Road Race First-Timer Notes and Tips – What To Expect Your First Time Racing with AHRMA
Below is the typical sequence of events once you arrive at the track.
- Gate. Pay the gate fee to obtain your weekend wrist band and sign the waiver. Usually any fees (camping, electric, garage) are paid at this time unless available to pay online.
- Registration. If you have not entered online in advance of arriving at the track, proceed to registration.
- Tech Inspection. Proceed to Tech Inspection.
- Each bike you plan to ride must be teched, and must have a tech form which accompanies it.
- Present your leathers, boots, gloves, helmet and back protector for inspection.
- Your helmet date of manufacture MAY NOT exceed 60 months. Check the AHRMA Handbook for which minimum helmet standard is required.
- Tech will place you in the appropriate practice group, designated by a numbered sticker on your motorcycle’s front number plate.
- Usually there are five practice groups, going from slowest to fastest bikes.
- Check the race schedule for number of practice rounds per day (usually 4 on Friday starting at 9am, 2 Saturday morning and 1 Sunday morning both starting at 8am).
- If you are a new racer or getting accustomed to a new motorcycle, you can request to be placed in a slower practice group.
Note: You will be given a medical card and lanyard which you are required to wear at all times. This card is stamped on the back and serves as your leathers tech receipt that can be used for the rest of the season.
- Riders’ Meetings. There will be a mandatory rider’s meeting at 8am Friday, a race meeting at 11:15am Saturday. Participants will be notified over the PA prior to the start of each meeting.
- Race Grids. On race day(s), preliminary grids will be announced and you will have 30 minutes to review and request changes. Preliminary and final grid postings will be announced.
- Race schedule. Racing normally starts at noon on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday. Check the race schedule as this is subject to change and may vary between venues.
- Race Calls. Listen for your race to be announced. You will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd (and final) calls. Head to pit out at 3rd call. Bring a portable radio and learn at the rider’s meeting what station the announcer is on in case the PA is not audible.
- Results and Protesting. Check the result sheets after your race(s). You have 30 minutes after the results are posted to submit a written protest to 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 safety wiring and number plate colors. If you are uncertain about any requirements or class structures, contact a member of the Rules & Eligibility Committee for your class category (Committee members are found here).
If you need to get the correct number or the right color number and or number plate, check with tech. They have all numbers and most plates available for purchase.