2013 AFM Racing
One of the oldest motorcycle-racing organizations in the states – the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM), has approved Brammo Electric Motorcycles for competition.
But don’t expect a new class of electric-racing motorcycles to surface at AFM races, a training ground for many future MotoGP stars such as ddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts.
Rather, the approved Brammo motorcycles will compete with gas-powered motorcycles of the same power-to-weight ratio.
The AFM says the following Brammo models will be eligible to enter AFM races, and compete for points and championship positions in 2013: the Empulse RR in select middleweight AFM classes, and the Empulse TTX, and Empulse R in select lightweight AFM classes.
Berto Wooldridge (President of AFM Racing) says: “What caught AFM’s attention about Brammo’s approach was that they were not asking for a separate class, but were instead looking to have a chance for their bikes to compete within the existing class structure and go head to head with gas-powered bikes of similar performance and power-to-weight. We believe this to be a historic moment in motorcycle racing and are happy to have made it possible.”
Brian Wismann (Director of Product Development for Brammo) says: “This announcement is a true milestone in the history of electric motorcycle racing as an opportunity for our bikes to compete amongst their gas powered counterparts on even terms rather than just as an exhibition or in a single race.
“It’s going to be a challenge to be competitive as the gas bikes have about 100 years of development time on us, but we’re excited about the chance to pit the Brammo Empulse against the best efforts from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.”
Brammo reports it will offer contingency prize money; full details will be published on the AFM website. afmracing.org.
AFM 2013 Race Schedule (tentative schedule, subject to change)
- May 4-5: Sonomo
- June 1-2: Thunderhill
- July 6-7: Thunderhill
- August 3-4: Thunderhill
- August 31-Sep. 1: Sonoma
- October 5-6: Thunderhill
