8 Things I learned at AMA American Flat Track Super Camp
To see a motorcycle flat track race once is to be a fan, and once you ride flat track you'll be hooked on the adrenaline rush and fun of it. The AMA Supercamp trains amateurs hoping to turn pro, but they also run fun schools for average riders, like us.
1. You Learn from the Best - Chris Carr
You expect to be taught by competent riders, and maybe a former pro at a school like the American Supercamp, but not 7 time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr. Carr is one of the owners of the school, along with Danny Walker, who himself is a former flat track pro and GP racer. And this isn't just some deal where they put their name on the sign, then sit back and collect a check, Chris Carr suits up and throws his leg over the same Yamaha dirt bikes the student's ride. These two guys and all the other instructors are incredibly laid back and friendly, making it as much playing as learning.
2. 10hp is Plenty of Fun
Sure, a Yamaha TTR125 has nowhere near the power of even a Sportster, but its 10hp and however much torque come in just off idle and it can haul a 250lb guy around just fine. The school uses a track of about 1/8 mile, which looks tiny, but is plenty big to learn the flat track. These are slow, but when you are "racing" 6 other people on the same bike they are plenty of fun.
3. You're Doing it Wrong
If you have been riding for years, what you will find when you get on a dirt bike for flat track racing is everything you know is wrong. Cruising a Harley, or riding a sport bike, typically you countersteer, lean into corners, and stay with the bike, but the proper flat track technique requires you to turn the corner, stay upright on top of the bike, and keep one elbow up and one arm extended. The more experience the camp goers had, the worse off they were at first.
4. Falling Down is No Big Deal
It really is unavoidable if you ride in the dirt, you are going to mess up and fall down eventually. Doing it at on a little bike (weighing less than 200lbs) at low the speeds we were at actually makes it kind of fun. Sure, we were sore in the morning, but being given someone else's bike to crash and get dirty is enjoyable. Get back on your street bike and that patch of sand you spot mid corner is no longer quite so panic inducing.
5. The Proper Technique - Part I
This slide has almost the entire flat technique laid out for you, not that it will do you much good without an instructor and dozens of laps. But, it all seems so simple in the classroom, doesn't it? You are meant to stay on the gas until it is time to slow down, like in any racing, but push the bike much deeper into the corner than normal. Apply a little rear brake, and push the bike down, as you rotate to stay up on top of it. Get the bike turned and start in on the throttle again, then head for the straight. One very important street riding tip you will learn is how important it is to look where you want to go, not at your front wheel.
6. The Proper Technique - Part 2
I must admit, I did not get it really. This picture shows as close as I was able to get to the proper cornering technique. My inside arm is straight, and my outside elbow is up (we were circulating clockwise, or backwards), as I try to get up on the corner edge of the seat to turn in while up on top of the bike. It felt odd, and I was surely one of the slowest riders there, but a few weeks later I did notice my riding was much improved when I raced my nephew's Honda XL75 mini bike in a local flat track race.
7. What I Learned
So what did I learn? Chris Carr, Jared Mees, and Bryan Smith are fast as hell, even on little 125cc play bikes! Chris owns and runs the school, but the AMA brought out last years champion and the runner up as special guest instructors to our session, and I can't wait to see them race later this year. I also learned, besides how bad I am at flat track, how much fun it would be yo have a bunch of play bikes and a bull ring track in my back yard. Don't tell my wife, but that's the goal for our next house.
8. You Can Do It Too!
The American Supercamp is typically a two day, all weekend event, and they do it at tracks all over the country. For about $600 you get not only all this instruction and riding practice on the track, but a bike to ride, full gear, and lunch both days! If you are looking for something fun to do with your buddies, I highly recommend it. You can check their schedule of camps here.
The new season of American Flat Track starts in Daytona during bike week with the new Daytona TT, an oval track with a few right turns and a small jump added. The event takes place Thursday, March 16th at a dedicated 5/8th-mile dirt track purpose built at the Daytona Speedway; click here for tickets. If you aren't going to be in Florida in March, the race will be on NBCSports Network on cable TV, or live on your computer via FansChoice.tv.
To get your bike ready to race, or at least ready to ride come spring, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.
