Infineon Raceway, AFM Join Forces to Increase On-Track Safety in Sonoma Valley SONOMA, Calif. “” Infineon Raceway and the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) have joined forces on a project that will increase on-track safety for motorcycle riders in the Sonoma Valley. The raceway has agreed to give the AFM a $70,000 no-interest loan, with the AFM using the money “” in addition to AFM funding “” to purchase 92 pieces of Airfence. Infineon Raceway has agreed to store the Airfence on its property, and will oversee maintenance, which includes installation and removal during motorcycle events “” at no cost. As a result of the Infineon Raceway agreement, the AFM will also receive an additional 10 pieces of Airfence deployed by the Roadracing World Action Fund, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people on the importance of deploying soft barriers. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $400,000. “This is part of our ongoing desire to make Infineon Raceway as safe as possible for everyone,” said Jere Starks, vice president of facilities at Infineon Raceway and an avid motorcycle rider. “We’ve spent millions of dollars on improvements over the last four years for safety and this is one more element.” The Airfence, which will be available for rental during motorcycle track days at Infineon Raceway, will also be used at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, May 19-21. The 102 pieces of Airfence will be used solely at Infineon Raceway. “It’s been extremely gratifying to get this help from the management at Infineon Raceway,” said Kevin Smith, president of the AFM. “They didn’t hesitate when I made the request, and their support means that all motorcycle racers and riders at Infineon Raceway will have the full benefit of these soft barriers starting this spring.” The 102 pieces of Airfence equates to about 650 feet, and will be used to help make Infineon Raceway safer for motorcycle riding. Airfence is a soft barrier that is designed to gradually absorb the energy of a crashed rider. It is the primary choice of riders, who prefer it over haybales, which are typically placed in front of concrete walls or barriers on racetracks. The AFM is the oldest motorcycle road-racing club in California with nearly 1,000 members. It will feature four events at Infineon Raceway in 2006, with other events at Thunderhill Park Raceway (near Willows) and Buttonwillow Raceway Park (near Buttonwillow).