Cover TBD - Central Roadracing Association
Transcription
Cover TBD - Central Roadracing Association
Cover TBD Wishing all the racers, volunteers and spectators good luck, fast bikes and a safe 2016 race season. Specializing in finding soluti ons for complex prob lems through redesign, eng ineering, machining & fabrication anytime, anyw here. www.WWMW Inc.com WorldWide Machining & Welding, Inc. Superior, WI Table of Contents Welcome to the CRA Family 1 2016 Schedule 2 BIR Track Map 3 Track Tour! 4-8 2015 Top-10 Experts 9 - 10 2015 Top-10 Novices 11 - 12 Categories 13 Classes 14 How Fast Are They Going? 15 Race Formats 16 Flags - What Do They Mean? 17 2016 Pricing 18 Fun for the Whole Family 19 Special Events 20 General Rules 22 Would You Like to See the Track from a Racer’s Perspective? 23 Wanna Race? 26 Fast Facts 27 - 28 No Such Thing as a Free Lunch 29 We Can’t Do It Without You! 30 Board of Directors and Staff 32 - 34 About Us 35 Cover image courtesy of Jill Manners III Welcome to the CRA Welcome to the Central Roadracing Association! In this season program you’ll find all sorts of useful - and possibly some useless - information about spectating, volunteering, and racing with the CRA. The CRA was formed more than forty-five years ago and is one of the oldest organizations of its type in the country. Our mission is simple: to promote the benefits of amateur motorcycle roadracing. But what are those benefits? Competition, knowledge, self-satisfaction and camaraderie, to name a few. The competition between racers can get extremely intense and some of the riders that you’ll see have the skill to run at, or near the front of National-level races. Knowledge and self-satisfaction are somewhat tied together and every weekend you’ll see racers and mechanics trying to get the best performance out of the engine, electronics, chassis and suspension. Making the right decision on bike setup can give a similar level of satisfaction to a mechanic as the effect of a rider pushing his personal limits on-track just a little further can give to them. However, many workers and riders will agree that the biggest benefit of the CRA is camaraderie. While you’re here with us, take some time to walk through the paddock and introduce yourself to the riders or after the races find some of the volunteers in white shirts; time and time again you’ll hear that the thing people look forward to most during a CRA weekend is the people they get to be around. While you’re watching the races from various points of the track, take a look around you. On each corner you’ll see corner marshals monitoring on-track activity. They spend their days tending to crashed motorcycles and riders (along with our experienced safety and medical crews), and communicating track conditions to racers through the use of flags. If you’re in the paddock area you may see some members of race control or technical inspection near the control tower or at the entrance to pit lane. No matter where you are, you’ll likely see a CRA worker in their white t-shirt. Every one of these people are critical to operating a race weekend and every single one of them is a volunteer. That’s right, the spirit of the club’s early days lives on today with volunteers making up 100% of the workforce. We are always looking for additional volunteers and we’ve definitely got a position for you to fill. We offer free training for all of our worker positions and the CRA covers admission and camping expenses for all workers. If you would like more information on how to get involved, please seek out any race official. They can put you in contact with the appropriate person for your area of interest. Are you interested in joining us as a racer? We hold multiple New Rider Schools each season. Visit our website at www.cra-mn.com/wordpress/newracers or email racerliaison@cra-mn.com for more details on how to get started. Whether you join us today as a spectator, racer or worker, we thank you for joining us and hope you enjoy the action! 