Reg Pridmore's CLASS School

Here's some news for you, track days are on the up. Street guys and gals are heading to the relatively safe confines of the racetrack to explore the potential of their bikes, tires, and of course, themselves.

Now the current crop of track schools caters for the whole spectrum of riders who are looking to explore this higher level of bikemanship. There are schools for Johnny Racer who want to go as fast as possible, learn his race craft and go find some silverware for his trophy room-to-be, but we also have people that have no interest in competitive racing and just want a safe and social setting to explore their version of the above mentioned potentials.

I recently got the chance to visit a beginner friendly school after the AMA Superbike round at the California Speedway, Fontana. Hall of Fame inductee, Reg Pridmore, kindly extended an invitation to ride the same track that had witnessed the thrilling duels of the AMA guys. Having traipsed around the track whilst photographing the AMA round, I appreciated the chanced to see the track from the racers perspective and to give my poor feet a much-deserved rest.

My search for a suitable bike to ride at Regs' event took an interesting turn when Yamaha's PR and SM fast guy, Brad Banister, offered me a YZ426 Supermotard to run at the school. Having witnessed Brad slide around his own personal Supermotard YZ426 at the SuperTT round that same weekend, it was quite obvious he had a bike up to the task at hand.

The bike was picked up from Cycle News, replete with off-road knobblies and taken to the plush Banister residence to have the 17" rims and oversize brakes offered up to the basically stock machine. The same rims and brakes, no less, which Anthony Gobert had used at the Anaheim SuperTT round a few weeks earlier. I also managed to source some taller gearing to cope with the relatively small portion of banking at the Speedway and to at least allow some element of mechanical sympathy. The bike was readied late into the evening, but an early turn-in was declined and replaced by much appreciated Sushi meal and some bench racing.

Arriving early at the Speedway on a Tuesday morning we were corralled into one of the garages where the CLASS school was to be held. Regs' crew had set up refreshments, light snacks and such, and reminded us to keep well hydrated for the Californian sunshine. If you want some serious track time, this school offered the proverbial bang for your buck. After an initial 20 or so minute intro by Mr Pridmore himself, we were taken through the basics of track etiquette, divided into two groups, told to mind our P's and Q's and sent on our way.

For the first sessions we were broken down into smaller five or six bike packs and played follow-my leader with an instructor showing us correct lines, posture and technique. This was a great way to bring the student up to speed and offered a non-intimidating introduction to a situation, which for some, can be overwhelming.

The day continued with a twenty-minute on track sessions and further twenty-minute classroom breakdowns. Reg usually critiqued what he'd just witnessed and offered help and advice to remain safe. He also constantly promoted a tight line throughout the track, this helps you maintain nice predictable lines, keeps you upright longer (especially during braking) and as a bonus, keeps you safer on the street too. As mentioned, track days can be intimidating, however the CLASS school is not. Reg guides you through the basics and helps you develop track smarts.

Being a Brit, Reg reminded me of my Dad, easy going but firm and reassuring, do as you're told though and you'll remain a happy and safe family. Whilst on the subject of families, it seemed that Reg had quite a few "regulars" in attendance. A fair few of the riders there had ridden with the school on a regular basis and it was nice being drawn into this social circle. As a more experienced rider I did get the chance to ride at a brisk pace with one or two of the instructors, there really seemed to be something for all levels.

The school also offers a variety of CLASSes to help the individual attain his desired goals. Some might want to take full advantage of a two day school because a second day of evaluation from the instructors combined with the track time and additional tuition will help accelerate your bike skills, which in turn will help you stay safe.

CLASS also offers advanced rider schools for faster A and B racers; this will highlight race strategy and with a more intensive one-on-one instructor ratio will maximize your learning potential. You can't really argue with a 3-time AMA Superbike Champion, can you?

How about a very unique two-up course? Yes, CLASS also offers a tuition package based around you and your pillion, helping with body position, throttle management, braking and bike setup, just don't forget to bring the wife or girlfriend.

Prices start at around $325 - go to www.classrides.com for booking information

Mike Emery

Thanks to Brad Banister for the loan of the YZ and his wheels, brakes and tires and also to Ian Donald for his photography. Ian can be found at www.iandonald.com