From a press release issued by FRA:

American Federation of Motorcyclists Re-Launches AFM’s South Chapter in Southern California

San Juan Capistrano, CA — AFM, in association with Fastrack Riders Association (FRA), is re-launching the AFM South Chapter next year. AFM South will host six races March through October in 2003 at California Speedway and Buttonwillow race tracks. Trophies, prize money, and championship points will be at stake as some of the nation’s best riders compete in classes for a variety of statewide titles. Riders can compete for the overall AFM Championship by attending just three more races outside their local chapter schedule, or they can focus on the home chapter’s championship on the home tracks.

After much negotiation between FRA and AFM, they have agreed to team up and restart the AFM South Chapter, which has been dormant for 12 years. The AFM, American Federation of Motorcyclists, is a non-profit California corporation that was founded in 1954 by a group of sport riding enthusiasts. It is the oldest organization in the country dedicated solely to motorcycle road racing, and is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership.

Under new ownership this year, the 10-year-old Fastrack Riders Association had a very successful first year at California Speedway with turnouts in excess of 150 riders. The obvious synergy between AFM organization and FRA personnel provided enough incentive and capability to re-establish AFM’s presence once again in Southern California.

David Pyles, President of Fastrack, says, “We are very excited about having an AFM South race schedule at California Speedway next year, and we plan on hosting our own Test-and-Tune track days on the Friday before the race weekend. This should give riders unfamiliar with the course not only a chance to learn the track, but get their bikes sorted out, too. It also gives spectators plenty of opportunity to see the action all weekend long.”

The AFM welcomes spectators, course workers and racers alike, and tries to provide the best show possible with the safest and most responsible crew you will find. AFM is a volunteer organization and is always looking for interested member workers and racing participants.

Fastrack’s main purpose is to get the racing off the street and onto the tracks where it belongs. For barely the cost of attending a NASCAR event, a rider can enjoy a day at the track going as fast as he or she feels comfortable. Groups are divided according to rider ability, and beginners must take an orientation class to familiarize themselves with track procedure and rider safety.

Larry Pointer, Vice President of Operations at FRA, carefully points out, “The AFM has begun the process of appointing South officers to the AFM Board of Directors, and we’ll start appointing other positions to the South AFM Board very soon. We’re also going to establish a rider round table for feedback. We need to find out which classes are going to be more popular down here in this market, and we’re working to develop a network of corner workers and other volunteers to make all this happen.”

For more information on FRA and AFM South activities, visit the website at www.fastrackriders.com, or call David Pyles at (949) 488-0543. The AFM can be reached at www.afmracing.org, or call (510) 796-7005.