1 2016 Schedule May 13-15 Friday, May 13 Practice, New Rider School, New Rider Race Saturday, May 14 Practice, Sprint Races Sunday, May 15 Practice, Sprint Races June 10-12 Friday, June 10 Practice, New Rider School, New Rider Race Saturday, June 11 Practice, Sprint Races Sunday, June 12 Practice, Sprint Races July 1-3 @ Road America Friday, July 1 Practice, Team Challenge Race Saturday, July 2 Practice, Sprint Races, AMA Grand National Championships Sunday, July 3 Practice, Sprint Races, AMA Grand National Champtionships July 15-17 *Special Event: Framstad Cup, Sunday at 9:30am Friday, July 15 Saturday, July 16 *Sunday, July 17 Practice, New Rider School, Practice, Sprint Races Practice, Framstad Cup, New Rider Race Sprint Races August 26-28 Friday, August 26 Practice, New Rider School, New Rider Race Saturday, August 27 Practice, Sprint Races Sunday, August 28 Practice, Sprint Races September 23-25 *Special Event: 5-hour Endurance, Sunday at 12pm Friday, September 23 Saturday, September 24 *Sunday, September 25 Practice, New Rider School, Practice, Sprint Races Practice, 5-Hour New Rider Race Endurance Race Each weekend our exact schedule changes, so be sure to pick up a weekend race schedule at the front gate. The information listed above is provided to give you a general idea of what we do each day, and is subject to change. Weekend Race Results are available online at: cra-mn/mylaps.com 22 Brainerd International Raceway TO NISSWA 3.1-Mile Donnybrooke Road Course B GATE Turn 13 Turn 9 FRONT GATE AND OFFICE Turn 7 Turn 10 Turn 11 Turn 5 3.1-MILE ROAD COURSE 2.5-MILE ROAD COURSE HWY 371 NORTH BRIDGE Turn 1 2.5-Mile Competition Road Course Turn 8 NORTH Turn 12 Turn 6 Turn 4 Turn 2 FROM MINNEAPOLIS Turn 3 Track records: Competition Course: 1:35.010 by Jason Farrell Donnybrooke Course: 1:40.481 by Kyle Ohnsorg 3 Track Tour! BIR offers many great vantage points to watch racing. To make sure you don’t miss anything here is a guide to help you enjoy the action. Turn 1 – Ahh, the legendary turn 1. Turn 1 in the Donnybrooke configuration is the fastest turn on any roadcourse in the country, with the fastest bikes pushing 190mph before turn entry. Definitely try to spend some time here, it’s especially exciting watching the entire pack dice for position at the start of a race. If you listen ©Jessica Johnk closely, you will be able to hear who backs off and who doesn’t. Brandon Punt leads Sean Edgett into turn 1. Turn 2 – Some riders will tell you that turn 2 is more challenging than turn 1. Riders begin this turn at approximately 140mph dragging their knee throughout. The friction between the track and the knee sliders at those speeds has been known to turn hard plastic sliders into a molten mess by the end of a race. It’s also worth noting that some of the faster Unlimited class riders will actually spin their rear tire all the way through turn 2 in order to help them steer the bike. Keep an eye out for some of ©Jessica Johnk the Unlimited class front runners to see if there is smoke coming off of their rear tire as they spin Blake Kirchner stalks Greg Kastner through it up! Turn 2. Turn 3 – The first “slow” corner on the track. If you watch near the entrance to the turn, you can see the faster riders lifting their rear wheels into the air as they brake as hard as possible. Since this is the first turn that riders brake for after the start of a race ©Jessica Johnk there is always a fair share of excitement, and crashes, Jake Schmotter (36) leads Drew See as the mass of riders charge into this great passing (871) and Harry Jensen (hidden) as they zone. go three-wide through Turn 3. ©Cat’s Eye Photography Turn 4 – The bleachers here offer a great vantage point of turns 3-6 and are a great location to see a good portion of the lap. When the Donnybrooke configuration is being used, look behind you towards turn 1 as the riders speed through. Seeing them flash between the trees will give you a much better appreciation of how fast they’re actually traveling. Justin Pittman dives to the apex of Turn 4 in front of John Roswick. 44 Track Tour! Turn 5 – The layout of the turn 4/5 combination lends itself to some aggressive passing in turn 5 as there are multiple lines to negotiate through this turn. Some riders enter turn 5 on the inside of the corner to block a potential passing opportunity for the riders behind them, but in doing that they won’t be able to exit as quickly giving the riders behind a chance to out-power them on the run to turn 6. A strategic corner that can provide great excitement! ©Cat’s Eye Photography Brett Folkerts at speed through Turn 6. ©Jessica Johnk Adam Knauer piloting his Ninja 250 through turn 5. Turn 6 – The bleachers here are a great place to watch from, especially if you have binoculars. Sitting in the top left-hand corner will allow you to look upstream at the action from turn 1 through turn 3. You’ll also be able to watch the bikes from the exit of turn 3 all the way to the entrance into