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American FLAT TRACK

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Photos Courtesy of American FLAT TRACK

Progressive American Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track,

Tim Lester

AYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 10, 2026) – Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) doubled down at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, backing up his Saturday stroll with another dominating outing in Monday’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota.

On the backfoot for much of his Mission AFT SuperTwins title defense, Daniels has rounded into form at the perfect time with just three rounds remaining in the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

And Daniels didn’t just walk away at the front Monday night… he did so twice. The Estenson Racing Yamaha star had stacked up a near four-second advantage when that lead was wiped out by a red flag just past half-distance.

No matter. Daniels resumed the drubbing when the Main got back underway, working his lead back up to 3.563 seconds when he took the checkered flag. 

After the race, Daniels said, “Just one race, one round, one lap at a time. We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves. I’ve been doing this for a little while now, and I’ve had good years and bad years. I know that these guys are good, and they’re going to be ready whenever we go again. 

“I know I kind of got fortunate on that start – I got a really good start. My starts all day were subpar, and I just kind of dialed it in. But when I saw the red flag, I was like, ‘Come on – you’ve got to be kidding…’ But my bike was flawless. I owe it all to my Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team.”

Believe it or not, Daniels might not have even registered the most impressive ride of the evening. Pre-race favorite Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) certainly has a claim of his own, minus a disastrous start.

Bauman suffered off the line and was then bumped up the track. That dropped him down to eighth early with few obvious ways to make those positions back up. Therefore, Bauman took the less obvious ways. After being stuck up top, he decided to plant his flag on the outside line that everyone else shunned and then made it work as he rolled around the outside of one rider after another.

With one minute remaining on the clock, Bauman stormed past Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and then Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07) to end his charge in second.

Kopp snuck under Cose at the same moment Bauman powered above him to complete an all-title-contender podium.

Cose held on for fourth, followed by Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who finished off an excellent week for Royal Enfield in fifth.

Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet), and Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R) were packed up tight, finishing sixth through ninth, respectively, in close formation. Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMCO Yamaha MT-07) rounded out the top ten.

As a result of his back-to-back victories, Daniels (249) has opened up just a bit of breathing space over rivals Kopp (236) and Bauman (233) as the Grand National Championship races towards its titanic Peoria and Springfield conclusion.

KICKER AFT Singles

Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) went from zero (negative five, actually) to hero in a matter of two days.

Following Saturday’s incident that saw Saathoff disqualified and docked five points after plowing into rival Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and knocking both riders to the ground, the 1st Impressions Husqvarna pilot returned to action on Monday with his aggression still intact, merely wielded more precisely. 

It was needed. The tight racetrack offered few easy passing opportunities, and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) owned the starts all night long.

That required Saathoof to balance his patience with his willingness to strike when the time was right, and he managed that balance to perfection. After showing a wheel on multiple occasions, Saathoff slipped up the inside of Pfanders a minute-and-a-half into the Main and immediately opened a gap.

That gap threatened to evaporate once Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) worked past Pfanders and started to reel Saathoff in, but a mistake only Tadman’s part allowed Saathoff to break that pursuit completely. 

Even a run through traffic did little to slow Saathoff’s march, and he powered on to a 3.735-second margin of victory.

Saathoff, “Jared (Mees) was preaching to me, ‘Get off the line.’ I was struggling with that a bit; Pfanders was getting really good starts. I got out of the hole pretty good and tucked in behind him. He made a couple of pretty big mistakes, and then I just locked in and got past him. After I got around him, I kind of turned it down a little bit; I knew it was going to be hard to pass me. I just really focused on consistency.”

After giving up the chase for victory, Tadman was forced to defend second, turning away a charging Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) for second late.

Pfanders stopped his descent in fourth, hitting the stripe with Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) just behind in fifth and sixth.

Meanwhile, reigning champion Drane’s week of Sturgis drama continued. At the start, the Australian got pinched off between fellow second-row starters Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450). He went down and was immediately run over by Jett Katarzy (No. 117 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who had no room to maneuver.

For a moment, it looked as if Drane might not be allowed to take the restart, but he was deemed fit following a trackside medical check and returned to the fray. From there he battled his way up from the back of the grid to finish a respectable seventh.

Despite the difficult week, Drane remains in a commanding position. He still leads by 42 points over Saathoff (241-199) with Tadman a distant third at 183.

