
This year's AFM opener down the road at Buttonwillow turned out to be a successful weekend. Everyone had their eyes to the skies and their ears on the local weather forecasts on the way to the track. But aside from a cool breeze Saturday afternoon, the weather and conditions on the track were perfect. Of course, if you got 5 feet off the track, it was a little different. Let's say the dust was not a problem. El Nino has blessed the Buttonwillow area with over a year's worth of rain already this year. This meant our usual off-and-on's turned into off, way off, splash and slides. "Can ya help me pull this thing outa the mud?" was the rider's biggest question. They should have checked hip waders at tech.
All of the wet stuff gave our crew some extra fun. The Crew was in mid-season form. Everyone did a great job. Pickle flags were flying, and bikes were sinking everywhere. No place more than Turn 2. With the first lap festivities in the Formula II race and assorted other business, Turn 2 topped the opening day active list with 13 of the day's total of 24 riders down. With TM Dennis Baird, Jannette Aidnik on comm and big time handling by new guy, Jason Munn, it was just another day. Turn 11 was the off-and-on leader as usual. Many stylish variations by the riders left the crew of David Grismore and Erin Clarke and John Dede and the folks in the pits amazed. Not all of the action was off the track though, especially in Turn 11. That's where Cory Call made a last lap pass to win a great Formula Pacific race from Brian Parriot. At least 10 lead changes, almost everywhere on the track. Great stuff. And the new season is about new riders. One of the class went from slowest of the slow by a lot to passing a rider a lap in F-EZ on Sunday. Dropped his lap time from 3:15 to 2:41. That's 34 seconds. Still a ways to go, his class leaders are around 2:20, but nobody else came close to matching that.
Again a great job by everyone. Those who were there are the ones on the Die-Hard list for the year. This includes a great group of new workers. Joining us this weekend were Bob Beach, Stacy Wong, Jen Marshall, Phillip Thomas, Jason Munn, Nick Hoffman, Eugene Moiser, Craig Jones, Michael Edmiston and Tanisha. I heard good reports from the TM's about all of you. It was good to meet and work with each of you. I hope you make our weekends a regular part of your year's worth of fun. The DieHards, if you didn't notice the hats, are the turnworkers who make every AFM Sunday race for the year. These hats are prestigious and worn with pride by their owners. Nothing makes me happier than ordering A LOT of them at year's end.
Nuts and Bolts
A few key things for each thing we do on course:
Comm: Always have someone on the headsets, unless you're cleared for a break. Then make sure someone is back on well before bikes on course. Also have a pencil and paper handy too, for quick notes that can't be called in right away.
Flaggers: Have the yellow flag in your hand whenever bikes are on course. Tuck it under your arm so you can get it out FAST. The very next rider may really need to see it.
Handlers: Get friendly with your fire bottle. Take it wherever you go, unless you KNOW you don't need it (like going to a knee puck, to a bike that needs a push, or to the little blue room).
TM's: Make sure your folks are comfortable with what they have to do. Coach them. Help them to help everyone else.
Everyone: Watch, be safe, and have fun !!!
See you at Sears !!!

4th Newsletter...

Next Race: May 23-24, Sears Point, Hwys 37 & 121

First, I would like to thank all the families of all our workers for letting them out on Easter Sunday. This allowed us to help make racing motorcycles with the AFM one of the safest in the US of A. Second, I would like to thank our workers for being there on Easter Sunday. Third, I would like to thank the Easter Bunny #1 (AKA Barbara) for making all the Easter baskets for the workers. (For Easter Bunny #2 see elsewhere.) The weather reports said rain for Saturday and rain again Sunday afternoon. Saturday was beautiful; no rain during the day. On Sunday, toward the end of the day, it rained on our parade. But we still got in most of the raceday. And we saw some great racing too.

What an April! If you wanted roadracing every week you could get it without completely blowing the travel budget. The AMA and AHRMA seasons made their westward swings, but the month was started with the first AFM Sears Point race of the year. A new turn 7, a little weather, and a lot of fun. I got my first look at the track Thursday night, and what a difference. They were still grading the runoff areas. The riders paid it a healthy respect, with only a couple of mechanical problems up there until late in the day Sunday. Many new and different lines, some of them pretty fast. It changes Turn 8 too. ÔCanÕt wait to see The Chute.

While the weather wasnÕt quite up to expectations, the racing sure was. A prep for the National at the end of the month, so all the top club guys had their "A" stuff out there. Good production battles, some excellent Formula Pacific dices, and more action than anyplace else at the chicane. Steve Dalton, Brad Stewart and Sharon Kizziah kept the bales in order through a dozen down bikes. Turn 11 had almost as much action, with the crew of Ron Johnson, Jim Lowe and Monte Simmons. Everyone walked away Sunday, but friend of The Crew (and new rider instructor) Dave Norgard had a problem in turn 10 Saturday. He'll be fine when the leg knits. Best wishes from us all.

A big welcome to the new workers this weekend. Every one of you did a fine job, and with big smiles I hope you had a good time. Another hand for Rick Bales and Rick Easley in turn 2; Harlan Weishahn, Maxine Selesky and Kevin Davis from turn 3; Grant McGlashan from turn 5; and Tejon Stanley from turn 6. On Saturday Charla Gallop and John Bishop. You can all find your way back, right?

