For Immediate Release

Contact Information:      Kurt von Ahnen

 866-795-5868

editor@vonconcepts.com

Free Track Day Grows With New Events for the Spring!

With 95 people attending our Open Track Day on March 8^th, and stupendous results from our Extended Day of Instruction on April 4^th, Free Track Day schedules two more big events this spring.  Demand is growing for our Open Track Day format and we’ve scheduled a full “OPEN” track day for Sunday, June 28^th.  We are pre-empting that with another “extended day of instruction” on May 23^rd.

For those that are not familiar with what Free Track Days offers, here is a quick synopsis of our wares.  We offer One on One instruction, Pairs Instruction and combination classes where the instructor carries up to five riders.  Those are offered on demand and consist of approximately one hour of classroom study followed by 2-3 hours of dedicated track time, with lots of pit meetings to determine the best way to our clients’ goals.  We offer Extended Days of Instruction, where we split the track day with an automotive driving school – alternating classroom and track use.  These are great because the whole day is full of instruction and the students receive 4-5 hours of track time.  Finally, we offer Open Track Days where the emphasis is on track time… but very little instruction.  We have mentors on hand to help ensure a safe day, but the instruction is nowhere near school levels. 

Our Open Track Day format promotes safety in that since there are no sessions…. Riders naturally spread out and create a margin of safety.  If the “top 5” in our area show up, we do honor them about once an hour with a short session of clear track --- but only if the demand exists.  Open Track Days share a community lunch spurring some pit camaraderie and we usually have photogs on hand, followed by the availability of premium action shots for our riders.  Students in our classes are captured on video for critique and a souvenir of their day.  Check out a video of our latest student “Larry”.  Larry is in his 60’s and is throwing around this 650 pound BMW.  He started the day not knowing about proper downshifting, not using his body weight, not familiar with counter steering and had NEVER used his front brake before…. What could you accomplish in one day?? Video is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoU_xLm8zC8

More details available at www.freetrackday.com

End Release

Today I rode the old GSXR for the first time.  I must say that I am more pleased than ever.  I took the bike down to the basics and made sure things -like the loose primary sprocket were addressed.  I cleaned everyting from stem to stern and re-assembled the bike. 

With a fresh carb clean, it purred like a kitten.  The throttle is snappy and revs straight through the guage.  As I test drove the bike for the first time, I couldn't help but show off for the kids down the street ---- Hoist it UP!!!!  Man, kids love wheelies :)

To my surprise, Heidi asked me if I would take Rainey for a ride.  I seized the opportunity before the chance would be revoked.  She loved it.

Kurt 

So I've had the bug now for a few months to go BACK to the track.  I miss the speed.  I miss the tranquility of strafing the pavement at 150MPH plus with my knee outstretched toward the pavement, cresting a sweeper.  I miss the opportunity to encourage younger men in the sport, imparting my sense of respect for speed vs. motorcycle.  Thanks to Pastor Todd, it is now becoming reality.

To most, tranquility at a 150 MPH is an oxy-moron.  But to a racer, it is so much truth.  I seem to be wired different.  Honestly the most calm and serene I have ever been is at Daytona International Speedway - pounding my 750 Superbike around the banking.  Looking back on the years of track riding, I'd have to say that the most peaceful moments inside my soul were aboard a road race machine.  There's a certain ballet to the sport that screams "beauty".  If I take a day off and the family is out of town... just sitting and relaxing to watch movies or sports and sip on some beer, gives me the sharpest anxiety.  I need to move.  Excitement equals peace.

Over the last few months, I have also seen a gaggle of young men falling for the hype.  These boys are making money, and establishing credit, and realizing that they can own super fast sportbikes.  Time and time again I hear one of my younger co-workers talking about a new bike that may be someone's first bike.  Do they start slow and work their way up?  No.  One cat ran out and got a Suzuki GSXR1000.  Another bought a ZX6RR from Kawasaki.  Both crashed within the month.  These kids, absent of a firm father figure and influenced poorly by the peer pressure of today's society need training.

