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Tune-in Alert! Port Royal Half-Mile LIVE on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold Tomorrow!
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 23, 2021) – Progressive American Flat Track makes its debut at Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Penn. for the Port Royal Half-Mile presented by Appalachian Harley-Davidson tomorrow, Saturday, July 24, 2021.
The action for all three of Progressive AFT's classes - Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle, AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines and AFT Singles - will kick off at 3:15 p.m. ET (12:15 p.m. PT).
For only $1.99 a month, fans can tune into unlimited heart-pumping race action with the AFT package on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
Sign up for TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold today at www.nbcsports.com/gold/trackpass.
Looking to watch Progressive AFT action live internationally (including Canada)? Click here.
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
Progressive AFT Powers to Port Royal Half-Mile Homecoming
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 20, 2021) – The 2021 Progressive American Flat Track season will resume this weekend in something of an unofficial homecoming round for the paddock with the Port Royal Half-Mile presented by Appalachian Harley-Davidson at Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, this upcoming Saturday, July 24.
Despite the event making its first-ever appearance on the series’ calendar, its importance was cemented with its announcement due to its location. Pennsylvania is almost inarguably the single greatest producer of elite flat track talent with an outsized percentage of the field claiming home ties of one sort of another to the state.
As such, any home-state advantage in the evolving championship chases are largely negated this weekend, particularly in the premier Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class where the leading trio are all either native or resident Pennsylvanians. And as such, double defending Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), second-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), and multi-time GNC Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) will pick up their battle for supremacy with a bit of extra motivation pushing them forward.
Bauman landed the most recent blow with his well-timed Lima triumph, but even so, Robinson remains on fire and Mees comes in with an extra week to heal following last weekend’s weather-related cancellation.
Looking a bit deeper, the continued progress of Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) will be of interest as he continues to rack up podium finishes and threatens to turn this into a four-way title fight.
Also worth monitoring will be the relative performances of JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Kolby Carlile (No. 36 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X) as the Port Royal Half-Mile marks the first event utilizing the rule changes newly implemented with aims of leveling the playing field between race-only and production-based engines.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
It’s a similar story in AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines where six of the top eight-ranked riders -- including the top two -- will be angling to impress in front of their home-state fans.
Title leader Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) has opened up a healthy 39-point advantage that only stacks ever higher with each successive standout performance.
Fellow Pennsylvanians Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Cycles/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/Rausch Fuel Kawasaki Ninja 650), Cameron Smith (No. 44 Fredericktown Yamaha/Richie Reynolds Racing MT-07), and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield Twins FT) will all need to be at their best in hopes of pushing Texter as far down the order as possible in hopes of eroding his championship padding.
While that’s obviously easier said than done, it’s worth remembering that Lewis and Varnes did manage to finish ahead of Texter last time out.
AFT Singles
The AFT Singles class is less of an intra-state affair with the top-ranked Pennsylvanian being Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), who currently sits sixth in the points.
Texter-Bauman is more than capable of contributing to a home-state victory sweep, however, considering she’s the winningest rider in class history and opened her ‘21 campaign with a double victory on Volusia Speedway’s similarly clay Half-Mile.
The chances for such a sweep improve up considerably if you allow for the inclusion of Australian Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), who makes Pennsylvania his home base during the race season. The championship leader by virtue of the tie-breaker over reigning AFT Singles champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Whale has been in tremendous form as of late, notching up two wins and a runner-up over his last four attempts.
The only rider with an argument of being even hotter is Henry Wiles (No. 17 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), who has done the same over his last three attempts.
And with Daniels desperate to strike back and the usual assortment of a dozen or so riders with at least an outside chance at stealing away a win, Port Royal should deliver another high-drama AFT Singles Main Event.
The Port Royal Half-Mile also marks the return of Royal Enfield’s extremely popular BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. program which serves to highlight and celebrate women and motorcycle culture. There will be a special BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. exhibition and Q&A during the Fan Walk, in which fans will be invited to watch as the riders are interviewed about their specific racebike builds and their experiences as developing flat track racers.
There will be plenty of additional entertainment off track as well, highlighted by live music courtesy of Chasing Neon, who will bring their high-energy blend of live party music that ranges from country to classic rock and everything in between.
Fans looking to upgrade their racing experience are encouraged to reserve an all-day paddock access pass, allowing for free movement in and out of the pit areas for a true behind-the-scenes view of the Progressive AFT action. Limited quantities available.
. General Admission Infield tickets with open lawn seating are $25 ($65 with the addition of the all-day paddock access upgrade). General Admission Grandstand tickets go for $35 ($75 with paddock access) and Premium Reserved Grandstands are $45 ($85 with paddock access). Kids 12 and under are admitted for free ($40 with paddock access) with the purchase of an adult ticket.
The gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
The Port Royal Half-Mile presented by Appalachian Harley-Davidson will air on NBCSN on Sunday, August 15, at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, featuring exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.
For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.
Tune-in Alert! DuQuoin Mile presented by Black Diamond Harley-Davidson LIVE on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold Tomorrow!
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 16, 2021) – Progressive American Flat Track returns to the iconic Magic Mile at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois for the DuQuoin Mile presented by Black Diamond Harley-Davidson tomorrow, Saturday, July 17, 2021.
The action for all three of Progressive AFT's classes - Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle, AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines and AFT Singles - will kick off at 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. PT).
For only $1.99 a month, fans can tune into unlimited heart-pumping race action with the AFT package on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
Sign up for TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold today at www.nbcsports.com/gold/trackpass.
Looking to watch Progressive AFT action live internationally (including Canada)? Click here.
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
Stage Set for Another Magical DuQuoin Mile
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 13, 2021) – For the first time since 2015, Progressive American Flat Track is back at the famously fast DuQuoin Mile presented by Black Diamond Harley-Davidson at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois, this Saturday, July 17.
To this day, flat track fans are still talking about the series’ most recent stop at the “Magic Mile” in ‘15, when Bryan Smith (No. 4 Crosley/Howerton Motorsports Indian FTR750), Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), and multi-time Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth took the checkered flag three wide in a photo finish officially separated by an impossibly close 0.00-second margin.
“Mile Master” Smith was determined to be the victor that evening, and he’ll be back competing for Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle honors this weekend in hopes of adding another win in DuQuoin to his vast collection of Mile victories.
Though he’s coming off an uncharacteristic performance at his home race in Lima, the still-mending Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) was healthy enough to win OKC Mile II a week before that. Considering his peerless form on the bigger tracks over the past few seasons, Mees is well poised to rebound in style in DuQuoin.
And even in retirement, Coolbeth might just get his revenge this weekend. While the series sorely misses the injured Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750), the Cooleth-Nila Racing team comes armed with a substitute rider who may be the only racer on the planet with the skills to go from the couch to the top of the podium in Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750). Further fueled by the support of his home-state fans, Carver is certain to add an element of excitement on Saturday night.
Of course, there’s the two top-ranked riders on the tour to consider in double defending Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and the streaking Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). Throw in the likes of Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Brandon Price (No. 92 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), and the potential is there for another classic.
AFT Singles
The factory-backed KTM, Yamaha, and Honda teams led by Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Henry Wiles (No. 17 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) have battled it out at the front throughout the 2021 AFT Singles. That’s a trend expected to continue this weekend.
Even after finishing as the class runner-up in 2020, Australian Whale has been something of a revelation this season, showcasing the speed and consistency to take the fight to a dominant defending champion in Daniels, who more often than not looked to be in a class of his own a year ago.
Meanwhile, Wiles has strung together two wins and a runner-up in his most recent three races, demonstrating the tools that made him the most successful 450cc rider in premier-class history.
With 14 podiums since his last (and to date, only) AFT Singles win, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Mission Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F) is more than due to earn another checkered flag.
Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) could use another win too; since opening her ‘21 campaign in sensational double-winning fashion, Texter-Bauman is yet to finish better than 10th, including 10th- and 12th-place results at the OKC Mile. She cannot be overlooked, however, considering she’s taken eight-career Mile wins -- more than twice as many as any other rider in AFT Singles history.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
The story remains the same in AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines where everyone is scrambling to keep pace with 2019 class king Cory Texter (No. 65 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07). Texter has recorded four wins and six podiums in seven attempts, allowing him to stretch out an early 39-point advantage.
There’s a great deal of talent in the class behind him, including Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Cycles/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R), Chad Cose (No. 49 Voodoo Ranger/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/Rausch Fuel Kawasaki Ninja 650). Any number of them have the potential to string together a series of top results and make this championship race a fight yet.
The day’s events will have a slightly different sound in DuQuoin; four-time GNC Main Event winner and Illinois native Johnny Murphree will provide color commentary in the booth alongside series announcer Scottie Deubler. Murphree is filling in for 2013 Grand National Champion Brad Baker, who is away getting married this weekend.
Tickets are available for purchase now at General Admission tickets situated on the front stretch grandstand are $35 in advance ($65 with paddock access). Kids 12 and under are admitted for free ($20 with paddock access) with the purchase of an adult GA ticket. Prices increase on event day, so fans are encouraged to reserve all seats in advance.
The gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. local time with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 7:20 p.m. ET/4:20 p.m. PT. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for only $1.99 a month via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
The DuQuoin Mile presented by Black Diamond Harley-Davidson will air on NBCSN on Sunday, August 8, at 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT, featuring exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage.
For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.
To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.
