A buddy from Tucson asked me to check out a motorcycle for sale in Goodyear this morning and while doing so I had the good fortune to meet Warren Warner. He lives near PIR and is a NASA official. We got to talking about the recent FFR Challenge races out there and he sent me some info for any of us interested in running out there (yes Mikie, I know I gotta get the car DONE FIRST!
). This seems like a great way to both learn a lot about racing from the 'inside' as well as helping with the 'fun stuff' budget.
Here's what he sent me:
<<Hi All,
The new season is coming up fast, and this will be a great opportunity for all corner workers to earn some extra Track Time Coupons, up to and including a free Driver's School, full HPDE Track Day, Drifting, or Race Entry! Every Corner Worker will earn one Track Time Coupon for each 1/2 day of Flag duty worth up to $50 each towards entry fees; with 4 Coupons receive one full day for free (up to $200 dollar value). As an added bonus, if you work or not, you receive one Track Time Coupon for bringing a new Corner Worker to the organization. Bring 4 workers and you can use your Track Time Coupons to enter the next event with no cost other than fuel! NASA schedules full 2 and 3 day programs regularly from September through May (usually at PIR & Firebird Raceways), and there are plenty of opportunities to earn and use your Track Time Coupons.
Without NASA's valued Corner Workers, there would be no NASA; we want to reward all your efforts and dedication by giving the opportunity to spend some time on the other side of your worker station. If you choose to just work 1/2 day or the whole weekend, your credits are good for 1 year and you can save up your Coupons for the next event or the next season. At PIR, we need eleven Flaggers to cover the track for each day during the event; that totals up to 22 workers combined for the entire weekend. To prevent turning workers away (that is truly a rare event, we are usually understaffed), we will try to schedule pre-registered Workers first to insure weekend-long coverage. If you are unable to commit beforehand, you are more than welcome to show up the day(s) of the event to work also.
There are more than a few bonuses to being a Corner Worker; first, you get the best seat in the house - learn the fast line and watch how other drivers negotiate turns and traffic. The 2 way radio system has been upgraded to provide headsets to Workers, which gets you in on all the action instantly. Full classroom training is provided for free (often held a week or two before the events for those who are able to attend), and a Worker's guide and in-person primer is available the day of the race. You will also gain the respect and appreciation of racers and performance drivers alike; it is amazing how much everyone appreciates your good work, and the participants are quick to pass on the thank you's and make friends. There is also a Workers Track Session at the end of the day; a full 20 minute session for every Worker to drive or ride, and get some additional track time. You can drive your street car, race car, or ride with an instructor or Worker-friend (just bring your keys & helmet!).
Another bonus is a free lunch for all Corner Workers (we either give tickets for the track-side consession - cheeseburger, hamburger, or hot dog, chips, and beverage - or we get pizza delivered), plus a corner canopy for shade, and a well stocked cooler for your convenience. We try to have 2 Workers at each corner for both safety and company. each 1/2 day session averages 4 hours or less, and we usually get 45 minutes for lunch. Transpo to and from your corner station is provided. There is plenty of bench racing, and the NASA staff is more than willing to help everyone from the newcomer to the seasoned pro.
Please let me know if you or a referral would be interested in working the first race when the schedule is posted. Here is the URL for the Arizona NASA website:
http://www.nasaarizona.com/
Nothing is scheduled yet, but if you send your eMail address to
warnbarwarner@mindspring.com , we will put you on the "update" list, and let you know when the first Flagging School and Race will be. Wow what a deal! If you have any questions, please feel free to send a message; we will answer all eMails as quickly as possible.
Cheers to all, and thanks in advance...
Warren & Barb Warner
NASA Racing Corner Team Co-Chiefs >>
NASA/PIR Open Track Info
Linear Mode