Then the rain, first a little, then enough to call it a day. Ten and a half out of twelve races was all that was going to happen that day. Great calls from everyone on the track let us get in as much we could for the day without putting the riders in a bad spot. That made a very good impression on all concerned, riders included. No complaints about too many or not enough laps.

Nuts and Bolts

This month - hand signals. Have you ever tried to make yourself heard over 45 GP bikes? Not gonna happen. So we use a pretty universal set of hand signals to communicate when our golden voices just won't do. There are hand signals for each flag in the bag, for help, for track crossing signals, and to pass on physical condition or any rider. These are all in the turnworker manuals. We cover them at the morning meetings too. But if you're not looking, you'll never get them. Whistles help to get people's attention out there. They help a lot. Bring one with you, and know who has one and where to look on your turn. When you hear one, take a look QUICKLY. I guarantee it's important. If you have any questions, ask anyone. If they donÕt know, both of you find someone who does.

Well, the good day has finally come. Ules was released from the hospital last Friday, April 17. He is staying at his mother's house until he can walk on his own. His house has many stairs and with daily trips to therapy and the such...

When I spoke with Ules today and he was very happy to be out and about. He was very grateful and wanted me to thank you from the bottom of his heart for the card and donations. Without a doubt, all of the support he has received, has helped his recovery. He is welcoming calls and visits. Everything can be directed to Ules himself at 510-724-5433. The address is 112 Variz Circle, Hercules, CA 94547.

Thanks again for everything everyone has done.

I know it's a little early to start pushing the season's fourth race at Thunderhill, but we're gonna need lots-o-workers. We will try to run the new sections of the racetrack (behind the pits). Bring some of your friends along with you to the next two races and get them trained. Anyone who brings us a new worker who works at least four races will receive a special spiff. This applies for the whole season, not just Thunderhill. See the list of hotels at the end.

The weather can be iffy, so be prepared for almost anything. Layers are the hot setup. Since we want to all look alike, please wear as much white outer clothes as you can get. No red, yellow or orange colors - you don't want to look like 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, binoculars, extra clothes, a hat, energy snacks, fruits, juices and a good loud whistle. The AFM can provide you with a whistle but you don't know whose lips were on it last. Please no alcohol during the races.

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 there!

5th Newsletter...

Race Notes - Doug Smith
Wasn't That Special ???
I keep hearing "Rider Down Turn 11" in my ears. That was the hot spot on an all-time busy day for The Crew, at least as far as the numbers go. Sixty-one, and at least one in every turn. Very minor rider damage though, which is always good news. One of the riders who was a part of that number said to me at the end of the day, "Gee, there seemed like a lot of crashes today." "How many do you think?" "Well, a few that pit near me, maybe 11 or 12 all together?" Then he nearly fell over again. What do they think we do all day? We beat that in Turn 11 with 13. TM Ron Johnson, kinda new guys Tejon Stanley and Gary Singer had quite a day, and handled it like pros. All the turns had business, and with the light Crew turnout, I couldn't have been happier with the way we handled things. A great job everyone. Thanks. And a special tip of the Die-Hard hat to my help on the headphones at Start-Finish, Ules Jackson. His recovery is going well, and he wasn't about to miss a second race. It was wonderful to have him back at the track.
I usually have some notes on races, but I was so busy doing my thing that I could only remember two winners. And the RC-45 that James Randolph was trying to get right. Blinding fast for 3 laps, then the electrical gremlins took over. The right ride, though, when they get it set.
Next is T-Hill. With enough workers we can run the new full course. Bring friends, make new freinds and bring them. Then bring them to Sears for the July race. Why go to Laguna for 4 or 5 races in one day with maybe 150 entries when we've got so much more? OK, those guys are pretty good. But our club is counting on us. So if you're not commited to Laguna, we'd love to see you at Sears that weekend even if we haven't seen you for a while. Take it away Phill !!!

6th Newsletter...

Next race July 11-12, Sears Point, Hwys 37 & 121, Sonoma.

I really can't remember having this weird kind of weather this late into the season. El Nino, La Nina, or what ever it's being called this week. I got your weather right here. Whoa! So what did you think of the new section of track at Thunderhill? Mick Housel was put out, by himself, in turn 12(?) without any track communication except his mouth, er, whistle, to keep the chicane bales straight. We may be renumbering the turns again at Thunderhill, so forget almost everything you know. This, however, is always subject to change.

A special thanks to all the new workers who came to help us run the full track at Thunderhill: Kerri Golden, Lisa Avants, Doug Matheson and Mark Lockaby. Many of them were getting a head start on their training to fill the open spots left by the MIA's going to the World Superbike at Laguna Seca. There is still lot of room for more workers. If you are going to World Superbike, try to send someone in your place to the AFM races at Sears Point. We are going to need a lot of workers.

Race Notes - Doug Smith
The New Thunderhill




Some new twist to the track greeted us for the June race. The riders loved the back section. The workers loved the landlines. With six extra turns we were happy to see all of the folks that turned out in white. Thunderhill weather ruled this weekend. Saturday was cool/cold most of the day. The busy spot was the cab of the crash truck, Don Alexander at the wheel, as every bike that ran off course got the big mud treatment, and wasn't rolling anywhere. Lots of assists on the pickup work everywhere. The world class barbecue sure took the edge off at the end of the day. Sunday dawned clear and calm, and everyone was thinking hot. Pretty soon we were thinking wind. That north wind pushed main straight speeds way up, and that made turn 1 our busy spot. Jim, Melanie and Guy had the biggest numbers with 12 reluctant visitors. Everyone was busy though. As a crew we did our usual great job. I hear this from the racers all the time. At the motel Saturday night a rider told me that if we didn't do what we do as well as we do it, they couldn't do what they do. He's right. You guys are the best! Let's keep it that way! Great racing, good fun, another great weekend, right? Oh, and Bruce found his tent.