turn 7 from this vantage point. Turn 7 – This corner requires a rider to put a lot of trust in the front tire of his motorcycle as they begin slowing down for turn 8 while still turning through the left-handed turn 7. This corner will allow you to see who is the most comfortable with the setup of their ©Cat’s Eye Photography bike as the riders that are confident in their machine will negotiate the turn visibly quicker Jordan Imrie leads Harry Jensen, Dave Gygax, Kyle than those that aren’t. Dahl, Brett Donahue and Bob Barton out of Turn 7. **The track separates in turn 8. The remainder of the Competition Course highlights begin on the next page while the Donnybrooke Course highlights are listed after the Competition Course highlights.** 5 Track Tour! Competition Course Turn 8 – The Carousel. One of the most popular places to watch the action from is from the paddock area by The Carousel (and The Joker). It begins its life on the Donnybrooke course but continues turning right where the Donnybrooke course goes straight. High lean-angles are the order of the day in this corner. The Carousel leads into Turn 9, otherwise known as The Joker, and ©Cat’s Eye Photography lends itself to some great passing maneuvers – and showcases the results of failed great passing Jesse Nelson pushing his Ninja 250 to the limit through The Carousel. maneuvers! ©Jessica Johnk Turn 9 – The Joker. This very tight left hand turn was added to the track to change the trajectory of the motorcycles and prevent them from exiting The Carousel pointed directly at the wall on the rider’s right. The Joker is one of the more difficult turns on the track for riders because they have to slow dramatically toward the end of the turn while still leaned over. Justin Ebnet dives into the Joker. Turn 10 – This is the beginning of the final combination of turns before the finish line (the finish line is located between turn 11 and turn 12 on the Competition Course). A race can be won or lost depending on the rider’s line through ©Twisted Light Photography turn 10 as that will directly affect their ability to Jon Graus powers into turn 10. accelerate out of turn 11. ©Cat’s Eye Photography Turn 11 – The last corner before the finish line means the last chance to make a pass before the end of the race. This is a deceptively fast corner and when bikes go down here, they usually go down hard. Some skilled riders have even crossed the finish line in the grass between the paddock and the racetrack after an overexuberant attempt through this turn! Jes Schwartz charges through Turn 11 in front of John Smrecek. 66 Track Tour! Turn 12 – One of the premier spectating points on the track is from either side of the bridge going over the track just after turn 12. This corner is one of the best passing opportunities on the track. It’s a very tricky corner that will showcase a rider’s skill level and riding discipline ©Twisted Light Photography as it is very easy to brake for the corner too late Kyle Ohnsorg makes a move on Scott Stall into and end up in the grass. Turn 12. Turn 13 – Exiting this corner correctly is very important to a rider’s lap time as it is followed by the longest straightaway on the track. Look for riders to set up the pass of the rider in front of them by initiating the turn slightly later to be able to begin accelerating earlier than their competition on the way to Turn 1. ©Jessica Johnk Andrew Bean looking through turn 13. Donnybrooke Course Turn 8 – Turn 8 leads onto the short straightaway approaching turn 9. Holding high corner speed and being able to quickly accelerate out of turn 8 will allow you to set up a passing opportunity under braking for turn 9. Turn 8 is usually treated as a singlefile turn, but occasionally a brave soul will attempt a ©Twisted Light Photography pass here. Chris Fabere charges through turn 8. ©Twisted Light Photography Jordan Imrie (45) stuffs Clark Davis into Turn 9. 