AHMRA Vintage Race at Road America

Since my first race of the year, at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI., turned out to be a washout I decided I had to get back there and get a chance to race yet this season. 


That opportunity presented itself by participating at the AHMRA, American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association, event at Road America June 8 & 9, 2012. Because I’d had so little time on the bike I signed up for the Friday practice day. I noticed the bike was faster than I’d remembered but I also realized that I’d be off the bike for some time as I made several little errors getting comfortable around the track, especially in turn 5. After a few tire pressure adjustments, the bike started behaving better and my comfort level went way up. That is until I was leaned over a little too far in the chacane, the rear stepped out almost causing a high side! From then on I had to get off the seat more to keep the fat part of the tire in contact with the track. Lesson learned! 


Saturday, June 9, 2012, Race Day
I decided to go out on the first practice, mainly to make sure the bike was ready to go, loosen me up and try a different line into turn 5. Everything went well so I was ready to race! AHMRA only has one class that my Buell is legal for so I had plenty of time to get hydrated and rested up for only one race. With temperature hovering at 90 degrees, shade and water were my main concerns until first call. Battle of the Twins - Formula 2 Race My class had a large field with 14 bikes and four other classes lined up behind us. I got a good start, immediately getting by several guys. Lap 2, I was moving up in the field but blew turn 5, ending up in the gravel but managed to keep it up but lost everything I’d gained. Through laps 3 - 5 I played catch up through the slower classes and managed to run down a few of the guys in my class. Last lap I was running well until a missed shift in Canada Corner caused me to run off track, tuck the front and end up in a low side crash into the gravel trap. Rats!!! 


Fortunately the bike came through it with only a few scuffs and a bent handlebar. I got some road rash on my knee and shoulder from sliding inside my leathers, it didn’t look bad and after a brief trip to medical where they patched me up and I was 
good to go. It’s not the way I wanted to end my AHMRA experience but I did get some good track time in but now I’ve got to get healed up! 










 I ran the Go-Pro camera during the race, if you'd like to view it, check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOZYgobPfNI&feature=youtu.be

2012 opener at Road America

Janet and I trekked up to Elkhart Lake, WI. for the our first races of 2012 Sunday May 6th. This event had races on both Saturday and Sunday but due to work committments we couldn't leave until Saturday. Upon arriving, I got registered, found a pit stall, then it was off to tech. Even though it was the first time through tech inspection for 2012, I got through it without a hitch. That was it for Saturday so everything went back in the trailer and it was time to watch some races. My teammate Craig Davis had a great weekend on his Buell 1125R, winning two races and taking second in another. Needless to say I was stoked for Sunday!! 


Sunday morning brought very cool 48 degree temperatures with a threat of rain. With only one round of practice available I had to get with the program right away. Not only did I have to get up to race speed but also get comfortable again on the bike since I hadn't ridden it since last August! The bike felt great and the Continental tires were sticking very well even with the cool temperatures. The only place on the track that was a little sketchy was turn five which was a little greasy. I heard later that the dew was coming up through that area so I wasn't the only one one who struggled through there. After five laps I came in feeling good and hoping the rain would hold off so I could get at least one of my three races in but it wouldn't happen. Just as I got situated back in the pits the rain, lightning and thunder came in. It rained hard all morning and into the afternoon. I considered swapping to my intermedate tires but was adviced from a couple of pro riders that the conditions were not safe for them and unless I had full rain tire not to go out. I decided to listen to their advice and call it a day. I watched from under the canopy and saw a lot of riders coming in on the crash truck so I think I made the right call. My next race will be the ARMHA vintage race at Road America, June 9 - 10. I've never raced with this organization or at this event but I'm looking forward to it! Stay tuned!!

Rock band, "Foos Gold" joins as a 2012 sponsor

WOW, my newest race sponsor is a ROCK BAND!!


Thank you John Waltz and Foos Gold for coming on board for the 2012 race season!!


What started out as a band for one show has become so much more than that. In 2010 John Waltz (guitar, vocals, local legend) had been bitten by the Foo Fighters bug. He looked to his workplace to find his band. Nate Dalziel, a guitar teacher and hard rock aficionado was first in line for the second man on guitar. Waltz didn't have to look much further to find the bass player; metal god Scott Carey fit the bill quite nicely, thank you very much. Filling the other half of the rhythm section is Seth Luloff, drummer extraordinaire also beating skins for the local teen sensation Good Cop Rad Cop. Add in a super fan/manager and a name and these guys were set. For just one gig, right?


Not only has this band played in the raddest clubs in town since that first night, FOO'S GOLD books private parties and main stage appearances at local festivals. Catch them soon on a stage near you. They'll be the ones rocking your favorite Foo Fighters tunes.

Kofron Auto Restoration joins as a 2012 sponsor!

Kofron Auto Restoration has signed on as a 2012 sponsor. My good friend Steve Kofron's company, located in Hudson Iowa, works with clients muscle cars and classics to bring them back to life and back on the road. He is set up to do every aspect of the restoration process from frame off to slight modifications. If you're looking for a great shop for your next car project, give Steve a call at 319-988-9323.

Lead Lap radio interview

This is the link to my interview with Mark Burnett and Geoff Grubb as a guest on the "The Lead Lap" radio program, March 8th.
http://good.audiohauler.com/krti/LeadLap/0308LEADLAPSHOW.MP3

Scot's Supply signs on as associate sponsor for 2012

I'm very happy to announce that Scot's Supply in Waterloo, Iowa has signed on as an associate sponsor for the 2012 race season!

Scot's Supply is the one stop shop for...

* Complete line of Aeroquip hyraulic hoses and fittings

* Grade 5, Grade 8 and Metric fastners

* Abrasives

* All kinds of shop and storage equipment

Team I.F.M. Racing - 2012 planning session

The members of Iowa Farm Mafia Racing get together throughout the off season

planning the upcoming race season. It's great to see everyone and keep in touch.

There's always a lot of laughter, too!

Team members - Ralph Longus, Mike Boomer, Craig Davis and Troy Walbaum