WE POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

14 year old Cornerspeed Graduate Alex Lazo with Instructor "TC"

Aaron Stevenson's Cornerspeed® Schools

About Cornerspeed®

Cornerspeed® is the official motorcycle school for V.I.R. (Virginia International Raceway). Fully accredited by WERA and CCS, students that complete the course are eligible for their provisional racing license. For graduates that do not wish to race, their certification will allow them to participate in track days held at VIR and other track days held at different road courses around the country. SAFETY FIRST is what we instill in each student. From preparing the bike to learning the track, the safety of all riders is most important. In the classroom, all of the basic information required by the sanctioning organizations are covered.

Do I have to intend on racing to attend Cornerspeed®?

Absolutely not. The majority of our students just want to be better riders. What you learn in class with Cornerspeed® will make you a better, safer rider on the street. Street riders find that they are smoother and more confident after attending a class with Cornerspeed. As always, we do not recommend high speed riding on the street. Save that for the track. Remember, a track day costs far less than an attorney and a traffic ticket.

What is the main emphasis of the school curriculum?

Our emphasis is on technique, smoothness and rhythm which is what every roadracer relies upon to win races. We define and discuss types of turns, pavement and elevation changes, parts of the turn: entrance, mid-corner and exit, setting up for the turns and how to put it all together. Anyone can go fast in a straight line, it's how your corner that sets you apart from the average rider. Being relaxed and smooth on the bike is every rider's ultimate goal. After that, it's easy to go fast.

Do I bring my own bike?

Yes. Many schools rent bikes for the day or the bikes are included with the price of the school but we would rather you ride the bike you know best which is your own bike. That way, you don't have to spend the day learning to ride a different motorcycle. You can spend the day working on technique and improving your riding. By riding your own bike, you can readily feel and see improvements in your riding. When a student raises the point of not wanting to crash their personal bike, we respond by saying, "Slow down and ride within your limits", Finding your personal limit and your bike's limit is a gradual process and shouldn't be attempted in one outing. Take your time, enjoy the day, learn new things, take your body and bike home in one piece. When you finish the day, your knee pucks and tires should be the only things that have been on the ground.

How much does it cost and what's included?

The cost for Cornerspeed's Riderschool at VIR is $425 (North Course) unless otherwise stated or in conjunction with another offer. The cost of tuition includes but is not limited to the following: Free Motul Lubricants and products (shipped direct to you by Motul), school handbook, t-shirt, lunch, bottled water throughout the day, energy drinks, discount coupons from our other sponsors, over 2 hrs. of track time, classroom lectures and one-on-one trackside feedback from your instructors.

What's the school schedule for a typical day ?

We start early. The gates open at 6:30am. Our registration and tech opens at 7am. After passing through tech (bikes and helmets), students will line their bikes up beside the classroom entrance to expedite going from the classroom to the racetrack. We get started shortly after 8am. Typically, you spend about 30 minutes inside for a lecture then a 20 minute session on track with your instructors each hour. Each on track session focuses on the previous lecture so you work on the material that's just been discussed. If you're looking for the missing 10 minutes each hour, they are used for suiting up and talking to your instructors before and after each session. Wondering about the student/instructor ratio? We have a maximum of 3 students per instructor and many times our ratio is less than 2 students per instructor (24 students/14 instructors, you get the picture). If we're not in the classroom, we're riding on the racetrack. We break for lunch (included with your school tuition) at noon. When possible, we have a lunchtime guest speaker. Lectures and tracktime fill your day which culminates in an optional mock race at the end of the day. If it is raining at the end of the day, the mock race is replaced with a lecture on riding in rain and an on track rain riding session. How many track sessions was that? Seven 20 minute sessions plus a mock race: that's a lot of tracktime!

I don't have leathers. Can I rent leathers?

Yes. We now rent the finest racing leathers made, Vanson Leathers. We have a variety of sizes but quantities are limited so make sure you reserve your set ahead of time.

Is there other gear that I can rent?

Yes but the selection is limited. We have some boots and gloves for rent in limited sizes. Students renting the Vanson suits have first choice on our additional rental items. The back protector is included with the Vanson suit. We do not rent helmets due to liability reasons.
SPECIAL NOTE ON YOUR HELMET AND HELMET REQUIREMENTS: Snell, BSI or DOT approved helmet less than 5 years old with NO VISIBLE CRASH DAMAGE. CHECK THE DATE STAMP INSIDE YOUR HELMET BEFORE COMING TO THE EVENT. If your helmet does not pass tech, you will not be allowed to ride and will not be given a refund.