7 Turn 9 – Another great spot with tall bleachers to view all the close-up action. It’s the slowest corner on the Donnybrooke Course which will see most riders as low as second gear. Turn 9 is another great passing opportunity as riders brake as hard as they can before throwing the bike on its side and turn into what is essentially a driveway! The more powerful bikes (Middleweight, Heavyweight and Unlimited classes) will often power wheelie as they accelerate out of this turn. Track Tour! Turn 10 - The fence outside turn 10 or inside by the Wheelie Bar is also an excellent spot for some great racing action. You can see and hear the bikes accelerate hard out of turn 9 and watch as the riders set up passes going into turn 10. This turn is the key to a fast lap at BIR since a good exit speed gives riders maximum speed down the mile-long straight, and is the key area ©Twisted Light Photography for last-lap strategy as racers try to prevent a pass before the checkered flag. Take note of the Aaron Anderson showing the proper line to the dark patches on the inside of the corner. This is a apex of Turn 10. sealant that offers additional grip in the dry, but when it’s wet or cold it becomes VERY slick! It’s always exciting to watch a couple of sprint races from the grandstands right at the Start/Finish line on both sides of the track. The standing starts will be sure to get your heart pumping, and you will be able to see who gets the best launch and who blows it. It’s also exciting to watch racers fighting each other coming out of turn 10 and dicing right to the checkered flag! Often times, the CRA broadcasts live race commentary to help you follow the races when the bikes are on the other side of the track from you. Tune into 87.9 FM when we’re racing on the Competition Course and 105.3 FM when we’re on the Donnybrooke Course to hear the live broadcast. ©Cat’s Eye Photography Trevor Treviranus tucks the front into Turn 13 in his pursuit of Bob Barton. 88 2015 Top-10 Expert Riders #1 - Scott Stall ©Jessica Johnk ©Jessica Johnk #2 - Kyle Ohnsorg ©Jessica Johnk #3 - Bob Barton ©Jessica Johnk #4 - Brian Hebeisen ©Twisted Light Photography #5 - Aaron Anderson 9 2015 Top-10 Expert Riders ©Twisted Light Photography #6 - Brett Folkerts ©Twisted Light Photography #7 - Brandon Punt ©Jessica Johnk #8 - Jon Champ ©Jessica Johnk #9 - Christian Schmidt ©Tayley Photography #10 - Trevor Treviranus 10 10 2015 Top-10 Novice Riders #1 - Luke Schmidt ©Twisted Light Photography ©Twisted Light Photography #2 - Scott Masterton ©Jessica Johnk #3 - Justin Craine ©Twisted Light Photography #4 - Matt Cina ©Twisted Light Photography #5 - Mark Grey 11 2015 Top-10 Novice Riders ©Cats Eye Photography #6 - Jonathon Graus © Jessica Johnk #7 - William Miller ©Twisted Light Photography #8 - Chris Mattson ©Twisted Light Photography #9 - Joshua Auel ©Twisted Light Photography #10 - David Hanson 12 12 Categories ©Jessica Johnk Jake Schmotter (36) lofts the front wheel at the start of a Middleweight race. Featherweight (FW): New for 2016, the Featherweight class is the new home for the influx of small capacity, or engine size, streetbikes such as the Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC390, Yamaha R3 and Honda CBR300R. Corner speed and precision is the name of the game in this class as the low power doesn’t give the rider’s an easy way to make up for mistakes they make. Ultralight (UL): Another small displacement class, racing is usually close and exciting. Typical bikes are the Ducati 620, Suzuki GS500 and Supermotards. This is a great class for a new rider to start as Ultralight motorcycles can generally be purchased rather inexpensively and don’t go through tires as often as Middleweight, Heavyweight and Unlimited machines do. Lightweight (LW): Displacement is higher and speeds are increasing here. The most common bike is the Suzuki SV650. The Yamaha FZR400 and the Kawasaki Ninja 650R also make an appearance here. Middleweight (MW): The most popular bikes today. It is the 600cc sportbike that dominates this field. Light and fast with a big grid, these are always exciting races. Common bikes are the Yamaha R6, Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki ZX-6R and Suzuki GSX-R600. Heavyweight (HW): Open to 750cc inline 4-cylinders and 1000cc V-twins. The most common Heavyweight bike is the GSX-R750. Many of the Heavyweight racers are actually riding Middleweight bikes and “bumping up” a class. Unlimited (UNL): The Big Daddys in the paddock. Big displacement and big power. Dominated by liter-class bikes, common motorcycles you’ll see in this class are the Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Ducati Panigale, BMW S1000RR and Yamaha R1. 