The following release is from the IMDA…
In an effort to improve safety and bolster relations between the sport of flat track’s sponsors, promoters and racers, the Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned program – title sponsor of the 2005 AMA Flat Track Series – announced today it has arranged a sizable grant for the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) in order to purchase the world renown Airfence brand safety barrier for flat track racing.
The Ford Quality Checked grant to the IMDA, a not-for-profit trade association for the Illinois motorcycle dealers, comes in addition to the high accordance with safety that the IMDA has been known for, including utilizing existing Airfence modules (on loan from the AMA) and providing additional safety measures above and beyond that which the rules dictate.
“Thanks to the Ford Quality Checked ‘Rider Safety Improvement’ grant the IMDA has purchased 30 Airfence modules to be used at the Springfield Mile and DuQuoin Mile,” said the Tommra Luparell, Executive Director of the IMDA. “That is twice the number of Airfence modules that has ever been used in the history of flat track racing.”
According to its website, Airfence Safety Systems is an Australian-based, global company committed to providing the highest quality, affordable and practical safety systems for motor (and other) sports, particularly motorcycle racing.
“As the series sponsor Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned wanted to strengthen our partnership with the AMA and series promoters by simultaneously taking steps to assist the series financially while also improving rider safety,” said Mike Dennis, Ford’s Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Program Manager. “We have developed an excellent working relationship with the IMDA through our involvement with the flat track series over the past three years and looking forward to the positive feedback from the riders on the series’ access to the additional Airfence.”
Added series racer Henry Wiles, who got a first-hand look at how the Airfence comes into play: “After experiencing the Airfence close up at high speeds, I am very grateful it was there. Without it I could have suffered multiple broken bones, along with a very lengthy hospital stay. Instead I got up and walked away.”
Note: The Airfence is scheduled to arrive from Australia (where it is constructed) in time for the May 29th race at Springfield.