Other news, I have moved, and The Hotline has moved with me. The new number is (925) 362-8974. A little further from Sears, but a lot closer to work. A bit of advise, if you live in a house for 14 years and want to move, start packing 6 months ahead. No less, don't even think about it.

Nuts and Bolts Flagging
Important 'How' Stuff:




Flags are to warn the riders of a hazardous situation on or near the track, and to protect workers and others on or near the track surface. Flags are our only way to tell the riders that something is happening ahead. The flags need to be seen, so riders need to know where to look. We hold a standing yellow flag at each turn for the first lap of the first session of the day to let the riders know where the flags will be. After that we cannot move them. At Thunderhill on Saturday we needed to move the checker from turn 10 to 11, and had to stop the day for a riders meeting to get the word out. So don't move your flag after you're set up. It's a very big deal. Racers have a lot going on, so they look to a spot instead of looking around. Hopefully there is a barrier, berm, or some haybales at the flag station, but there isn't always that way. Pick a safe spot and stick with it. (Editor's, Editor Note: Stirling Moss's dad overshot a turn in the 1940s when a trackside worker truck he was using for a braking marker moved downstream during a race. (Historical Note Of Vast Importance by Tommy the Trivia Buff))

Flags cover the area from your flag station to the incident or the next flag station, whichever comes first. If an incident, oil or debris spill is ahead of your station, call ahead and have the turn ahead display the flag. Don't move a flag - and yourself - to anyplace else unless it is to get out of the way of trouble. You should always be standing, not sitting, with the yellow flag in your hand, when bikes are on the track. Keep the debris, oil, and black flags handy, open, and invisible to the riders. You will need them quickly when it's time. Again, NEVER leave the flags or flag station with bikes on course. Keep in contact with your communicator. Do this by hand signals or by wearing a headset. If you don't have a headset, listen closely for whistles. Hand signals are in the worker's manual, and we go over them at every morning meeting. Descriptions of the flags and how to hold or wave them are in the manual too. If you haven't read it for a while, take the time.

It looks like three of our workers will be tying the knot. No, not all together. Not enough rope! Tying. Rope. Aw, never mind. Don Alexander (our crash truck driver) is engaged to Ardyth Neilsen (a second year worker). And Mick Housel (hard to describe, OK, almost a perennial DieHard) and Gay Bentley are also engaged. Mick is moving to the SouthLand and we'll probably only see him at the Buttonwillow races. Congrats to all of you. We wish you many years of happiness.

Our season is half over. The next two races are at Sears Point in July and August. The Saturday Endurance Race and Sunday Sprints happen when we return to Thunderhill in September. Last, but not least, our season finale in Buttonwillow in October. Which will include the Worker Appreciation Race Giveaway and BBQ. Remember that the July 11-12, race is on the same weekend as the World SuperBike at Laguna. We can use all the workers we can get at Sears Point. Mark your calendars. Reserve your rooms. Rotate your tires. Be there!

The weather can be iffy, so be prepared for almost anything. Layers are the hot setup. Since we want to all look alike, please wear as much white outer clothes as you can get. No red, yellow or orange colors. You don't want to look like a flag - you may be grabbed by the leg and thrown thusly. Long pants, sturdy shoes and no shorts. Some other good things to bring are: sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, binoculars, extra clothes, a hat, energy snacks, fruits, juices and a good loud whistle. The AFM can provide you with a whistle but you don't know whose lips were on it last. Please no alcohol during the races.

First, go to the front gate and sign the Gate Release form. Everyone, including campers, must sign the gate release each day they work. Be ready to show us your AFM Track Worker Card. If you don't have a one, get the application at Registration. Even if you have applied for an AFM Competition or Associate license you must fill out the Worker application. They are different. From there, proceed to Registration and sign the Track Worker Release form. Also for those of you who are near 18 years old, you must show us a drivers' license or ID card proving your age at least once. AFM keeps one copy of the release, you get the other. Take your copy to Start/Finish and you will be assigned to a turn. This will be the procedure both Saturday and Sunday. We will try to have a special area for track workers at Registration to speed things up. Please be early on racedays. Oh yeah, just one more thing, if you are a camper, a Gate Release form will be available at Start/Finish to sign.

The worker gates open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 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 the worker gate. The morning meeting starts at 7:15 at Pre-Grid on Saturday and Start/Finish on Sunday. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want. As usual some people have special needs that will be met while assigning turns. Attendance at all eight AFM races is mandatory for this year's Die-Hard 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 there!

7th Newsletter...