13 Classes ©Jessica Johnk The Grand Prix classes allows riders like Chris Spargo and David Rhodes to showcase their two-stroke machinery. ninja 250: The Ninja 250 class is a “spec” class with the only eligible motorcycle being the Kawasaki Ninja 250. This class was created to provide an affordable, highly competitive class and it is never short of excitement. Supersport (SS): This class must start with street-legal production motorcycles. Very few modifications are allowed. At minimum, the racers are using aftermarket fiberglass bodywork with a lower fairing that can hold fluids in case of a leak. Other common changes include parts that allow adjustments from stock and/or are easier to replace in case of damage. These upgrades can include handlebars with replaceable bars, solidmount foot pegs with variable positions and suspension components that offer settings specific to rider attributes. Engines must remain stock and DOT-approved tires must be used. Superbike (SB): This class must start with street-legal production motorcycles. Greater modifications than Supersport are allowed. Riders generally expand upon the upgrades seen in the Supersport classes. Additionally, engines may be modified and slick tires can be used. Grand Prix (GP): This class permits the use of purpose-built racing bikes and very highly modified production machines. Engines may be changed and slick tires can be used. Seeing the same bike in multiple classes? A lot of the racers in the CRA use the same motorcycle for multiple classes as Supersport machines are also legal in Superbike and Grand Prix. 14 14 How Fast are They Going? Using a stopwatch you can monitor lap times and translate that into an average speed per lap. You may be amazed to learn just how fast they are really going! Comp. Course Average Lap Speed Time (MPH) ©Becca Erickson Dave Hanson and Bill Plucky demonstrate the determination of true racers. ©Cat’s Eye Photography Mitch Tieden in full tuck down the long front straight, approaching 160mph. 15 1:35 1:36 1:37 1:38 1:39 1:40 1:41 1:42 1:43 1:44 1:45 1:46 1:47 1:48 1:49 1:50 1:51 1:52 1:53 1:54 1:55 1:56 1:57 1:58 1:59 2:00 94.7 93.8 92.8 91.8 90.9 90.0 89.1 88.2 87.4 86.5 85.7 84.9 84.1 83.3 82.6 81.8 81.1 80.3 79.6 78.9 78.3 77.6 76.9 76.3 75.6 75.0 Donnybrooke Average Speed (MPH) 113.7 112.5 111.3 110.2 109.0 107.9 106.9 105.8 104.8 103.8 102.8 101.8 100.9 99.9 99.0 98.1 97.2 96.4 95.5 94.7 93.9 93.1 92.3 91.5 90.7 90.0 Race Formats ©Jessica Johnk Pat Stewart on his way to the overall victory in the 2015 5-Hour Endurance race for the “Drew & Friends” team. Sprint Races: Typically 8 laps (24 miles) Sprint races are run at all CRA events with all classes and categories competing in individual races. The races are short but intense and a good start here is very important. Season Class Championships are based on Sprint results only. Trophy Dashes: Typically 18 laps (54 miles) Trophy Dashes are longer, more challenging races featuring mixed classes on the track with each competing against only the others in their class. These races require greater strategy and both physical and mental fitness. Endurance Races: 3 or 5 hours Endurance racing is a team sport. Endurance teams compete for the highest number of laps ridden in these timed events. Each rider must race for a minimum of 30 minutes. Consistency and fast pit stops are very important to a good outcome here. Endurance races have all of the classes on the track at the same time with each competing against only the others in their class. 16 16 Flags - What Do They Mean? Green: A race is underway the instant a green flag is displayed at the flagstand. The green flag indicates the course is open. Stationary Yellow: A potentially dangerous situation is near the track. Waving Yellow: A hazard or obstacle exists on the track. Red: The race has been suspended. Riders must return to the pits or the grid. If less than half the race has been completed, it will be restarted. If more than half the race has been run, the race may be considered completed with no restart. Black: Indicates a problem with a specific rider. They must return to the pits. Yellow with Red Stripes: Debris or developing rain on the track. Rolled-up and Crossed Green and White: May be shown at the Start/Finish line to indicate the halfway point in the race. Green with Black Stripes: Oil or a foreign substance has been spilled, or a slippery or dangerous condition exists. Meatball (Black Flag with an Orange Circle): A rider has committed an infraction that carries a penalty. The rider must stop at pit zero for a stop-and-go penalty. White with Red Cross: Ambulance or slow-moving vehicle is on the course. White: Racers have only one more lap to go. Checkered: The end of the race or practice session. 