I can remember when I was young and tried to race the 600cc class, crashing at nearly every event.  Finally an older gentleman kindly influenced me to race a Yamaha RZ 350 two-stroke.  Finally, I could ride a race weekend and keep the shiny side up.  A couple years of working on the craft and I was a middle weight contender able to control a sportbike of nearly any size at speed.  I've heard it credited to Kenny Roberts:” You first have to go slow in order to go fast".

Fast forward to this last weekend in church.  Pastor Todd of Sagebrush Community Church (I recommend it strongly) was talking to the hundreds upon hundreds in attendance.  Suddenly he addressed the ladies and stated that he is always shocked that women complain about a man pursuing a passion.  Hunters and Fisherman for example may leave for a weekend, spend time with nature, "kill Bambi's mommy - well someone’s got to do it", spend time with God, and return home refreshed.  Now why would a woman want to restrict the man she loves in that way?  The following day, Heidi - my lovely bride, turns to me in the car and thanks me for being the man of the house I am.  Honestly it gets me misty to know how much she loves me.  Then she initiates the conversation, telling me that racing is my hunting and she wants me to re-ignite my passion.

Long story short -- I am buying a used race bike from an MRA (Motorcycle Roadrace Association) member and hitting the track.  I have already had offers to instruct again, and have made inroads with the local sanctioning body to get re-licensed.  The weapon of choice is a 1997 Suzuki GSXR750.  I am old now, so I might as well buy an old bike!  Actually, I wanted to get a competitive bike for Modern Vintage.  Wish me luck and stay tuned. 

Over the years, my extensive experience in the automotive service industry has lead me to many conclusions. Besides being an incredibly difficult position with long hours and multiple personalities... it is also ripe with incompetence. Some of it exemplifies the stereotypes that the general public holds of us, while most of it comes from a lack of training. Vonconcepts is here to help change that.

By releasing this book, conveniently over the internet, we are attempting to deliver the tools you need directly into your hands. Face facts. Nobody wakes up and says "today I am going to be the worst advisor I can possibly be". Of course not! No, you strive to be the best -- it's just hard with all the distractions and lack of training to handle the flow that comes your way. Let us help you. Download your free chapter today.

Previously, I have had the pleasure of training new service advisors on a one to one basis. It's rewarding to take a green pea in the business and turn them into a money machine. I have always been shocked at how the industry as a whole seems to be trying to find a new angle to increase profits - when all they have to do is serve the client. Time and time again it becomes a warranty manipulation game, or selling work that isn't needed to folks that can't afford it. By just serving your clients, you will gain repeated, loyal, and consistant income... through referals.

Lately, everything is extreme... X-Games, XS Energy Drinks, Extreme Motocross. Part of that is really cool. I personally love Motorcycle Roadracing and Motocross, but what about the basics of customer service? Now take those basics and make them extreme. You hold the power to bring yourself and your whole dealership up a couple notches. This book is here now, for that purpose.

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Hello readers;

 I wanted to drop you all a line to let you know that I have been very busy putting together a book.  With having been printed in such great magazines as Cycle News, RoadracerX Illustrated, Motorcycle World Magazine and the like… I decided to throw my hat in the ring as a real writer.

Yes I still love motorcycling, but this adventure focuses on business.  This work is based on the Automotive Service Industry which I believe is in need of a boost.  Stay tuned for the release particulars on this work and trust that I truly appreciate your support.

Kurt von Ahnen

As most of you know, we’ve relocated to Albuquerque.  The move itself wasn’t all that hard but the petty stuff has grown a bunch.  Rainey Joy has been through 2 ear infections and a coughing/weezing gig.  It took months to settle into a property - then took just as long to get the peripheral stuff handled:Car Insurance, Registration, Driver Licenses, and yes… high speed internet.

I suffered through a jaunt of Dial Up for about a month.  But even “high-speed-dial-up” can’t handle anything.  I was bouncing from coffee shop to coffee shop just taking care of the immediate needs.

The GREAT News?… our business is growing.  Our suppliers and business support groups have made it even easier to conduct business and show how attractive our oportunity can be.

All together - its been a thrill.  We will do a much better job of updating here as our infrastructure has improved greatly just this week.  For personal notes, especially as related to our business…. you can reach me at DreamBuilderIBO@msn.com