Everyone with the AFM would like to thank all those who sacrificed the World SuperBike at Laguna Seca to work with us. We had a few rookie workers tossed in with the veterans, but by Sunday we didn't miss a beat. A great many thanks to all of those who gave us a hand. I missed out on Saturday because of an inventory I had to do. But I made up for it on Sunday, doing double duty as Wave Slave and Handler for Ron Johnson in turn 11. If you ever get a chance to work it you will get a real good feeling inside from all the Thumbs-up and waves given by the racers coming off the track. I felt kind of like a Walmart Greeter. "Hi there." "Howareya doing?" "Great wheelie coming out of the hardware department." "Can I help you with that brake lever; it's a... dragging a little there." "You a... think you could pick it up a little. Others are backing up in the lingerie department." "Whoa! Look out! Hot one coming through." "Hey you, Wheelie Boy. Someone down in Security wants to see you!" What a super feeling. It's a shame that the racers can't do that all the way around the track so everyone can experience it. It is great to know that we are appreciated. I almost forgot how warm it got there. Compared to the 105-108's we've been getting in the valley this week it was almost balmy.

(Editors note: The Worker Hotline number was incorrect in the last newsletter. The correct number is 925 362-9032) We didn't make the CNN web site like the good folks at Laguna Seca, but there was plenty of good racing at Sears Point for our July AFM event. I guess I should get used to being amazed by the crew that we have, and the great things we do, but just when I think we might be in trouble, something special happens. With a lot of our worker talent headed south to Laguna, that something special was the job we did taking care of a busy full day practice and a full race Sunday on a sunny July weekend. Not that it was easy. Big oil in turn 3 Saturday, more in 8A Sunday, and more in 3 again on Sunday. But to me, our small and terrific group of workers was the news, handling everything the riders sent their way and having a great time doing it. Sunday Turn 7 was the busy spot with a dozen picks. Bruce Barnum and Ardyth Neilsen showed us a lot about what 2 can do. New and nearly new workers came up big-time after time. The riders knew it too. Lots of good comments and words of thanks were heard. Top marks to all !!! Thank you so much !!!

And the show? Take Formula 1, where there were 4 leaders in the last 3 laps, Take Formula Pacific where Jeff Short and Rob Mesa both came home ahead of Cory Call (Rob by almost a foot). Take Formula EZ (Editors note: Please) ( !!! - a guy in his second race ever, first at Sears, did a 1:57 !!!), and take the lunch time stunt riding shows both days. Jerry and Sean, two fellows from Ireland, did some outrageous wheelie, brakie, and 2-up stunts both days on pretty stock Suzuki 1100s. Barbara talked Cory Call into joining in the show on Sunday. Cory did one wheelie from turn 12 and held it all the way to the cones in 7 (yeah, that trick motor helps). Then Jerry almost matched that distance with Sean 2-up sitting and backwards, to past the cones at 6. Jerry was doing wheelstands and brakies sitting on the handlebars. Lots of donuts and burnouts from all three. The Crew and the crowd loved it. Great stuff. (Editors note: Just how many miles can you do a burnout before the tire goes blewie? Just to the end of the show. See the photo for the split Dunlop. They are looking for tire sponsors. Isn't everyone?)

Nuts and Bolts
Highlights of Handling




Dealing with incidents on the track is probably the most hazardous thing that we do, just because we are on or next to the racing surface. The first thing in everyone's mind has to be their own safety and the safety of their fellow workers. Your first instinct might be to get to the bike and rider fast, and then do what you need to do. If so, you might miss something extremely important, like other things that may be coming your way. Always - ALWAYS know it is safe to go when you make that decision. Look to your turn marshal for guidance if you have any questions or doubts. Positioning yourself correctly at the start of a session will minimize your exposure to trouble. See the Crash Page of this month's Roadracing World for a worker getting knocked down, when he would have been safe 2 steps to the right - and he was a flagger !!! Be on the side of the track where you expect the action to occur. Look before you jump, and keep looking when you go. Company comes by in a hurry. If they could go any faster, they would !!! And it sounds silly, but if one bike got off track to a certain spot, the next one could too.

So, things to do in the event of a crash or a rider stopping for a mechanical problem. Get a crossing signal if necessary, and go where you need to go - safely. Take a fire bottle to the incident. If you don't need it, and you probably won't, set it nearby and go to the bike. Keep looking around. See that the rider is OK. Get him, her, or them moving out of the way, or call for medical help. Keep looking around. Check the track for oil or debris. Use your hand signals to tell your communicator if there is any need for flags other than the yellows. Keep looking around. Make sure the motor is off - key or kill switch, and turn the gas off too. Remember that broken down or freshly crashed racing motorcycles are collections of hot, sharp, and loose pieces that might be covered with oil or gasoline, and they won't always work the way they did a minute or two earlier. This includes steering. brakes, clutch levers, and other parts that may come off in your hands. Get the bike stashed or covered with a haybale or two so it is safe to continue the session. Keep looking around. Pick up your fire bottle and get yourself to a safe place. Take a good deep breath, but you're not done yet. If there was oil or debris on course, you may need to deal with that immediately. Keep looking around. After that's clear, get the tech sticker from crashed bikes, decide if the bike can coast at the end of a session or if the crash truck is needed, and make sure you know the bike number. Hopefully nothing else has happened while you were busy. If something has, and it might, do what needs to be done first.

All these actions will happen faster than you read this. Sound like a lot? You bet. There are a lot of things going on in a corner even when there are no problems. They don't stop when a rider falls or pulls over. Keep yourselves safe first, and go from there.

Special thanks and welcome to our new workers: Doug Detrick, Turn 1; Lisa Avants, Mike Mullin and Paul Camino, Turn 2; Brett Whitman, Turn 3; Judy Mosher, Turn 4; Chuck Banks, Turn 8; Brian Folden, Turn 8A; Joe Gaffney, and Deborah Hayes, Turn 9; and Angel Torres, Turn 11; Also Kristal McClain in Turn 2 on Saturday. Thanks once again for taking the time to fill in for our MIA's. We couldn't have done it without you!