9521 Garfield Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 405-8269 www.crosstowncycle.com 17 2016 Pricing Membership: Becoming a CRA member includes a subscription to our monthly newsletter and voting privileges Individual: $25 Volunteer: Complimentary (after earning) Business: $25 (no voting rights) Competition: $100 (includes race license) One Weekend Race License: $30* *Valid only once per race season. Must currently hold a valid motorcycle roadrace license with another approved reciprocating organization. Copy of license required with registration. Volunteer workers earn complimentary admission and weekend camping. Workers need not be a CRA member! Adult SINGLE EVENT Admission: Thursday - Sunday: $45 Friday - Sunday: $35 Saturday & Sunday: $25 Sunday Only: $15 CHILD (6-12) SINGLE EVENT ADMISSION: Thursday - Sunday: $20 Friday - Sunday: $15 Saturday & Sunday: $10 Sunday Only: $5 Children 5 & Under: Free Above prices include camping, are subject to change and can be higher when the track is holding dual events. 18 18 Fun for the Whole Family The CRA offers excitement for the entire family; whether you are two weeks or 94 years old, there is something for everyone. Many racers and workers bring their children, siblings, parents and grandparents along to the races. It's a great mini-vacation filled with hours of exciting racing action. Plus, the Brainerd Lakes Area has many familyoriented activities to check out after the races are done for the day. Or choose to stick around the track and join us for our Saturday evening bonfire. ©Becca Erickson ©Tayley Photography ©Cat’s Eye Photography ©Becca Erickson 19 Special Events ©Becca Erickson Justin Ebnet took the victory in the 2015 running of the Framstad Cup. Pit Bike Races: Controlled chaos... somewhat Rules, laps and venues vary from pavement to grass and individual or team races. No awards, no points, just pride and good clean fun. Open to 125cc and smaller 4-stroke play bikes and 50cc 2-stroke scooters. Pit bike races are open to anyone with a small displacement scooter, moped or mini-dirtbike. All riders must be wearing approved safety equipment. Formula 40: Typically 8 laps (24 miles) This Championship is open to racers age 40 and older. It brings back some of those racers who have “retired” from racing but still have the race bike in the garage, along with those that just haven’t been able to give up the addiction after all these years. Open to both Experts and Novices and all classes of bikes. Riders compete for two championships: GP1/GP2 and GP3/GP4. New Rider Championship Race: Typically 5 laps (15 miles) This race is scheduled for the last race weekend of the season. Open only to riders that earned their license with the CRA in the current year, this non-points race is a chance for new riders to see how much they’ve improved and settle some of the season’s smack talk. Framstad Cup: 5 lap shoot-out (15 miles) Named in the honor of Don Framstad, a CRA founding member, championship racer, board member, chief new rider instructor, expert tuner, friend and mentor to countless racers and workers. This is an invitation-only race with racers starting at set intervals. The slowest class bikes start first with the faster class bikes starting at staggered intervals based on average lap times from a selected race occurring earlier in the weekend. The ideal outcome would be each rider crossing the finish line at the same time. The winner of this race receives the highly coveted Framstad Cup traveling trophy for the year. 20 20 2016 Contingency Sponsors Now the exclusive US Distributor Legendary POWER Great new LOOKS Affordable PRICE “Racetrack products that MAKE SENSE!!” www.woodcraft-cfm.com 978-297-2977 General Rules -Everyone must register with BIR at the Front Gate before entering the racing facilities and openly display a valid pass/wristband. Anyone camping at the race facility must also have a camping pass. -No one may consume alcohol in the Paddock, Pits or trackside of the fenced racecourse until after the final checkered flag of the day. -Drunk and/or disorderly conduct will not be allowed at any time. -Anyone using illicit drugs will be removed from the race facility. -Race engines and loud vehicles may only run between 9 am and 6 pm. -No amplified music or loud noises after 10 pm. -Fireworks are prohibited. -No stopping on or spectating from any of the BIR infield bridges. -Spectators are not allowed in the Control Tower, inside the fenced racecourse or on top of the Control Tower. -Pet owners must fill out a pet waiver prior to entering the facility. Pets must be attended, leashed and controlled at all times. Unleashed pets will be impounded at the owner’s expense. -Children must be supervised at all times. -All operators of motorized vehicles must have a valid driver’s license. -Bicycle riders in the BIR Paddock must also have a valid driver’s license. -Everyone must obey the posted speed limits. -Each rider is responsible for the behavior and actions of all persons, either guests or crew, attached to him/her. Any punitive action required as a result of actions by guests or crew will be levied against the rider. 