Next Up

One of global motorcycle racing’s most iconic events – The World Famous Caterpillar Peoria TT presented by Walters Brothers Harley-Davidson – will celebrate its 79th edition on Saturday, August 22, at the Peoria Motorcycle Club in Peoria, Illinois. 

Visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/peoriamotorcycleclub/events/2026-peoria-tt-185253 to reserve your seats today.

How to Watch

FloRacing

For those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

FS1

FOX Sports coverage of the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, August 22, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT), with the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track set to air the following day, Sunday, August 23, at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT). The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres can be found at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 8, 2026) – Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) put himself in prime position to defend that title with a commanding ride in Saturday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, Round 12 of the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

It was the second successive season in which Daniels registered a clutch performance during a critical junction at the legendary Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Daniels left little doubt in the first of two Mission AFT SuperTwins Mains to be waged during this year’s 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, streaking out to the lead from the start and opening up a second-plus advantage before the race had truly fallen into shape.

The only moment the result seemed in question happened two minutes in when Daniels caught his boot in the dirt and was at risk of being tossed from his machine. But he wasn’t, and the fact he’d already assembled a 1.665-second lead allowed him to safely settle back in and resume an otherwise master-class performance.

By the end, the Estenson Racing superstar stacked up a 6.784-second margin of victory. While jubilant in its wake, his TT expertise is no secret, and he made clear the week’s bigger test is yet to come. 

He said, “I knew I was strong coming in here. I knew this was probably my strongest track on the schedule, just because this is what I grew up on. There is a certain thing when you come with confidence. Things just come a little bit easier. 

“But it’s been a long year. It’s been tough. I’m tired of getting beat. I want to turn this thing around. I feel like I want to be the guy. I am the guy. I have the #1 on my bike for a reason, and we just haven’t been delivering. Not really me or the team – but us as a group. We came together and did some testing. It doesn’t really apply to tonight; Monday will be the telltale for us. But regardless, I knew this back half of the season was going to be good for me.” 

Two-time series king Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) looked to be a match (or nearly so) for Daniels heading into the contest. However, an early challenge from Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) forced him to focus behind rather than ahead, allowing Daniels to pull off his escape.

Bauman freed himself from Gauthier’s grasp in relatively short order. But even when fully focused on the task, he was unable to do anything about Daniels’ gap other than watch it grow.

Gauthier, meanwhile, remained in third to the end, handing Royal Enfield its second-ever premier-class podium, adding to the one he claimed for the marque at the Orange County Half-Mile back in 2024.

Fourth was taken by former points leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R). He actually posted the fastest time in qualifying but struggled to find the necessary space to overtake in both his heat and the Main.

While he hounded Gauthier for a spell, the chance to fight his way to a top-three finish evaporated when he suffered a near fall that required a borderline miraculous save just prior to halfway.

Despite remaining upright, Kopp lost several seconds in the aftermath but had built up enough padding on fifth to not lose his position.

Fifth through tenth were jammed up tight deep into the contest, only breaking apart once Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) and Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMCO Yamaha MT-07) forced their way through on Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) in rapid succession.

Bender would then fight off Wiles to claim the final spot in the top five. Behind, Lowe refused to allow anyone else through, while Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) rounded out the top ten.

While their ordering has been altered, the title fight is still a tense three-rider affair at the top. Daniels now leads with 226 points, while Kopp (220) and Bauman (214) remain close enough to pounce as early as Monday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.

KICKER AFT Singles

Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer's Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) scored a breakthrough victory in a drama-soaked KICKER AFT Singles Main Event.

While Kelleher leapt out to the lead on the opening lap, there would be a litany of happenings before he could take the checkered flag back from that position. 

Initially it appeared he would just prove a temporary obstacle for AFT Singles title fighters Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).

The championship contenders worked their way past Kelleher on successive laps and then opened up a gap on third – a gap which they used to further their long-running feud. Saathoff, who was hunting his first win of ‘26, closed in on Drane and attempted an ambitious strike with a minute-and-a-half remaining. 

Saathoff collided with Drane while angling for an inside move in the tight transition to the pavement section. The two went down locked together, adding yet another chapter to their high-profile rivalry (after crashing together earlier in the day as well).

Kelleher sped past as Drane and Saathoff attempted to pick up their bikes but wasn’t in the clear just yet. He came under fire from an equally hungry Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R), who also hoped to seize upon this golden opportunity to claim a maiden Progressive AFT victory.

Despite a number of heart-stopping moments, Kelleher ultimately held strong by 0.529 seconds.

