The GRID could use your input in getting information. The editor can't be at all the tracks to cover the various events and so this is your chance to send in an article or pictures of an event you have worked. Moto GP is coming and the GRID would like pictures of the workers, camping, bikes, etc. Send your information to Jackie.

USARM and The GRID need your help. The costs of reproducing the Grid and mailing each one are rising, so we would like to email a copy to those members who have internet access. It would save time, postage, trees, and you would have a better copy of the Grid. You could print the pages you need. The pictures are in color. If you would like your copy emailed, you can notify the editor.

Thank you everyone for an amazing, and interesting, Moto-GP. The coverage on the TV shows the real story - a great race with track records being broken, very few crashes and a wonderful group of USARM folks who did a great job.

I'm so thankful we didn't have the heat we suffered last year. The days were warm but not horrid. The nights were cool and comfortable. The camping area worked out great and the partying in the camping area was WONDERFUL! I especially enjoyed the post-race racing on Sunday night!

You all did a wonderful job. This is always an amazing event and it has to do with the quality and commitment of each and every one of you.

There were some behind the scenes issues that happened - but it wouldn't be an Moto-GP without them. It just shows what a cohesive team we have. It shows, once again, how much you are all committed to do the right thing to ensure a safe race.

The registration issues from last year were smoothed out thanks to Laguna taking our input to heart. Special thanks to Jim and Jodi who made sure our workers had the proper passes.

Thank you to Kathy Bellina who served as our Camp Director. She kept a few worker passes down in worker camping to catch the folks who got to camping without registering. She did extra double duty taking care of our special mascot for the weekend. . . JJ. Boy did he have fun with all the workers!

The Draggin Wagon crew, headed by Dave Bellina did a stellar job, as usual. The pilots who did the fly over were back again. We had two of the original crew from several years ago and two newbies who had heard about the draggin wagon rides! LOL

The "Prima Dorna" crew up in Race Control did a great job again. Thank you to Debra Cerny, Rob Bourke, Phyllis Daniels, Bev Morgan, Mary Finney, Mark Curtsinger and Tiffany Walsh. You all make my job so easy and so enjoyable!

We had incredible response from the folks on the gators. Even had a rider go down at Turn 2 and the gator was right there to bring him back to the paddock. Thank you to Leslie, Bobby, Jim, Gary, Lorrin, etc. I don't even know everyone who was on the gators. . . I just know you were quick to respond which was impressive.

Jim Hileman and his team did a great job in the camping area again. Seems everyone was happy with how it was set up down there based on the feedback I got. Having the electricity for those few folks who had to have it sure made it nicer so we didn't have to run generators all night (or until the gas ran out!)

And a special thank you to Shelley Ulry, Rene Pedroza, Ed Torres, Brandon, Steven, Cameron, Mickey, Lorrin, Nyla, Tiffany, Dave Bellina, Mary Finney, Jim Short, Mick Brown, Jim Hileman - I know I'm forgetting some folks as I'm still exhausted. . .. ummm. . . Gosh. . . who else. . . Well I know I'll remember it later. . . These folks were there early to help us get the track set up, organize the equipment and run lots of errands not only prior to racing on Friday but all weekend long.

Our NMPs once again saved the day especially on Friday morning up at Turn 8. I cannot even put into words how much I appreciate our NMPs. I wouldn't want to ever work a motorcycle race without them there.

Starbucks came through with coffee which was a great treat for us all. I hope we can keep that going for the September race and into next year also. Thanks Shelley for setting that up.

We had set up our pit marshals prior to the race only to be told on Thursday morning that Dorna did not want pit-marshals. I know they weren't happy about being reassigned but they sure did a great job at the corners they worked and it sure came in handy due to some folks who didn't show up for the race.

But more than anything else a huge THANK YOU to Ted Kuwada. He spends hours and hours for months on end processing the memberships and apps. The way Ted has everything organized is absolutely incredible. He is a wealth of information and does it all with a cool head. Ted. . . you Rock!

And speaking of You Rock. . . YOU ROCK! All of You! The coverage I saw on the TV was fabulous. The flags were sharp and spot on. The response was quick and effective. The newer folks I got to talk to had a great time working the event with those of you who have been working with us for a long time. We come together usually for this one event a year. It's the biggest event for USARM every year and we couldn't do it without all of you. You did a terrific job and I truly appreciate what each of you do at our events each year. I just wish we could see each other much more than just this once a year event. So Thank you from USARM and Thank you from me for doing such a terrific job.