22 22 Would You Like to See the Track from a Racer’s Perspective? Are you a spectator, relative or crew member that would like to see the track from a racer’s perspective? If so, Parade Laps just might be your ticket to a new understanding of what the track is like. Parade Laps are held most Saturdays during the lunch break (track conditions permitting). The cost is $20 per motorcycle (subject to change) and can be purchased any time before the Parade Laps begin. Check the weekend schedule for time and location to meet. Requirements to participate are: A full-size motorcycle of 250cc or more, 18 years of age or older, valid motorcycle endorsement, helmet, gloves, jacket with long sleeves, long pants, closed toe and heel shoes and socks. Passengers are welcome on any street-legal motorcycle equipped to carry a passenger. Parade Laps are led by a racer at a safe pace allowing everyone, no matter their experience, a chance to see the track. ©Tayley Photography Parade laps can be taken on two or four wheels! 23 24 24 3613 Chelsea RD W., Monticello MN 55362 (763) 295-2920 www.moonmotorsports.com Wanna Race? The CRA offers a thorough New Riders Training session every spring led by multi-time class champion Shane Keaveny and Christian Schmidt. This seminar provides new racers with all the pertinent information needed to become a racer. Our instructors will review CRA Rules and Regulations, bike prep, safety and beginning roadracing in a classroom setting. Upon completion of our classroom training, the club moves the education onto the track. Held during our early season race weekends, the New Rider School includes a track tour, small group track sessions with an instructor, personal feedback and pointers. At the end of the day, new riders will partake in a New Rider Race, racing against fellow new riders. Pass all of this and you are a licensed racer! Our New Rider School package is an exceptional value. The $185 price includes: CRA membership, Competition Race License (upon successful completion of the School), classroom training, Friday instruction, Friday practice, New Rider Race, year-end New Rider Championship Race (provided license is earned) and the use of an AMB Transponder during your New Rider weekend. We also offer the option of just the classroom training, with the full cost credited toward the package price if you decide to do that later. New Rider Classes are held during the race season and once during the off-season. Please visit our website, www.cra-mn.com, for more details. ©Cat’s Eye Photography One of the four New Rider classes in 2015. 26 26 Fast Facts The entire race weekend is run by volunteers — approximately 125 dedicated individuals are needed to operate a race weekend! The Best places to see a crash are turn 3, turn 4 , turn 9 (Donnybrooke) and turn 12 (Competition Course). Tire warmers are used to pre-heat the tires close to 180°F before a race. On a Middleweight bike, a set of tires only lasts 2 races. An average set of tires costs $425 and a Middleweight rider uses about 2-1/2 sets of tires a weekend. (Ouch! $$) The top speed of the top Unlimited bikes on the front straight is almost 190mph. An Ultralight bike goes through the apex of Turn 1 at around 120mph, while an Unlimited bike does it around 165mph. When battling for position in tight corners, riders are often within a few inches of each other and sometimes they even touch! A trackside tire vendor changes approximately 100 tires a weekend. (And there is more than one vendor at each event!) ©Jessica Johnk Jake Schmotter pulls a stylish stand-up wheelie... 