The result was not just the Schaeffer's Motorsports runner’s first-career win, it was also his first series podium full stop. 

He said, “I’ve worked a long time for this. It’s relieving more than anything. All the hard work, the money, the travel, so much sacrifice my family did for me. You start to wonder if it’s all worth it… And it’s worth it.”

Third went to Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F), who blitzed his way to the box despite being forced to do so from the back of the grid. Pfanders showcased the pace to contend for the win all day, but a heat race run-in with Trevor Brunner (No. 21 JMC Motorsports/Fairway GMC KTM 450 SX-F) forced both into the LCQ.

Brunner made out nearly as well, finishing fifth with Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) splitting them up in fourth.

Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) came home sixth and seventh.

Next Up

Progressive AFT isn’t done at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just yet. The world’s top motorcycle dirt trackers will be back in action on Monday night for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.

Visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954   to reserve your seats today.

How to Watch

FloRacing

FS1

Kristen Lassen

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 10, 2026) – Two days after claiming the Mission AFT SuperTwins title lead for the first time this season, reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) will put that narrow advantage on the line in Monday’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track, Round 13 of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

Monday’s clash follows on the heels of Daniels’ Saturday win at the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, held at the same Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club venue albeit in a very different guise.

The challenge and pressure will only ramp up as the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues to cast the eyes of the two-wheeled world on Sturgis, South Dakota.

Powder Keg

With a day in between to transform, Saturday’s Super TT layout will make way for one of the tightest, most intense Short Tracks in series’ history.

Small enough to fit inside the DAYTONA Short Track, the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track delivers on the discipline’s promise of close-quarters battle, desperate strikes, lighting quick passes, and bar-banging action. 

The proof is in last year’s doubleheader. The two 2025 STs at the track saw Daniels and title rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) trade positions, paint, and words.

In the opening leg of the doubleheader, Bauman edged Daniels in the Mission Triple Challenge, with Bauman winning the first, Daniels the second, and then Bauman holding Daniels at bay to win the third following a back-and-forth affair. 

That merely laid the groundwork for what was to come the following day – a round that made concrete what had been a mostly theoretical rivalry between the two riders vying to claim Jared Mees’ vacated position atop the sport’s hierarchy of power.

In the day’s Main Event, Bauman and Daniels came together after Bauman attempted to square up his rival and miscalculated their respective trajectories, leaving Daniels in the dirt and the red flags flying.

At the end of the night, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) had at last earned his first XG750R-mounted victory. Meanwhile, Bauman battled up from the back of the field to third, and Daniels slashed his way up to fifth – bringing his historic 23-race podium streak to a bitter conclusion. 

That instantly elevated their budding rivalry to a newer, hotter phase. While it’s largely simmered in 2026, the rivalry could ignite at any moment, and the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track is a powder keg where such things can happen in an instant.

Take the Bull(ring) by the Horns

While Daniels and Bauman are centered as a result of their shared Jackpine Gypsies history – which includes their Saturday 1-2 – rookie Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) has been the rider who has headed the points standings for the bulk of the season.

Now relegated to a close second, Kopp came back swinging the one previous time this season in which he was temporarily removed from the top of the order.

And after finishing off the box in consecutive races for the first time in his young premier-class career, Kopp will no doubt be motivated to change the narrative on Monday.

While Bauman and Daniels are certified ST experts – Bauman stands as the all-time leader with 14 wins in the category and Daniels already tied for sixth with seven – Kopp has what it takes to excel here as well. He’s the KICKER AFT Singles career leader with 10 Short Track wins, and opened his Mission AFT SuperTwins career with back-to-back ST wins at the DAYTONA season opener.

Just six points out of first, the Latus Motors Harley-Davidson prodigy is still very much in contention. That said, he’ll need to reassert himself down the stretch at tracks Daniels and Bauman both eye with confidence. 

Fishing for Spoilers

The tight title fight will only push the top trio to greater and greater heights; it’ll be up to everyone else to keep pace and inject some unpredictability into the affair.

Any number of riders could do so Monday night. Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) came home second ahead of Bauman and Daniels following their controversial clash here a year ago.

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) showed his potential at the circuit by finishing fourth in the final leg of the ‘25 Mission Triple Challenge.

Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMCO Yamaha MT-07) – who is tied for second alongside the likes of Chris Carr and Jared Mees for career Short Track wins at nine – picked up a top five here a year ago.

And Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) looked mighty strong in the ST section of the Super TT course en route to his Saturday fifth.

Drave Versus Saathoff, Pt. X

Speaking of rivalries, none in the sport are as consistently intense as the one sparking between reigning KICKER AFT Singles king Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and second-ranked Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).

Over the years, the two have come together with one or both hitting the dirt more times than pure chance and similar pace could possibly predict.

The only thing holding their rivalry back from reaching truly epic proportions is its one-sided nature; while Drane continues to rewrite the record books, Saathoff is still seeking his first win of the 2026 season.

With just a little better timing and perhaps a bit more patience, Saturday might have been his best chance to do so. Instead, both riders ended up on the ground together… again (as they also did during qualifying).

Instead, the desperation to get it done continues to mount as the series braces for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track where they split top honors a year ago.

Evenly matched in Saturday’s Super TT and both Short Tracks here a year ago, this one is shaping up as yet another high-profile duel between the class’ leading two contenders.

Seize the Moment(um) 

That, of course, creates the potential for another open door.

Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer's Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) gleefully blasted through one on Saturday, turning their rivalry into his maiden KICKER AFT Singles victory. He could be in the mix for a Sturgis double on Monday; he picked up one of his career best finishes to date with a sixth at the 2025 Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II.

Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) finished second again on Saturday and continues to hammer on the door in the search of his breakthrough win.

Other well poised to succeed are third-ranked Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), who finished on the box twice here a year ago, along with Trevor Brunner (No. 21 JMC Motorsports/Fairway GMC KTM 450 SX-F), who picked up a race win in one of the ‘25 Mission Triple Challenge Mains en route to a pair of top fives in Short Track action at Sturgis.

And don’t overlook Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F). Fresh off his slice and dice from the back row to the podium, Pfanders finished fifth here last year. At the time that equaled his best career finish. He’s since developed into a race winner and multi-time podium finisher – a record he’ll look to further on Monday night.

Party Like You're (Still) at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The party is only getting started here in Sturgis. Those celebrations will continue with NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1989 Cup Series Champion Rusty Wallace serving as the Grand Marshal of the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.

Beyond the excitement generated by the greatest dirt track motorcycle racers on the planet, the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will feature big-screen viewing, a wide range of vendors, an abundance of food and beverage options, and much, much more.

Don’t Delay

A limited number of General Admission tickets for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are available for just $25. General Admission Grandstand tickets are only $53 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) with Reserved Grandstand tickets $64 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID.

The Harley-Davidson VIP Experience ($135, all ages) delivers H.O.G. members an unforgettable evening that includes exclusive H-D seating, a rider meet-and-greet, an infield tour complete with podium photos, and Harley swag.

Finally, an exclusive offering – limited to just 30 guests – is access to the AFT Hospitality Tent, which provides prime sightlines along with food and drinks all day for $125 (all ages).

And if you act fast, you can save $5 off the gate price and be one of the first 500 who’ll snag a free seat cushion.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954   to reserve your seats today.

Gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

How to Watch

FloRacing

FS1

Trevor Brunner Joins JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for Remainder of the Progressive American Flat Track Season

tim lester

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (August 7, 2026) - JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford - Trevor Brunner is excited to announce that he will be joining JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for the remainder of the Progressive American Flat Track season, competing aboard the team’s KTM 450 SX-F machines in the KICKER AFT Singles class.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 5, 2026) – Reigning champion Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) arrives at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with yet another record in his sights as the KICKER AFT Singles competitors prepare for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, Round 12 of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, on Saturday, August 8.

Drane Storm

Estenson Racing Yamaha ace Drane has proven a nigh-unstoppable force as of late, racking up five consecutive victories. That run of success has vaulted him into some truly rarified air as the Australian continues to make his case for consideration as the greatest rider in KICKER AFT Singles history.

The numbers are increasingly on his side. Drane now boasts the most career wins and the most consecutive podiums, among many other achievements of significance. Now he enters Saturday’s race at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, needing just one more victory to claim a share of the longest win streak in class history.

Despite all that, he might not even be the pre-race favorite this week.

Drane has won a lot of races at a lot of different venues. Not only does he have more overall victories than anyone else, he has the most Mile wins, the second most Short Track wins, and the third most Half-Mile wins.

However, of those 26 wins just one has come at a TT. Granted, it came at the series’ most recent, the 2025 Peoria TT, a triumph that made him just the sixth to ever complete the KICKER AFT Singles Grand Slam.