Jan

Shelley Ulry/Treasurer writes:

Thank you Jan for all of those kind words. I believe we all did a fantastic job this year and worked as a team. As the name in our organization (US)ARM says there is no (ME) in there so. As that being said I want to Thank you for all of your hard work and making it a great weekend.

Jim Hileman, Director of USARM has brought this to our attention from Moto GP:

Greg Hartley, Co-owner/operator of Colorado Motorcycle Tours donated a 1 day tour to USARM for a USARM member working Moto GP. A drawing of sort was held on the USARM list, with the winner of the tour going to the 8th person to respond. Jim Race was the winner. Thanks to Greg for making this possible.

Let's support those who support our members. The web site is coloradomotorcycletour.com

POC California Speedway, Fontana, May 18-20

It's always fun to work at California Speedway and this weekend was no different. We knew it was going to be a hot, sticky weekend, but we were ready for it. The weather was overcast on Friday, but it burned off quickly (probably most of it was the famous smog). The heat quickly came and we were soon cooking. POC ran their red, blue, orange, and white groups with the Speed Ventures group also participating. We started out having to move barriers that were set up by the track as the posed a hazard to the cars. After a slow start, things got under way to fast, action packed day. California Speedway always offers a lot of fun racing, with configured turns on the inside of the main course. We use radios, so it's not easy hearing each other always. The position of the buildings and the turn workers sometimes makes for bad signals, but we always come through in a pinch. The only major problem Friday was a lunch mix-up, but POC quickly took care of it and sent someone out to get fast food. Hot and tired we retreated to the nice hotel room POC graciously provides for us. Saturday was another hot day and we had a lot more cars show up for the weekend. It was a very busy day with a few incidents requiring tows and cleanup. One car hit the wall and left a large amount of oil which took a little time to clean up. POC had lunch time ride arounds for charity which gave everyone a nice break before the hot afternoon sessions. The afternoon was action packed with two races included in the schedule. They always provide us with lots of fun and excitement. The turn workers were kept busy flagging, some spent a good amount of time shagging cones also. Sunday came and the smog and heat with it. We had an action packed morning with qualifying and practice sessions. There were a few incidents, but thankfully nothing out of the ordinary. More ride arounds during lunch afforded one of our Directors and passenger a chance to experience driving the Cal Speedway. Just ask Rusty and Phil if they had a good time. Time trials started the afternoon; which afforded us a little break. The main events took place at the end of the day with exciting races in each group. Kudos to our workers for the great flagging and cone retrieval. The end of the day finally came and Kati passed out the checks along with the Worker of the Weekend Award. This time the award goes to Chris Vlastelica, Congrats! Many Thanks to the following workers for their hard work in the long hours and heat: Mike Allison, Dale Boender, Gabe Head, Rusty Williams, Chris & Ron Vlastelica, Evette Bardin, Kati James, Phil Guerrero, Ken Berri, Joe Wagonleitner, Jim & Matt Madrid, Steve Kinsley, Larry & Jackie Zeigler.

POC - California Speedway, Fontana
May 18-20, 2007
Worker of the Weekend
Chris

Chris was chosen worker of the weekend for her skillful handling of flags and cone retrieval at Cal Speedway. CONGRATS!!!

Willow Springs was warm and muggy with the usual winds. Porsche was having one of their racing schools this weekend along with the regular run groups and Speed Ventures. The orange and red group are the racers group and always offer plenty of fun and action. They also offer plenty of chances to use our blue flags when they practice. The day started out with a few spins and off/on's for the white and yellow groups. Blue racer's clinic provided plenty of opportunity for the turn workers to use their flags, as they practiced different racing scenarios. The rover position was kept busy this weekend. He was a tremendous help to grid as we had a lot of cars to line up and had back to back races. We had one incident during Saturday that caused a great amount of oil on the track. This shut down the event for a period; while volunteers and turn workers cleaned up the mess. Kudos to all that helped. Sunday started out with practicing for all groups with minimal calls. The orange and red groups held their races late in the morning. Both groups offered an exciting race to the finish. There was some banging and hitting and a few pieces lost, but no one was hurt. Good racing. The afternoon was filled with time trials and run time. We ended with a combined group and headed in to see Kati. She passed out the Worker of the Weekend Award; which went to Ken Berri for his great flagging under all the dusty conditions he had. Standing near the track sometimes not being seen. Thanks to Porsche Club for their generosity to the workers. We're always grateful. Many thanks and good job to the following workers: Rusty Williams, Dale Boender, Ken Berri, Larry Zeigler, Evette Bardin, Jim Madrid, Toby Peer, Matt Madrid, Earl Balikov, Joe Wagonleitner, Kati James, Gabe Head, Jackie Zeigler.