We have just one more race at Sears Point in August. Than the Saturday Endurance Race and Sunday Sprints happen when we return to Thunderhill in September. A special note for Motel Dwellers: some kind if Hot Rod Show will invade Willows on the same weekend. Get your reservations early. Last, but not least, our season finale in Buttonwillow in October. Which will include the Worker Appreciation Race Giveaway and BBQ. Mark your calendars. Reserve your rooms. Feed your pets. Be there!

The weather can be iffy, so be prepared for almost anything. Layers are the hot setup. Since we want to all look alike, please wear as much white outer clothes as you can get. No red, yellow or orange colors. You don't want to look like a flag - you may be grabbed by the leg and thrown thusly. Long pants, sturdy shoes and no shorts. Some other good things to bring are: sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, binoculars, extra clothes, a hat, energy snacks, fruits, juices and a good loud whistle. The AFM can provide you with a whistle but you don't know whose lips were on it last. Please no alcohol during the races.

First, go to the front gate and sign the Gate Release form. Everyone, including campers, must sign the gate release each day they work. Be ready to show us your AFM Track Worker Card. If you don't have a one, get the application at Registration. Even if you have applied for an AFM Competition or Associate license you must fill out the Worker application. They are different. From there, proceed to Registration and sign the Track Worker Release form. Also for those of you who are near 18 years old, you must show us a drivers' license or ID card proving your age at least once. AFM keeps one copy of the release, you get the other. Take your copy to Start/Finish and you will be assigned to a turn. This will be the procedure both Saturday and Sunday. We will try to have a special area for track workers at Registration to speed things up. Please be early on racedays. Oh yeah, just one more thing, if you are a camper, a Gate Release form will be available at Start/Finish to sign.

The worker gates open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 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 the worker gate. The morning meeting starts at 7:15 at Pre-Grid on Saturday and Start/Finish on Sunday. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want. As usual some people have special needs that will be met while assigning turns. Attendance at all eight AFM races is mandatory for this year's Die-Hard 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 there!

8th Newsletter...

Next race September 12 & 13, Saturday 4 Hour Endurance Roadraces and Regular Sunday Schedule Thunderhill Raceway. 1 Hour North of Sacramento on I-5.

I have to apologize to everyone because I pretty much had a brain fade about our last race. All I can remember is that it was hot, we had a good number of workers there, saw some great racing, and it took way too long to get home. I'll also cut this short because Doug has a great "Nuts and Bolts" about communication. One last thing, be sure to read the Up Coming Races paragraph about the Thunderhill race.

Track Notes - Doug Smith

It got hot early, it stayed hot, and the racing was just as hot. July at Sears gets that way - no disappointment this year. A very good crew turnout, some excellent work with tricky situations, and a few continuing themes. The oil came to turn 12 on Saturday, just so we wouldn't feel cheated. The turn 12 action Sunday featured a world class chicane rebuild during a race. Top marks to Bruce Barnum, Sandy Jones and Scott McKee. But the busy spot was turn 7 again, with John Dede, Michael Short (returning for the first time as a Turnworker. He spent many years before turning 18 helping the NMP's. He's also Quartermaster, Jim Short's son), new worker Stephanie Short (Michael's new bride), John Bishop and new worker, Christie Faure, was the welcoming committee. Lots of action and great work everywhere, though. I'll cut this section short this month, because there's a lot to go over in:

Nuts and Bolts - On the Headsets:

With one foot lightly on the soapbox, it's called Control for a reason. He, she, or they are the ones responsible for the safe conduct of a racing or practice event. One thing that is needed is the knowledge that the racetrack is "ready to start" or "OK to continue" with a race or practice session. The "OK to continue" part may be the most important, because things happen in a hurry. Decisions have to be made on the latest information available. Because of this, Control needs a consistent correct flow of information from all concerned about what's going on. That's why Control and every racer relies on every communicator around the track. The information has to flow, quickly, correctly, all day long. So it's not all about Control. It's all about communication.

So how can that happen? Questions and answers. Bringing up things as they happen. Talking things over with your co-workers, the communicators on other turns, and control. To hear and be heard, there is a comm system, hard wire or radio at each corner of each track we race. Use it. Make sure that someone is on communications at all times, whether bikes are on course or not (Repeat as many times as necessary!). You can't hear or be heard if a headset is on the ground next to you. Expect questions - there will be many. You are the eyes through which Control sees the day. So while bikes are on the track, always watch with great interest what is going on. Wondering about a date tonight, things at the office, or why you're not working Turn 11 today are all going to take your attention away from things that are going on. Things that could be VERY important.

Control needs to know the track is clear for each session, for the safety of the corner crews as well as for the riders. Track checks are the best way. Track checks are done corner by corner for course conditions. Starting with Turn 1, say that you are clear or if not, why not. Clear means if a group of racers started immediately, they could safely and without obstructions race through your turn. That means no crash trucks, ambulances, etc., and your crew is ready. Work around the track in order. Once you're clear, don't break in unless something changes. As communicators, you're the only ones that can do this.