Despite having enjoyed just a single TT win, Drane’s background as a standout roadracer certainly has the makeup to excel at TTs, and he has regularly demonstrated the pace to do so.

While it’s fair to point out that the relative infrequency of the discipline on the calendar has presented him with a limited number of opportunities to change the narrative, it also makes for a refreshing change of pace to be able to position Drane as the underdog following a lengthy reign as the resident overdog.

The Rider to Chase

The rider arguably most in need of a huge week in Sturgis also happens to be the one who just so happened to enjoy a huge week in Sturgis one year ago.

Long-time Drane foil Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) powered to victory in last year’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT to round out a spectacular 1-2-1 week.

Despite having racked up eight podiums en route to a clear second-place ranking this season, Saathoff is still seeking his first victory of ‘26.

With more than a full race’s padding on third-ranked Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Saathoff is primed to let it hang out at a track he’s previously conquered with hopes of finally bringing Drane’s win streak to an end.

Vindicated

Last year’s Super TT was also a monumental one for Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) – albeit more in hindsight than in action.

Pfanders was credited with third, marking his first career Progressive AFT podium. However, it didn’t involve a trip to the podium, as he crossed the line in fourth and was only elevated to the position after Aidan RoosEvans was DQ’d from second.

While likely not how he envisioned his first podium, Pfanders more than made up for it when he took his maiden KICKER AFT Singles victory at the DAYTONA double season opener earlier this year.

He’s also well set up to stand upon the box in Sturgis this year, having rediscovered his form following a mid-season dip. The OTB Racing pilot has reeled in consecutive finishes of fifth, fifth, and sixth and appears ready to capitalize at a track he’s done well at in the past.

Bounce Back Candidate

While Pfanders has gotten his season back on the track, preseason title hopeful Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) is looking for a turnaround of his own.

Brunner – among the most decorated riders the class has ever known – came out swinging in ‘26, claiming four podiums over the season’s first five races, including a victory at the Senoia ST.

However, he’s now mired in an uncharacteristic slump that’s seen him finish eighth or lower six races running. Brunner is obviously capable of much more, and perhaps the Super TT is exactly what he needs to re-unlock his potential. 

He’s tied with Saathoff for most TT wins among active riders (two). One more would vault him into a tie for third all-time while giving him a much-needed boost in confidence.

Puncher’s Chance

While Drane has made it unlikely-bordering-on-impossible as of late, the KICKER AFT Singles class is still capable of springing a surprise winner at times.

Tadman did it twice in 2025, and, as noted above, Pfanders pulled off an upset of his own earlier this year.

A win by Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) might not even register as a surprise, considering how close he’s come on multiple occasions before.

Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) was strong here a year ago, while Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) has made himself a regular up near the front at times this season.

We haven’t yet gotten a chance to see how rookies like Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) and Jett Katarzy (No. 117 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) will fare at a Super TT, but we can trust that long-time Supermoto ace Bronson Pearce (No. 132 A1R Racing/FRA Trust Yamaha YZ450F) will be at the top of his game.

Party Like You're at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is regarded the world over as one of the planet’s ultimate party destinations, and the revelry will be overflowing at the track and throughout the town. NASCAR legend Mike Skinner will serve as Grand Marshal to help cement the event’s elevated status. 

And along with the world-class race action, the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will host the V-Twin Visionary Ride-In Bike Show, a Strider race for kids, big-screen viewing, an abundance of food and beverage options, and more.

Act Fast to Secure Your Seat

A limited number of General Admission tickets for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT and the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are available for just $25 each round. General Admission Grandstand tickets are only $53 per round (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) with Reserved Grandstand tickets available for $64 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID.

The Harley-Davidson VIP Experience ($135, all ages), delivers H.O.G. members an unforgettable evening that includes exclusive H-D seating, a rider meet-and-greet, an infield tour complete with podium photos, and Harley swag.

Finally, an exclusive offering – limited to just 30 guests – is access to the AFT Hospitality Tent, which provides prime sightlines along with food and drinks all day for $125 (all ages).

And if you act fast, you can save $5 off the gate price and be one of the first 500 who’ll snag a free seat cushion.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302 to reserve your seats for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT.

And visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954 to reserve your seats for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.

Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 4, 2026) – From August 7-16, the eyes of the motorcycling world will be firmly focused on the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and its half-million or so hardcore enthusiasts in attendance. And at the center of the action the superstars of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will celebrate that burning bright spotlight with two rounds of the Grand National Championship.

With just eleven points separating the three primary Mission AFT SuperTwins title contenders and 40% of the year’s remaining races slotted into a three-day span, the upcoming week is destined to be intense.

First up is the first TT of the 2026 season – the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT – which will take place at the historic Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Saturday, August 8.

Numbers Game

Even by Sturgis’ standards, this edition is destined to be an especially patriotic affair. Having evolved into an iconic showcase of Americana, the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will take place just over a month after the United States celebrated its 250th birthday and just over a month prior to 9/11, the nation now 25 years removed from that fateful day in 2001.

While the rally has grown far beyond its initial ambitions, Progressive AFT has done well to remind the world that it was originally launched in 1938 by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club as a way of promoting a Half-Mile dirt track race.

Its racing heritage once again prominent via its renewed ties to the venerable-yet-vibrant Grand National Championship, Sturgis may just see another historic number recognized this weekend…

700

Another icon of Americana – Harley-Davidson – comes to Sturgis boasting 698 GNC Main Event victories, putting the brand within reach of scoring #699 and #700 in front of the legions of Harley faithful that will descend upon Sturgis by the hundreds of thousands this week.

And 700 is not just a mathematical possibility – it’s a very real one indeed. H-D has zeroed in on that number in rapid fashion in ‘26 with rookie title leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and wins leader Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) combining to tally up nine victories already this year.

Both riders are blessed with the requisite all-around skills to stand atop the box at a TT and a ST, while being further fueled by their respective championship ambitions in a scorching hot title fight that’s racing toward its conclusion.

The Harley-Davidson contingent will be further bolstered by the presence of Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R). While RoosEvans earned his first official Progressive AFT podium earlier this season, fans will remember that he held off KICKER AFT Singles king Tom Drane to cross the stripe as the runner-up in the class’ Main Event at the Super TT a year ago before later being disqualified for a technical infraction.

While the result was ultimately scratched, that performance certainly demonstrated his potential at the venue. 

TT Defense

But to hit #700 in Sturgis, H-D is going to have to go through reigning Grand National Champion and defending Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT winner Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07).

Daniels – another all-around ace with especially sublime TT chops – took the honors last season in a state of extreme motivation following a controversial clash with rival Bauman days prior.

While emotions aren’t running that hot (at least not yet), Daniels understands that he needs to come up big down the stretch to overcome the formidable duo of Kopp and Bauman. And to realistically do so, it’s vital that he capitalizes on each and every occasion in which he holds the upper hand – as he arguably does at a Super TT.

Saturday’s race is the fifth all-time to carry the Super TT moniker, which is reserved for layouts that go beyond the usual TT addition of a righthand corner and a jump. The Jackpine Gypsies Super TT meets that threshold and then some by way of multiple right-handers, multiple jumps, and a pavement section.

Yamaha has won every previous premier-class Super TT, courtesy of Daniels and former Estenson teammate JD Beach, both of whom happen to be elite-caliber flat trackers and roadracers. 

The Fight for Fifth

Following an uneven start to the season, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) has things rolling nicely now. The Oregonian is well clear in fourth place, thanks to an active run of four consecutive podium finishes. 

Fisher has it in him to up that number to five on Saturday; he was hunting a podium finish here a year ago, hounding TT legend Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-07), before a mechanical issue dropped him from contention.

While Kopp, Daniels, Bauman, and Fisher have a firm grasp on the top four positions in the standings, a coveted top-five ranking in the Grand National Championship is still up for grabs.

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) achieved that honor in his very first attempt, securing fourth overall in his rookie campaign last year. Lowe is well positioned to back that up with another top-five, as he currently ranks fifth.

However, the aforementioned RoosEvans is just eight points back in sixth (117-109), and Fisher’s teammate and noted TT expert, Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke), is just a further 13 points adrift and not out of top-five contention just yet.

Party Like You're at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Act Fast to Lock in Savings and Your Seat

Finally, an exclusive offering – limited to just 30 guests – is access to the AFT Hospitality Tent, which provides prime sightlines along with food and drinks all day for $125 (all ages).

And if you act fast, you can save $5 off the gate price and be one of the first 500 who’ll snag a free seat cushion.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302  to reserve your seats for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT.

And visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954 to reserve your seats for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.

Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

How to Watch

FloRacing

For those who can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Chromecast.