POC - Willow Springs
June 9-10, 2007
Worker of the Weekend
Ken Berri

Ken was chosen worker of the weekend for his flagging abilities and being in the "dust bowl".

Thanks to the following workers: Guy Aronson, Kitty Brenek, Norm Bechtold, Bruce Brunner, Pete Cole, Tracy Heald, Jim & Patty Heitzman, Bob King, Barbara Lewis, Darlyn Linka-Pettenati, James Mohri, Jim Short, Lisa Simoni, Dick Anderson, Brad Stewart and Sam Weiss. No further information.

Kudos to the workers who participated: Kati James, Dave Jansen, Ken Berri, Carl Sloan, Mike Allison, Melody Smith, Kasey Blazer, Gabe Head, William Thompson, Dale Boender, Ruben Ynzunza and Rusty Williams. No further information.

The day started out foggy and cool with the sun peeking through around mid-morning. The wind whipped around as usual making it a breezy day. Russell had 5 groups this weekend with one Pro Mazda group rounding out the field. Melanie Durandette came from Carson City to work in control and most of the course workers were the usual suspects. Saturday morning was spent running practice/qualifying sessions with no incidents to speak of. Russell held one race before lunch with a minor incident. Saturday afternoon was a different story, it has to be the BBQ factor. Because Russell scheduled their summer feast at 3:30 we couldn't possibly be on time. A few minor incidents started us out behind schedule, but a major collision the next race caused about a 25 minute delay. Added with a few more minor "just racings" it ended up being a longer day. Dale had his own incident in the starter stand. The wind was gusty and he lost his white flag just before last lap signal. He improvised with his USARM jacket. Quick thinking. The BBQ was worth the wait; good food and drink, great company and Russell took this opportunity to announce their new racing series and the car of the future. They gave a good overview of their company and their goals for the future. The formal announcement comes in September. They showed off their new buildings and garages which will be complete in September also. If you get a chance, stop by Infineon and check it out. Sunday was a warm sunny day with no problems of sorts for most of the morning. The only incident was a Pro Mazda getting a tow truck ride after a wild turn. The p.m. was begun with the first race ending under pace car situation. A quick lunch was had and the remaining run groups started. The rest of the afternoon was not without incidents; there were three that required safety and held up the schedule. The remainder was pretty calm with nice weather. At the end of the day Jim passed out the checks and refreshments donated by drivers and Jim were enjoyed by all. Kudos and many thanks to the following workers: Jim Short, Dale Boender, Melanie Durandette, Sam Weiss, Bob King, Dick Anderson, Pete Cole, Norm Bechtold, Dave Grismore, Guy Aronson, Tracy Heald, James Mohri, Frank Hensler, Jackie and Larry Zeigler.

WHITES….WEAR'EM!

If you have some you would like to donate to other members, bring them to the track or notify the GRID.

I have a few pair in good shape, 31 and 32 x 30, 32 and 34 x 34's. FREE! - Editor

The grid is willing to put classified ads in the newsletter. If you would like to submit an item for sale, trade or donation, please contact Jackie with the pertinent information.

Name
Item description
Cost
Phone
Email

ATTENTION!!!!!

USARM now has a LIMITED supply of shirts with the embroidered USARM logo.

There are:
9 oz hooded sweatshirts-over the head style, not front zipper--$35.00
Long sleeve mock turtle neck--$25.00
Regular short sleeve t-shirt--$20.00

This price does NOT include shipping if they are mailed to you.

These shirts are all top quality white and embroidered on the left front of each.

If you are interested in buying one of these limited edition shirts, please contact Kati James

These shirts will NOT be brought out to events unless there is a special request from the membership.

Remember these are a limited edition shirt and are in very limited supply.

Get yours NOW before they are gone.