But things usually change somewhere on the track several times during each session. Not always in the same place, sometimes not in a particular place all day long. But it's rare to have more than one session during a day where the only thing that happens is the clock or lap count runs out. So there will be incidents. Be ready. For incidents, call Control with the following: who you are and flag status, Turn 4, we're on a waving yellow, what happened and where, rider down, rider's left exit, rider's condition, rider up and OK, or, rider on track on line not moving, NMP's responding, track condition, track is clear, or bike and rider on line, oil and debris on line, the bike number when you get it, and what your crew is doing. If you don't have certain information like a bike number, say that you're checking, find out, and call it in. Make it clear if the rider is down, off mechanical, or off & on. And above all, if you need help, say so.

Speak clearly. Say the bike numbers one digit at a time, bike six four zero. Saying, turn twelve, is OK. Don't panic even if really bad things happen. It makes everyone less able to make the right decisions immediately.

Call in things that Control needs to know, including but not limited to: riders down, mechanical stops, bikes losing fluids or pieces, bad or dangerous riding, rain, deer, the need for an ambulance or crash truck, a request to stop a session (Control will make that decision). Work with other turns on covering flags and other help needed. You're part of a team with the other corners, not alone on an island for the day. Please call in other things, too, like if you're running out of water, a worker isn't feeling well, or any number of other things that come up.

This is a very team-oriented thing we do. Good communication is a big part of making your turn function as a part of a smoothly operating racetrack. You're not on the headset just to give you something to do, or because you can't pick up a Harley. It may be the most important thing we do. Certainly everything stops without it. Giving the racers the best possible place to race from one minute to the next, all day long, is the big picture. It takes a lot of big and little bits of information, quickly and correctly, to make that picture right.

September 12 & 13; Our annual Saturday 4-Hour Endurance Roadrace and Sunday Sprints. We need a full crew for both days. I said, we need a full crew for both days. Fifty Bucks for all who work both days. Two possible problems though. Number one: Hotel rooms are scarcer than a (you fill in here) because of a Hot Rod show in town. The Blue Gum in Willows, (530) 934-5401, may still have some rooms left, otherwise you'll be traveling south to Williams or east to Tehama. Number two: Barbara has been trying to get a BBQ set up for Saturday evening after the race. But Sonja and Doug will be out of town and it seems that the Hot Rodders are good eaters too. And as I go to press, Barbara has had little luck in finding anyone willing to come out and BBQ for us. If we are unable to secure a BBQ for Saturday, we'll put a few more extra bucks in the envelopes for you on Sunday (those who work both days). We need a full crew of workers because we are running the long course. Be sure to bring plenty of friends and family. We can use all the help we can get. Last, but not least, our season finale in Buttonwillow in October. Which will include the Worker Appreciation Race Giveaway and BBQ. Mark your calendars. Reserve your rooms. Feed your pets. Be there!

Special thanks and welcome to our new workers not already mentioned: LaVonne Giacomini, (Mark's Daughter) in turn 3, Malcolm Early and Pam Woods from turn 10 And last but not least Suzie Short (Jim Short's Daughter)(Isn't it great to see the families spending the day together at the track? Kinda brings a tear to my eyes) helping out Ron Johnson in turn 11. We couldn't have done it without you!

The weather can be iffy, so be prepared for almost anything. Layers are the hot setup. Since we want to all look alike, please wear as much white outer clothes as you can get. No red, yellow or orange colors. You don't want to look like a flag - you may be grabbed by the leg and thrown thusly. Long pants, sturdy shoes and no shorts. Some other good things to bring are: sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, binoculars, extra clothes, a hat, energy snacks, fruits, juices and a good loud whistle. The AFM can provide you with a whistle but you don't know whose lips were on it last. Please no alcohol during the races.

First, go to the front gate and sign the Gate Release form. Everyone, including campers must sign the gate release each day they work. Be ready to show us your AFM Track Worker Card. If you don't have a one, get the application at Registration. Even if you have applied for an AFM Competition or Associate license you must fill out the Worker application. They are different. From there, proceed to Registration and sign the Track Worker Release form. Also for those of you who are near 18 years old, you must show us a drivers' license or ID card proving your age at least once. The AFM keeps one copy of the release, you get the other. Take your copy to Start/Finish and you will be assigned to a turn. This will be the procedure both Saturday and Sunday. We will try to have a special area for track workers at Registration to speed things up. Please be early on racedays. Oh yeah, just one more thing, if you are a camper, a Gate Release form will be available at Start/Finish to sign.

The worker gates open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 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 the worker gate. The morning meeting starts at 7:15 at Pre-Grid on Saturday and Start/Finish on Sunday. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want. As usual some people have special needs that will be met while assigning turns. Attendance at all eight AFM races is mandatory for this year's Die-Hard 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 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!

9th Newsletter...

The Correct New and Improved Worker HotLine (925) 362-9032

E-mail: phillb@ns.net The Crew web site http://www.afmracing.org/crew.html

Next Race: October 10-11, Buttonwillow Raceway. East of Bakersfield on I-5.

If it's the weekend, and it's hot, and we're running an enduro, and it's September. It must be Thunderhill! And what a weekend it was. We were spread a little thin, but during the enduro a few racers picked up the slack and on Sunday a few extra regular Crew members joined us. We had two turns staffed by just one person, Kerri Golden in turn 4 and Ron Johnson in turn 7. With no one to assist them or give them a break during the day, we appreciate your sacrifice. (Well maybe not Ron Johnson. He keeps interrupting the morning meeting joke. (This may not be a bad thing)). What a hot weekend. We went through a lot of water. Oh yeah, and the other stuff. Hats off to you!! Also hats off to the AFM for the BBQ on Saturday and extra bucks for all workers on Sunday. Thank you!