FOX Sports

FOX Sports provides national television coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events throughout the season, featuring in-depth race coverage, rider features, and onboard cameras. The 2026 Progressive AFT television schedule is available at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2026) - Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today that NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1989 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Rusty Wallace will serve as Grand Marshal of the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track on Monday, August 10, during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

An avid motorcyclist, Wallace will also host the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride presented by Harley-Davidson on Friday, August 14, in Deadwood, South Dakota. Proceeds from the ride will benefit The NASCAR Foundation and Special Olympics of South Dakota.

Wallace earned 55 NASCAR Cup Series victories, the 1984 Rookie of the Year award and the 1991 International Race of Champions title. His accomplishments have earned him induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame and several other prominent motorsports halls of fame.

“Sturgis, motorcycles and short-track racing. That’s a pretty good combination as far as I’m concerned,” Wallace said. “I’m looking forward to getting out to Sturgis, seeing the great fans and watching the riders go for it!”

Wallace will join Progressive AFT competitors and fans for pre-race festivities at the historic Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club as the series concludes its Sturgis doubleheader with a night of short-track racing.

Tickets for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are available now at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954

Next Up

Progressive American Flat Track heads to the historic Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, for two nights of racing during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The doubleheader opens with the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT on Saturday, August 8, featuring inaugural NASCAR Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner as Grand Marshal, followed by the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track on Monday, August 10.

Get tickets to the Progressive American Flat Track events during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:

Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302

Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

10 Minutes + 2 Laps with Kolby Carlile

Kristen Lassen

In “10 Minutes + 2 Laps with…”, we take the same amount of time required to complete a Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event (give or take a red flag) and use it to catch up with, and hopefully learn a little about, some of the more prominent figures on the Progressive American Flat Track scene. This week, we caught up with Progressive AFT champion turned Progressive AFT commentator Kolby Carlile.

AmericanFlatTrack.com: Hey Kolby, I have to say, you’ve made a seamless transition from racing to commentating. You seem very natural in the role. What’s that experience been like for you?

Kolby Carlile: Once I started getting hurt there in 2022, I started doing it just for fun with (“the voice of American Flat Track”) Scottie (Deubler). I had no intention of actually trying to do it full-time like I'm doing now. But I feel like I've always been pretty articulate on the podium and things like that, so I think that's why it naturally flowed really well. And then obviously I've had chemistry with Scottie for so long. It’s all really culminated into what we have now.

AFT: Does that chemistry go back to him originally interviewing you on the podium and in the pits when you were first coming up?

KC: Yeah… And he’s a racer himself to begin with, and then we’d actually done some traveling together a long time ago. So we’ve just built chemistry and rapport over the years. Not even from the interviews, necessarily, but just seeing him at the races and talking in the pits during the weekends.

AFT: You both share the self-deprecating humor and your personalities mesh in that sense too.

KC: With us being friends, we can kind of mess with each other a little bit and make little jokes. I think that comes off well with the fans because being a little bit looser and funnier, I think deep down that’s how our fans want us to be. They don't want us to be fully serious. I think that’s just kind of how dirt track fans are.

Scottie Deubler interviews Kolby Carlile immediately after he clinched the 2017 AFT Singles crown [Photo: Scott Hunter for AMA Pro Racing]

AFT: I have a theory, and you can tell me if you agree. I feel like one of your strengths is the fact that you can relate to the experiences of pretty much everyone out there. You had significant success – Singles title, Production Twins wins, SuperTwins top-fives – but you also know what it’s like to struggle with injuries or having to fight just to make the Main. Thoughts?

KC: I think that's a great point because I truly have been all over. I've been on my own team, I've been on bad teams, and I've been on the best team in the pits. I have had the highest of highs, winning the championship and having some good results, and then the lowest of lows, being injured just repeatedly there towards the end, having a lot of surgeries but no luck.

I also think I've got a good vision of what I'm actually watching. I've got enough respect for my (former) competitors, that even though sometimes I can't do what they can, and I can't go as fast as some of them can, I still feel like I'm well versed enough in what they're doing that I can call them out if I think they could be doing something better. That’s a fine line to walk at times, but I feel confident in it, and I think that helps bring another layer to the commentary.

AFT: You mentioned having had experience with what you termed the best team in the paddock… It may be hard for some people to remember – but I’m sure you’re not one of them – that Estenson Racing endured some real struggles developing the Yamaha to get it where it is now. Back in ‘21, for example, you and JD (Beach) had to give everything you had just to sniff the top ten. And now they’re on the box pretty much every week.

