Is this just a racing school?
Not at all. Our main focus is improving any rider of any discipline on any bike on any piece of pavement. Racing and street riding share the common skill set of bike control. Because we keep our class sizes small (a maximum of 20 students), we can offer personal and specific instruction to move each student along his or her learning curve.
Who will be teaching me?
The Yamaha Champions Riding School can't overemphasize the importance of the instructors. The five-man crew is led by bike legend Nick Ienatsch, with Ken Hill, Dale Kieffer, Shane Turpin and Mark Schellinger also onboard. (See their bios for more information.) In addition to the five men listed above, you can expect a guest instructor from the Yamaha Racing world to further your experience.
I don’t ride sportbikes. Can I still come to your school?
The school does feature sportbikes, but our group of instructors has done extensive work with cruiser and touring-bike riders over the years and can help anyone be a better rider, on any bike.
Can I bring my own Yamaha?
Unfortunately, not right now. But we're thinking about allowing Yamaha riders to use their bikes in the near future during the final lapping session of each school.
What is your cancellation policy?
A 6% fee will be charged for cancelling or rescheduling dates outside of twenty-one (21) days or more prior to the first day of the program. Programs cancelled eight (8) to twenty (20) days prior to the first day of the program will be charged 50% of the face value of the program. Programs rescheduled eight (8) to twenty (20) days prior to the first day of the program will be assessed a 15% reschedule fee against the face value of the program. No refunds or credits will be given for programs canceled or rescheduled within seven (7) days of the first day of the program.
What is my liability?
Each participant has a liability of full replacement, per occurrence, for damage. We offer an opportunity to reduce your deductible from full replacement to $5,000. This limited liability protection costs $100 per day. If you're hurt or your bike is unrepairable, you're done riding for that school. If you're okay, understand why you fell down and we can fix your bike, we'll get you back on track.
Can I bring a guest?
Participants are welcome to bring a guest. The guest can join us for all classroom sessions, as well as all meals, for an additional $50 fee.
I'm a woman and want to come to your school. What should I do?
Get yourself signed up! We expect that 20 to 50 percent of each school will be women riders and we have facilities to make anyone comfortable. We encourage husbands and wives to attend together as well as fathers and daughters. There has been some talk of doing all-women's schools, so let us know if that interests you.
Are classes held in wet weather?
It's always the student's choice to ride in any conditions, but yes, the school will continue in the rain.
Are classes held in the winter?
Classes will run at Miller Motorsports Park from May through September, and then the entire school will move to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You can expect the same great R6s, the same motivated instructors and a great winter riding tune-up (and getaway) for you.
Where is Miller Motorsports Park?
Miller Motorsports Park (winner of the World Superbike Organizer Award in 2008) is near Tooele, Utah, about 30 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. The Salt Lake airport is the nation's main Delta hub so flights are inexpensive and readily available. See the Directions page for more information.