Can I buy tires and get them changed at the race track?

Yes. Cornerspeed is a Pirelli tire vendor. We stock all Pirelli tires from rains and intermediates to DOT race and slicks. Mounting and balancing is included when you purchase tires from us. We also stock Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers, Pit Bull stands and a variety of track necessities.

Where are the details?

Click on the Schedule page. You'll find most of the information you need right there. The subhead buttons have information on how a typical day goes, rider gear, bike requirements, hotel accomodations, student comments, etc. You'll also find on-bike videos on the Photo page so you can take a lap around the track. Click here to download a copy of our current brochure.

Can I get a gift certificate?

Yes you can! Simply fill out the Gift Certificate Request and mail or fax it over. We'll send you a personalized gift certificate via mail or email. Gift Certificates are good for one year from the date of purchase.

Track Days and Practice

All Standard Cornerspeed school days are track days*. Our standard format is three groups (20 minute sessions): riderschool, sport enthusiast (those riders that have completed an accredited track school**) and licensed racer. These are separate groups. We do not over sell our events. On the north course at VIR, there will only be 25 paid riders per group. Safety is our number one goal. You deserve an unconjested track and we do what we can to keep it fun and safe for everyone. If you've already been to school and want to ride then ride with us. Costs vary depending on the day and roadcourse. Track day prices for enthusiasts and racers are usually about half the cost of school. Requirements and registration forms are found under the Schedule heading. Licensed racers; here's your opportunity to get more track time. We work hard to insure that everyone gets equal track time.

*PLEASE NOTE: Schools held in conjunction with sanctioned race week-ends will not have a Sport Enthusiast group unless specifically stated.Check the schedule for exact details and dates.

**PLEASE NOTE: Diplomas older than 24 months will not be accepted unless you can furnish proof of continued track day participation. This is for your safety and the safety of your fellow riders. Knowledge unused is knowledge that is lost.

I'm not ready for a school yet but I'd like to get on a racetrack. We have Track Days for Street Riders.

Cornerspeed also hosts track days for dealers and clubs. These track days do not have the full school. We, at Cornerspeed, adminstrate and control the activities to insure everyone's safety. These events are great opportunities for street riders to sample the track in a controlled enviroment. In most cases, it's all the motivation you need to enroll into our school. Most of these non-school track days are open to all riders but some events have specific requirements.

What is the youngest age that I can sign up my son or daughter?

We will individually assess younger riders to make sure they are ready to be in a high speed environment. We have taken students as young as 13 years old. If you have a son or daughter that you would like to enroll, you can call the office to discuss the possibility of enrolling your child in a course with Cornerspeed.

Risk, what you should think about and health insurance.

You already own and ride a motorcycle. You know that motorcycling is a sport that contains high risk like mountain biking, rock climbing or any other adrenaline sport. Cornerspeed and the associated race facilities are not healthcare providers. You must have your own valid health insurance coverage. We also strongly advise you to always remember that a day at the track is just for fun. There are no factory team racing scouts watching to see if you're going to be the next Valentino Rossi or Nicky Hayden. You should always ride within your limits and use good judgement. We do everything we can to make sure your experience is safe and fun. Ultimately, you are in control of your actions and decisions.

V.I.R. instituting ambulance transport surcharges. $200 per carry to the hospital.

As everyone knows, prices to ride at a track day or host a track day rise every year. We just found out starting in 2005 that VIR will be charging $200 for every ambulance transport. This is all the more reason not to fall off your motorcycle or go "farming" through the soil at VIR. We already require that you have medical insurance so this is just one more part of the ongoing changes with insurance, healthcare and track management. You will now be required to sign a waiver that makes YOU, THE RIDER, responsible for the cost of the ambulance ride to the hospital just the same as if you fell off your street bike on a back road and have to pay the hospital EMS. If the ambulance transports you to the hospital you will be billed for the $200 ride. It will be the fallen rider's responsibility to obtain reimbursement from his/her insurance carrier. We apologize for the additional burden but we hope that this will make everyone more aware of safety and ride even more within their limits. As we have always said, "A day at the track is just for fun. There are no pro scouts or money purses being paid out so ride within your limits." Hopefully, no one will have to ride to the hospital but if you do, please be advised that it's not going to be a free ride.

For additional information, e-mail Aaron Stevenson at: cornerspeed@carolina.rr.com

Schedule, Bike and Rider Requirements, Rules for Everyone, Frequently Asked Questions about Cornerspeed, Hotels and Directions, Frequently Asked Questions about Friday Racer Practice, Registration forms

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