When you see what they’re doing, do you feel a sense of pride in having played a role in that development, or are you just wishing you had ridden a bike like the one they have now?

KC: Honestly, I don't think we played much of a role. I'd like to think we did, but I just think that the leap they took at the end of 2021 coming out with flywheel, and then just all of a sudden figuring out the electronic package in 2022, that bike was night-and-day better than what I, JD, and Jake Johnson rode.

There were times where JD and I were battling to the death for 14th and 15th. I mean, we were going tooth and nail, and we just couldn’t do it. We just didn’t have the equipment under us. Plus we were going up the Indians, which wasn’t easy.

But that bike that they rolled out on in ‘22, they just figured it out. So yeah, I really wish I could have ridden that one because I think I could have done well. I think I could have gotten some top fives and maybe a podium… And maybe on the right day, I could have even won. That bike was way better from what we had… Look at JD – look how his results just transformed overnight on the oval tracks.

Kolby Carlile at speed on the Estenson Yamaha in Springfield in 2020 [Photo: Brian J Nelson for AMA Pro Racing]

AFT: At a minimum, one has got to give Estenson credit for sticking with the program and putting in a huge effort to make that leap.

KC: Yeah, it would have been easy to switch to Indians. But that’s not the vision they had. And I mean, they poured so much money into getting it to where it is now, and it was good to see them get there. I just wish I could have been on that bike.

AFT: But even now it’s a fight. You look at what the Harley is doing… The XG has been racking up the wins.

KC: I think with the rule changes, something's going on with them. Two years ago, (Estenson) were really, really good. And last year, they were still very good, but this year something just off. Dallas (Daniels) has to be perfect to try to go for these wins.

AFT: Every time we do one of these, we ask the same two bonus questions. First, can you name an interest or hobby of yours that is completely removed from racing, engines, or wheels?

KC: I like to read.

AFT: What do you read?

Speaker 2: I'll pretty much read anything, but right now I'm reading Dungeon Crawler Carl.

AFT: I have not read that, but I keep seeing it get recommended.

KC: Yeah, it’s phenomenal.

AFT: Okay, last question. What would be your death-row style last meal?

KC: Chicken Parmesan.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 28, 2026) - Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today that NASCAR legend Mike Skinner will serve as Grand Marshal for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, set for Saturday, August 8, at Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota.

A NASCAR Truck Series pioneer and longtime standout across multiple forms of stock car racing, Skinner will help set the stage for one of the most unique events on the 2026 Progressive AFT schedule.

Skinner made history in 1995 when he won the first race in NASCAR Truck Series history and went on to claim the inaugural series championship driving the famed No. 3 truck for Richard Childress Racing. He ultimately earned 28 career NASCAR Truck Series victories and became the first driver in series history to record 50 poles.

Skinner also competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, earning 1997 Rookie of the Year honors. During his rookie season, he captured pole positions for both Daytona races and went on to finish a career-best 10th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.

A member of the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame, Skinner remains active in motorsports as co-host of Skinner Round-Up on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio alongside his wife, Angie. He also competes in vintage racing events around the world and continues to support charitable efforts, including The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride and NASCAR Foundation initiatives.

“Racing has taken me to a lot of special places over the years, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of those events that has a life of its own,” said Skinner. “To be part of it with American Flat Track and Jackpine Gypsies, around racers and fans who love this stuff the way I do, is something I’m really looking forward to. The Jackpine Gypsies Super TT ought to be a great night of racing in the heart of the Rally.”

The Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT will bring Progressive American Flat Track to the legendary Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, showcasing the world’s best dirt track motorcycle racers in one of the country’s most iconic motorcycle destinations.

Tickets for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT are available now at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302

Next Up

Progressive American Flat Track heads to the historic Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, for two nights of racing during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The doubleheader opens with the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT on Saturday, August 8, followed by the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track on Monday, August 10.

Get tickets to the Progressive American Flat Track events during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:

Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302

Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

How to Watch

FloRacing

FOX Sports

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Daniels Takes Title Lead with Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT Victory

Progressive AFT Keeps the Party Going with the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track on Monday Night

Drane, Saathoff on Collision Course in Super TT Rematch

Progressive AFT Superstars Set for Super TT Showdown at 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally