Below is the typical sequence of events once you arrive at the track.

1.   Pay the gate fee to obtain your weekend wrist band and sign the wavier. Usually any camping fees are paid at this time too.

2.   Proceed to registration with your AMA and AHRMA cards to pick up your registration papers for the weekend of racing. Note: Ensure the race number on the form and the number on the respective bike is correct. These are the numbers used to score the bike. Also check to ensure you are entered in the correct class. Notify registration prior to posting the grids of any corrections.

3.   Present your leathers, boots, gloves, helmet and back protector at the tech garage for inspection. Note: You will be given a leathers tech receipt that can be used for the rest of the season.

4.   Present your motorcycle, leathers tech receipt and registration papers for inspection at the tech area. Note: You must bring your registration papers and motorcycle to tech each day for inspection. If you race Saturday and Sunday you will go through tech twice, once on Saturday morning and once on Sunday morning.

5.   Tech will place you in the appropriate practice group, designated by a colored sticker on your motorcycle’s front number plate. Note: Usually there are three or four practice groups, going from slowest to fastest bikes, with one rotation of practice per hour. Typically there are three complete rotations of practice before the lunch break. If you are a new racer or getting accustomed to a new motorcycle, you can request to be placed in a slower practice group.

6.   The daily riders meeting will typically be held during the lunch break. Attendance is mandatory!

7.   Check the grid sheets during the lunch break for your grid/start assignment(s).

8.   Check the result sheets after your race(s). You have 30 minutes after the results are posted to submit a written protest to tech.

Also…

• New racers must wear an orange vest for their first four races (see photo). AHRMA also has orange t-shirts that can be purchased for $10 and worn over your leathers. Both the vests and shirts are available at tech.

• Read and understand the rulebook before you get to the racetrack. In addition to the class requirements found in Section 10, pay particular attention to Section 9 and parts that cover such things as lockwiring and number plate colors. If you are uncertain about any requirements or class structures, contact a member of the Rules & Eligibility Committee.

• If you need to get the correct number or the right color number plate, check with tech. They have all numbers and most plates.

• Everyone note: If you have forgotten your AMA card but know the number, the AMA has this to say: You must PRESENT your AMA card and if you don't, you must buy a renewal which will be added to your current membership, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Track days versus practice days

There is a difference in the two. Basically a track day (or, a track-run practice day) is run by the track not AHRMA.  This means that all AHRMA racers and anyone else the track sees fit to ride may be on the track. The track sets the rules, speed groups and technical specifications and regulations.

The above could mean that on a track day (not run by AHRMA) some of the bikes on the track may not be race ready or may be very different than the bikes the AHRMA racer is used to practicing with during an AHRMA practice. Also, a track day could give a rider an opportunity to ride his street bike on a track.

An AHRMA practice day is run by AHRMA, usually the day before the race weekend.  AHRMA regulates which racers ride on the track. AHRMA sets the rules, speed groups and technical specifications and regulations. On an AHRMA practice day all bike on the track must comply with AHRMA rules and regulations as stated in the AHRMA handbook. This includes belly pans, lock wire, sound requirements and technical inspection.

Thanks to Bruce Brown for getting this page started.
Photo: Matt Benson