Jim Korn, Trustee Candidate (Eastern Region)

I was born in Gainesville, FL and raised in Indianapolis. I graduated from Purdue as an electrical engineer in 1981. I spent 32 years working in the defense industry and spent most of my career with Lockheed Martin. I began racing with AHRMA in 2016 and will never forget my rookie weekend at Roebling. I showed up with a newly built production bike and brand new shiny leathers, gloves, and helmet – you could see me coming from a mile away. I was anxious, excited, and fearful all at the same time. After the race school, I took a deep breath and really enjoyed the racing that weekend. Over the next five years we would make scores of new friends traveling the country from February through October loving every minute. In 2017, we attended every road race event logging over 15,000 miles, what an adventure.

In 2019, I took a more active role working as a Technical Inspector and mentoring new riders. I enjoy regular interaction with board members and our volunteer staff who work tirelessly for our benefit. I am eager to learn more about how our off-road organization works, understand their issues, and attend some events to meet racers and experience this side of AHRMA.

2020 was a year of transition for AHRMA. I attended the board meeting at Barber in October 2019 having already decided to run for trustee last year. I attended again this October and witnessed some very positive changes for the organization that position us well for the 2021 season and beyond. AHRMA ended the year in sound fiscal position despite the challenges of Covid-19. AHRMA still managed to conduct a successful 7 event road race schedule. Our off-road program had a robust schedule and plans are in place to increase Dirt Track participation by the addition of three new classes. AHRMA will be hosting three self-promoted, multi-discipline Motofest events for 2021. Open to all active racers, AHRMA will be introducing a new Grand National Championship program involving multi-disciplined teams that will compete at all Motofest events and at Barber.

The inaugural Motofest event was originally planned for this past May at Heartland Motorsports Park. My wife Terri and I were asked to be coordinators for this event. Unfortunately due to the shutdown, it was postponed to 2021 but we made significant strides toward finalizing the planning, staffing, marketing, and advertising. This effort forged a template for conducting future events. It was a great experience for Terri and I as we got to meet officials and participants from all race disciplines, coordinate with our roadrace and off-road directors, track management, local enthusiasts and businesses, and develop partnerships with future sponsors.

I am so fortunate to have a spouse who loves racing as much as I do. She has also been bitten by the vintage bug. She currently is a sidecar passenger on multiple rigs. Terri can also be heard many weekends over the PA system singing the National Anthem to kick off the race day.

I am encouraged by the recent accomplishments of the 2020 board of trustees and believe they bode well for AHRMA’s future. Members have raised significant concerns that deserve a voice and should be discussed. There are a lot of passionate folks in AHRMA, it is that passion that can forge creative solutions to complex problems. I believe we are a stronger organization today than when I joined 5 years ago.

I want to be part of AHRMA’s future and give back to this organization that has given so much to me and Terri. Thank you for your consideration.

Jim Korn
kornjk2500@netscape.net
407.494.8204