Doug Smith - Track Notes

Sunny and Clear

Well, we weren't worried about rain. Our second trip north to Thunderhill brought us sunny skies, really sunny skies. Both Saturday and Sunday brought hot weather to match the racing. Saturday was short on practice time because of the 4-hour in the afternoon. Good racing in all of the classes throughout the race, as well as at the front of the pack. Gary Jaehne's team came out on top of the overall scoring by about 15 seconds at the end of the day. Our crew, aces as usual. There were 11 down riders during the race, starting early and ending with team that fell in turn 8 while the checker was out at start - finish. Turn 11 had 3 visitors, turns 8 and 5 two each, and 1, 12, and S/F one each. I hope your cleanups were all easier than the one we had. Fifteen minutes later we were still sweeping and finding pieces. The best part of the day? At the end of the race when all of you were coming in on the crash truck, and hearing the applause and cheers from the riders along the pit lane. I hear that sort of thing from riders one at a time all year long. I'm glad you heard it to this time. Oh and the barbecue, killer. Thank you AFM.

Sunday was even sunnier, what fun. Turn 11 was the busy spot again with Bruce Barnum and Brad Stewart doing what they did on Saturday, handling it like pros. The racing was just what you'd expect with 2 to go in the season. Lots of action up in the points races. The run for the #1 plate is very close to decided, as Cory Call had a motor go away in practice. He dropped out of Formula Pacific on a borrowed bike while running sixth. That meant that up front Jeff Short had things his way. So Jeff has the lead but not a lock going to Buttonwillow. Most of the points races will head south for the finale' A few like Formula II (Dave Mason), 450 Prod (Dennis Presiloski), and 605 Twins (Shawn Riley) are pretty well sewn up. But most everything else has yet to be decided. Make your Buttonwillow plans now to see how it turns out. Also at Buttonwillow the 98 DieHard hats will be awarded. An awesome exclusive group this year, as always.

Another T-Hill highlight was to see Janette (a 98 DieHard), Enzo and their new son Chase. Congratulations to all three and best wishes for everything. Those hats can come in small sizes, you know.

So make your road trip plans. Buttonwillow is worker appreciation day. Great gifts are rolling in. And the racing will be the best. Hope to see you all there.

Our last race is at Buttonwillow. It's about 200 miles south and east of nowhere. Actually it's about 25 miles west of Bakersfield on Highway 5. A heavy-duty long-sleeve T-shirt will be given to all workers on Saturday and extra bucks (60 of them to be exact) for those who spend the whole weekend with us. For those of you attending remember to bring almost everything. There's not much there but motels (for a list of nearby motels please look elsewhere), truck stops and fast food places. Oh yeah, and a race track too. And whatta track it is! If you count all of the kinks and twists of the track, there are about 175 turns (downgraded from previous estimates of around 250). So imagine the number workers we're going to need - it boggles the mind. We'll staff about 11 turn stations. We are going to need all of the workers we can get. RV hookups and camping is available at the track.

If you need or can share a ride to Buttonwillow, please call the Worker Hotline (925) 362-9032. We will try to put people together in various places and times of departure.

Here's the list so far: Don Alexander, Pete Barnum, Dale Boender and John Dede. Our list is a little short this year because of scheduling conflict with World Superbike at Laguna Seca. Our hats off, er, hats on (DieHard hats that is) to these folks; if they show up to Buttonwillow anyway. If you should be on this list, but aren't, please contact me ASAP. My computer might have burped or something.

Only workers who do not receive the "We Miss You" notices will receive 1999 Worker Applications. All others will be put on the inactive list and dropped from the newsletter unless you return the "We Miss You" card by November 30. Please note that there is a box to check on the "We Miss You" form if you want us to send you a 1999 worker application. People who get this newsletter on-line can e-mail me a request for an application.

The weather can be iffy, so be prepared for almost anything. Layers are the hot setup. Since we want to all look alike, please wear as much white outer clothes as you can get. No red, yellow or orange colors. You don't want to look like a flag - you may be grabbed by the leg and thrown thusly. Long pants, sturdy shoes and no shorts. Some other good things to bring are: sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, binoculars, extra clothes, a hat, energy snacks, fruits, juices and a good loud whistle. The AFM can provide you with a whistle but you don't know whose lips were on it last. Please no alcohol during the races.

First, go to the front gate and sign the Gate Release form. Everyone, including campers must sign the gate release each day they work. Be ready to show us your AFM Track Worker Card. If you don't have a one, get the application at Registration. Even if you have applied for an AFM Competition or Associate license you must fill out the Worker application. They are different. From there, proceed to Registration and sign the Track Worker Release form. Also for those of you who are near 18 years old, you must show us a drivers' license or ID card proving your age at least once. The AFM keeps one copy of the release, you get the other. Take your copy to Start/Finish and you will be assigned to a turn. This will be the procedure both Saturday and Sunday. We will try to have a special area for track workers at Registration to speed things up. Please be early on racedays. Oh yeah, just one more thing, if you are a camper, a Gate Release form will be available at Start/Finish to sign.