27 Fast Facts The average CRA worker lunch consists of 25lbs. of meat (or 45 full chickens), 3 gallons of salad and 9 dozen buns. And that’s not including dessert! Corner workers consume approximately 585 bottles of water and Gatorade a weekend. We use roughly 150lbs. of ice a weekend (during the day, for the workers). This does not include the ice needed to chill the malt beverages at the Worker fire. In one weekend, the racers use between 10 and 15 gallons of gas for their bike. Depending on what they run, the cost per gallon can be between $2.50 and $15 a gallon! Professional AMA racer, Miguel Duhamel’s Honda CBR1000RR is said by multiple sources to have topped out at 196 miles per hour in the first session of the AMA races at BIR in 2004. CRA races are held rain or shine, as long as it is safe. A few of our May weekends were made even more memorable as we raced through the falling snowflakes! Races have been temporarily suspended due to deer, turtles and an occasional fox crossing the track. ©Jessica Johnk ...and impresses Joe Mastain (right) while Tim Rabe practices his golf clap. 28 28 No Such Thing as a Free Lunch? There will be if you come work with us! The CRA’s events are run completely by volunteers. You can see them everywhere from the Front Gate to working out on the corners. New workers are always welcome! The CRA provides the training at the track each weekend and that is what has earned us the long-standing, international reputation for “doing it right” and being among the safest race organizations out there. Should you decide to come to the races as part of the race staff, the CRA will provide you with admission, camping, lunch each day worked and a T-shirt identifying you as part of the CRA race staff (one free tee per year), all at no cost to you. The CRA will also provide beverages each weekend (bottled water, Gatorade and pop, plus beer and wine coolers for those age 21 and up). If you can lend a hand, our worker meetings are held at 9 am on Friday and 8 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Just show up and we will put you to work. (Check the weekend schedule for exact worker meeting time and location.) Are you interested? If so we’d like to invite you to join in the action. At the track, talk to anyone in a CRA Race Staff shirt or attend the morning worker meeting (see weekend schedule for details) and we’ll get you started. After the race weekend you can call the CRA hotline at 612-332-4070 or visit www.cra-mn.com ©Jessica Johnk Chase Sellers wants YOU to volunteer with the CRA! 29 We Can’t Do It Without You! To all of the volunteers that work with us throughout the season, THANK YOU! ©Becca Erickson You in the back, that’s two. We were looking for a ten. So close... ©Tayley Photography “Must...not...press...all...the...buttons...” ©Tayley Photography Little known fact: being a corner marshal requires an Associates degree in Origami. ©Twisted Light Photography Gus (right): “Man, does that guy ever shut up?” 30 30 ©Jessica Johnk ©Jessica Johnk ©Jessica Johnk 31 Board of Directors and Staff President Jon Champ Vice-President Matt Cina Secretary Clint Lee Treasurer Anna Hanson Membership Brian Mattson Worker Liaison Dawn Olsen Racer Liaison Stephen Johnson Race Officials Co-Chief Steward Chuck Marcy Co-Chief Steward Dawn Olsen Race Steward David Hoff 8194 Fairview Rd, Baxter, MN 56425 (218) 829-6656 www.brothersmotorsports.com 32 32 ©Cat’s Eye Photography ©Tayley Photography ©Tayley Photography ©Twisted Light Photography ©Tayley Photography 33 Board of Directors and Staff Chief and Lead Positions Chief of Contingency Sponsor Relations Chiefs of Contingency Operations Chief Course Marshal Chiefs of Flagging and Comm. Chief of Grids Chief of Hospitality Chiefs of IT Chief of Medical Chief of Pits Chiefs of Registration Chief of Revelry Chief Riding Instructors Chief of Safety Chief Starter Chief of Tech Chiefs of Timing & Scoring Air Fence Comm-Tech Newsletter Editor Program Editor Lee O’Daniel Race Announcer Trophies Kris Skellenger Jennelle LeBlanc Mike Knoll & Chris Mattson Ryan Ide Abbie Miller & Nick Young Chris Olsen Katie Champ Brian Mattson & Matt Ruderman Mark Stansberry Anne Olson Anna Hanson & Kim Mattson J.P. Ashton Shane Keaveny & Christian Schmidt Don Anderson Tracy Trabant Clint Lee Dan Bettenhausen & Mitch Greig Christine Treviranus Terry Goslinga Jennifer Bastien Kris Skellenger 34 34 About Us Mailing Address: P.O. Box 130426 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-332-4070 Website: www.cra-mn.com Membership Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month 7:00 pm, Richfield VFW 35 Race Venue: Brainerd International Raceway 5523 Birchdale Road Brainerd, MN 56401 866-444-4455 www.brainerdraceway.com Be sure to check out the vendors located throughout the paddock area as well!