This is from racer John Glaefke:

As an AHRMA competitor in the Sound of Thunder and Twins classes (yes, AHRMA actually does have modern bike racing as well) I just thought I might warn you that AHRMA doesn’t employ Air Fence* and last I heard has no plans to
do so.

I, as an AHRMA competitor and contributor to the Roadracing World Air Fence fund, would hope that Air Fence would be employed at any round where the AMA decides to combine the class with our Vintage iron.

I truly would love to see Pro Thunder with us but think that AHRMA’s crew should be brought up to speed as to the increased risk involved with running the class. In 1999, a rider left the track at turn seven at Mid Ohio, then returned (much to my surprise!) to the track at turn eight right in front of me! It could have been a very bad accident and later when I approached the AHRMA officials, I was told that it was an isolated incident and that it wouldn’t happen again. I certainly hope not, but just think any Pro riders should be aware that incidents like this are a fairly common occurrence at AHRMA events due to the lack of modern training that AHRMA cornerworkers receive.

If this does come to be (Pro Thunder at AHRMA events) I think that the AMA should provide their cornerworking crews as well as Air Fence for the event. Jeff Nash as a former AHRMA competitor I’m sure will have much more on the subject and I look forward to hearing his comments.

Thank you for all you have done to increase safety in motorbike racing and keeping us informed of the many interesting twists the AMA seeks to add to our sport. I hope to see John Ulrich elected to the Board of Trustees (I’ve already sent in my ballot) and all the positive change that will come with it.

Jon Glaefke
AHRMA, MRA, AMA #94

*Trademark of Airfence Safety Systems