The worker gates open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 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 the worker gate. The morning meeting starts at 7:15 at Pre-Grid on Saturday and Start/Finish on Sunday. The earlier the better for getting the turn you want. As usual some people have special needs that will be met while assigning turns. Attendance at all eight AFM races is mandatory for this year's Die-Hard 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 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!

Next race: 1999....

Sorry, I couldn't help it. Once again thanks to all of the workers who made the pilgrimage to Buttonwillow. It was a real long haul for some (Pete Barnum, Carson City NV). The weather held out for us once again. Everyone had a great time at the Worker Appreciation BBQ and Raffle (see elsewhere for details). Race Director, Barbara Smith, kept the races moving right along and it wasn't long befor the checkered flag on Formula EZ. Then we turned around and headed back home. Mission accomplished!

Race Notes - Doug Smith

98's Last Waltz - Buttonwillow

Our last 98 race weekend was like a snapshot of the whole year. The things we did reflected the way we worked our way through a successful season. The road trip to the track and back, the friendly faces both new and familiar, the kinda thin but excellent crews on each corner, the way that everyone pulled together to make the day happen, and most important, the smiles. Buttonwillow Saturday was Worker Appreciation Day. Everyone there took home shirts, hats, great gifts, and all the barbecue sauce they could handle. After head-of-the-line privileges for a great catered barbecue dinner, we handed out the loot to the applause of all the workers - tech, scoring, and the rest - and most of the riders from Saturday's practice. Just perfect.

Race day Sunday was for all of the class trophies, except for about 3 that were nailed down at Thunderhill. The Number 1 plate was still in doubt, but not too much, as Cory Call without his best motor needed an unlikely DNF from Jeff Short. Didn't happen, and the consistent and very fast Mr. Short walked away with Formula Pacific to get to the top of the AFM ladder. Congratulations. Good races too numerous to mention, and the day was exciting all the way through Formula EZ. Yes, really! Big warm-up lap off & ons, and one guy who just couldn't wait, and headed for turn 1 at the 1 sign. Barbara caught him, laughed a lot, and made him wiser in the ways of the start. Then more barbecued ribs and chicken after the race Sunday. It wasn't pretty, tons'a sauce everywhere, but it sure was good.

So the year was good. It was a lot of travel, a bit more work than it would have been with a few more folks each race, but the service we put out for the racers was first class for at least the 15th year in a row. A special DieHard mention goes to Dale Boender. For the workers on the track, many came close but he was the only guy to get a hat. Thanks to Dale, and to everyone else whether you made one race or seven. And a hand to the Saturday folks for the practice and Enduro work. Each of you on every day made a difference in a good way. The riders and the club really appreciate your efforts. We hope you all find your way back next year.

Steve Hamilton from turn 1, Hollie Thompson from turn 6, John Maddox from turn 8, and last but not least, Steve Demopoulos from turn 9. Thanks for making the long drive to Buttonwillow to close out our season. Also returning worker Linda Pauli made an appearance after a few years off. Thanks Linda for your return, we really needed the extra help.

Thank you AFM for the great BBQ. And what a haul of gifts for the Worker Appreciation Raffle: CD Walkman, Lake Tahoe Cruise, lots-o-booze, Regular and Synthetic oil, rhyming gift certificates, regular gift certificates, Helimot tool and jumpercable bags, soft ice chests, and enough t-shirts hats and other stuff for everyone to walk off with quite a haul. Plus an extra ten bucks each in everyone's pay envelope and a long sleeve track official shirt. Thanks to everyone who donated to the raffle. It's great to see all of the great ideas and stuff you brought for the workers.

Saturday, December 5, is the date for this year's AFM Awards Banquet. It will be held at the Willow Park Golf and Country Club in Castro Valley. 6:00 p.m. no host cocktails, 7:00 buffet dinner and the awards ceremony starts at 7:30. The cost is $25.00 per person. Call Barbara Smith at (510) 796-7005 to make reservations. I know this is kind of late notice but I waited until we had the schedule (see elsewhere) pretty firm before printing it.

Another AFM season comes to a close. It seemed to fly by. It started with the El Nino Invitational in March at Buttonwillow, and ended back there in October. Our Easter Sunday race was the best attended by workers and the race that conflicted with WSB at Laguna Seca the worst. And don't forget about the marathon of events in April. It's good that we get the winter to rest up (for some of us). Looking at next year's schedule (see elsewhere) it looks like April will be real busy again. About the biggest change this year is that there are no conflicts with any of the other Northern California Motorcycle Racing events (yea!) (if the schedule stays firm). One other change of note is that we will end our season at Thunderhill, late in October. We will also have the 4 Hour Endurance race and the Worker Appreciation Race and BBQ on Saturday of the October, Thunderhill event.

If the AFM, Doug or I haven't said it already, THANK YOU! Thank you for a great season. Thank you for taking yourself away from your other commitments, friends and families to help make the track safer for everyone. Thanks to your friends and families for sharing you with us on racedays. Thank you for your sacrifices and hardships and still being there. The long hours, hot, cold, wet and/or windy weather, some weak lunches, great BBQs, good friends and fantastic racing. Once again it is a pleasure to serve with you. It's with great pride that I hear from everyone just how much they appreciate you and race more comfortably knowing that you are out there on the turns. You are the BEST! Please return the enclosed Worker Application ASAP. I'll mail out a postcard schedule reminder in late January. So until 1999, have a happy holiday season.