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The IHRA Members’ Loyalty Program Powered By Abenity
Are you heading to Walt Disney World? Just trying to get away? What about a trip to the movies?
You can get exclusive discounts (in select states) as an IHRA member through the IHRA Members’ Loyalty Program Powered by Abenity!
Free to all IHRA members, you will be able to save by receiving discounts on several our featured programs, including discounts on car rentals, hotels, movies, and many more.
Head on over to https://ihra.abenity.com/ and register. Doing so does not cost a thing! During signups, you, as a loyal IHRA member, will be provided with a code to gain access to all that IHRA Members’ Loyalty Program Powered by Abenity has to offer. All you have to do is call the IHRA at 561-337-3446 to receive your special, IHRA members’-only code.
You can also download the mobile app by searching “Abenity” on your phone or electronic device.
You can check out offers via the “Discounts” section. You can search for discounts near you, or, if you are traveling, you can check out hotels from outside your area.
You can also save on automotive shopping with old and used cars, as well as earn movie tickets from any select location!
Use the Categories, Brands, Recommendations, etc. sections to browse through opportunities out there. There really is no limit to what you can accomplish and save by being a part of this program.
This rewards program will be a continuation of the IHRA’s goal to provide a valuable service for you, our members, and to thank you for your support of The Premier Grass Roots Drag Racing Series.
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Hall of Fame driver Jack Ingram dies at age 84
Jack Ingram, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, has died at age 84, NASCAR announced on Friday morning.
Ingram won the inaugural 1982 championship in what is now the NASCAR Xfinity Series and claimed the title again in 1985, after finishing second in the standings to Sam Ard the previous two years. His 31 victories in the series rank sixth all-time.
A native of Avery’s Creek, N.C., Ingram also won championships in NASCAR’s Late Model Sportsman Division in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Nicknamed “Iron Man,” Ingram is credited with more than 300 career victories.
He was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame in 1997 and the NASCAR hall of Fame in 2014.
“There is no better way to describe Jack Ingram than ‘Iron Man,’” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a statement. “Jack was a fixture at short tracks across the Southeast most days of the week, racing anywhere and everywhere. He dominated the Late Model Sportsman division like few others.
“He set the bar for excellence in the Xfinity Series as its Most Popular Driver in 1982 and champion in 1985. Jack was an ‘old school racer’ and his work on his own car helped propel him to Victory Lane hundreds of times.
“Of our current 58 NASCAR Hall of Fame members, he is one of only six that was elected based on his career and contributions in the grassroots level of our sport. On behalf of the France family and NASCAR, I offer my condolences to the friends and family of NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Ingram.”
Ingram competed in 19 NASCAR Cup Series races over a 20-year period, with a best finish of second to fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty at Hickory Motor Speedway in 1967. That event was the fifth victory for Petty during his record streak of 10 straight wins.
Ingram also got the first and last of his 31 Xfinity Series victories at Hickory.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
BREAKING: New PRI Membership Unites Racing IndustryRacers and motorsports enthusiasts are invited to join an exclusive community to build, promote, and protect racing.
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HOW TO: Build Durable Diesel Power With Fluidampr Performance Diesel Dampers
Learn why champion diesel engine builders trust Fluidampr to reduce destructive vibration and unleash lost power.
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RPM ACT
RPM Act Gains Steam With 17 New Co-SponsorsSupport continues to grow for the bipartisan measure as Congress receives an outpouring of letters from the industry.
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ROAD TOUR
Photo Gallery: The Beauty Of Pikes Peak Int’l Hill ClimbSee the stunning shots and epic vehicles from the 2021 Race to the Clouds in the mountains of Colorado, a true bucket list event.
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FROM THE MAGAZINE
Diesel Motorsports, Women In Racing & More In PRI’s July IssueCoverage also features the latest on race gauges, gaskets and sealants, chassis setup equipment, and more.
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FEATURED
Lighter Isn’t Always Better—Just Ask These SuppliersConnecting rods are gaining weight and getting stronger to accommodate today’s tremendous power levels.
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COLUMN
How To Solve Common Diesel Fuel ProblemsRacers must address lubricity, deposit control, and combustion efficiency to avoid wear or even failure.
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COLUMN
Do The Pros Of Livestreaming Outweigh The Cons?Track operators weigh in on online video streaming and the logistical hurdles that go along with it.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Trackhouse Racing Acquires
Chip Ganassi’s NASCAR OperationFounded by Justin Marks and co-owned by Pitbull, Trackhouse will field two full-time Cup Series entries in 2022.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
PLZ Aeroscience Acquires
Champion BrandsPLZ Aerospace is one of North America’s largest independent specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturers.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
AFR Acquired By Private Equity FirmIn a partnership with the founding family, AFR’s employees and executive team will remain based in Valencia, California.
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