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    american  flat trackFORMULA DRIFT 

American FLAT TRACK

www.americanflattrack.com

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,

 

 

 

  

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2026) – One night after his history-making Mission AFT SuperTwins debut, Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) raised the bar that much higher with an even more convincing repeat performance in the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II.

 

Kopp’s remarkable DAYTONA Flat Track double victory adds fuel to an already scorching hot Grand National Championship landscape, laying the early groundwork for what should prove to be a scintillating 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

 

Main Event 1

 

The series brought back the high-stakes, high-intensity Mission Triple Challenge format first introduced in ‘25 for the second night of the DAYTONA doubleheader. Under those rules, three successive Main Events – a 10-lap sprint, a 15-lapper that pays double points, and a final 20-lap Main which concludes the night with triple the points – combined to determine the evening’s overall winner.

 

And with lap times in the 17-second range, that first 10-lap battle immediately threw the contenders into the fire.

 

Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) lunged ahead of surprise polesitter Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R) off the line, but both riders were immediately overtaken by Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke).

 

After a bit of back-and-forth, Daniels settled in on Fisher’s tail, while RoosEvans turned his attention to fending off Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R).

 

Everything was reset on lap 6 of 10, however, when LCQ winner Logan Mcgrane (No. 14 Schaffers MotorSports/Ryan Varnes Racing KTM 790 Duke) crashed, bringing out a red flag.

 

Fisher resumed his advantage off the staggered restart and successfully held Daniels at bay to the checkered flag. RoosEvans retained his position in third as well, leaving the major happenings behind the top three. 

 

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) got a flier of a restart, storming around the outside of Bauman for fourth. While Bauman fought back through, Thursday winner Kopp powered forward, pushing his way past Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/OnlyFans/Castrol Yamaha MT-07) and then closing in on Robinson for fifth.

 

Kopp made good on that threat, overtaking Robinson on the final lap to claim a spot inside the top five.

 

Meanwhile, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet), who was forced to burn his provisional start just to make the Main, fought his way up to eighth to secure himself a better starting position and brighter prospects for the subsequent Mains.

 

Main Event 2

 

Momentum from Main Event 1 carried over for the aforementioned pair of rising stars. Starting on the inside of Row 2, Kopp continued his aggressive push up the order, first forcing his way under Daniels and then doing the same to Bauman to climb into second on the race’s opening lap. One lap later, the Latus Motors Racing ace slipped past Main Event 1 winner Fisher to take the lead and promptly escape at the front.

 

Lowe, too, picked up where he left off. Starting from the outside of Row 2, Lowe followed Kopp through the field, moving into second on lap 3. From there, the American Honda-backed Lowe was the only rider who could even keep Kopp honest – finishing just under a second back – while a field packed with proven premier-class heroes was left to tangle for third.

 

Daniels and Bauman crossed each other up for position on more than one occasion before the Estenson Racing star got a firm hold on fourth. Once there, he reeled in third-placed Fisher. But yet again, he was unable to find a way through at the stripe.

 

Bauman held on for fifth, followed by Robinson, Henry Wiles (No. 911 J&M Logging/Ray C’s Harley-Davidson Kawasaki Ninja 650), and Halbert.

 

Main Event 3

 

Kopp hustled his Harley-Davidson XG750R into the lead at the start of the third and decisive Main with Lowe and Fisher in close contention. 

 

While those three streaked away at the front, Daniels was shuffled down to eighth, trailing Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Halbert, Robinson, and Bauman, in addition to the leading trio.

 

For a moment, Kopp actually looked vulnerable. He was displaced by both Fisher and Lowe in quick succession with 16 of 20 laps remaining. However, rather than get discouraged, the heralded premier-class rookie regrouped, adjusted, and retaliated. He reclaimed his position out front with 11 laps to go and continued to build upon his advantage, taking the checkered flag with a healthy 1.195-second margin in the end.

 

That distance was actually Daniels, who made a characteristic charge late. This time, he finally found a way past Fisher, slipping through on the final lap of the final Main. That move also saw him edge ahead of Fisher in the combined results with Kopp (5-1-1) finishing first, followed by Daniels (2-4-2) and Fisher (1-3-3).

 

While Robinson passed Lowe late in Main Event 3, Lowe (8-2-5) wound up fourth in the combined order, followed closely by Robinson (6-6-4). Title hopeful Bauman (4-5-7) was credited with sixth overall.

 

As a result, Kopp leads the championship chase following the opening two rounds with a perfect 46 points. Defending champ Daniels ranks second at 38, followed by Fisher with 29.

 

Kopp said, “I knew what I had to do, and I know what I’m capable of – that’s all I’ve got to say. I work my butt off for this, and this is what I want to do for my life. To have this opportunity with George Latus, Bob Lanphere, Dave Zanotti, Michelle Disalvo… this whole team has been unreal to work with.”

 

KICKER AFT Singles

 

The KICKER AFT Singles class delivered an absolute stunner for an encore to Thursday’s opener. 

 

Friday’s wild Main Event saw the emergence of a maiden winner in Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F). However, deep into the contest it appeared that distinction would actually go to rookie Jordan Beaulac (No. 156 Picotte Motosport/Dofralex GASGAS MC 450F).

 

The race-shattering moments came early and often with Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) adding yet another chapter to their rivalry in the race’s opening stages. While actively disputing the lead, Drane ran up the inside of Saathoff and the two made contact, leaving Saathoff on the ground in a reversal of their clash here in ‘24.

 

Saathoff picked up his bike and continued on at the back of the pack, while Beaulac picked up the pieces of the incident to steal away the lead in the melee.

 

From there the young Canadian ripped open a gap of more than a second, with Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Eisenhard Racing/Pags Powersports KTM 450 SX-F) in second and Drane in third.

 

The race took another massive turn with just under two minutes to go when Saathoff suffered his second fall of the Main, this one bringing out the red flag.

 

Once back underway, Beaulac and Eisenhard jumped back into first and second off the line but made simultaneous mistakes while working the opening lap of the restart, stalling their bikes and splitting the field.

 

Original polesitter Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) came out of the chaos with lead, followed closely by Pfanders. Meanwhile, Drane found himself in fifth, trailing Justin Jones (No. 91 Fairway Ford Chevy GMC Yamaha YZ450F 450) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F).

 

A five-way fight for first played out for several laps with Pfanders at last securing the lead with just two to go.

 

An undeniable Drane then forced his way up to second, creating an opportunity for Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) to grab the final spot on the box while following in the Aussie’s wake.

 

Santero came home fourth, with 2015 DAYTONA winner Jones fifth. Saathoff somehow made his way up to sixth, while the unfortunate duo of Eisenhard and Beaulac could do no better than 12th and 14th, respectively, after earlier looking like a strong bet to land the top two spots on the box.

 

The win is the first of Pfanders’ KICKER AFT Singles career after previously demonstrating front-running on multiple occasions since making his Progressive AFT debut in 2024.

 

“This is unreal,” Pfanders said. “I never had a real, legitimate podium, and to do it with a win is insane. My whole family is here. I got to give (my) little sister a victory lap that’s been promised for three years. I can’t thank everybody behind me enough. I’m glad I can repay their faith in me.”

 

As a result of his opening week 1-2, reigning champ Drane holds an early advantage in the ‘26 title fight with 42 points. Pfanders is second at 33, followed by Saathoff with 31.

 

AFT AdventureTrackers™

 

The 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers opener was a test of patience, determination and toughness.

 

The contenders were clearly caught off guard by the changing track conditions at the start of the Main Event, with William Harris (No. 45 OTB Racing/Memphis Shades BMW F 900 GS), Austin Luczak (No. 97 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Sody Concrete BMW F 900 GS), and class champion Dan Bromley (No. 1 Big Momma and Daddy Deep Pockets Suzuki V-Strom 1050) all crashed while still on the race’s opening lap.

 

Bromley’s fall was particularly brutal and prevented him from re-entering the fray in the restart.

 

Incredibly, with all the riders tiptoeing their way around as they searched for grip, the two who pushed the hardest were remounted crashers Harris and Luczak. 

 

Harris worked into to the lead early and held it until nearly the very end, with Luczak fighting his way through with just seconds to go on the clock.

 

While Luczak and Harris completed the BMW 1-2, Matt Beland (No. 278 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Sody Concrete Honda Africa Twin) made a late pass on Michael Hill (No. 47 Weirbach Racing/Berry Bros Triumph Tiger 1200) to complete the podium. 

 

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR)

 

Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) finished off her DAYTONA double in Friday’s Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Main Event.

 

Gottsch was again the class of the field, breaking away to secure her third career win at the venue after going 1-2 in last year’s opener.

 

She was followed to the flag by Julia Hess (No. 13 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) and Madicela Rodriguez (No. 113 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) to complete a repeat of last night’s podium. 

 

Next Up

 

America’s Original Extreme Sport will head north for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, on Saturday, March 21. 

 

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280 to purchase your tickets 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 Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, March 14, at 8:30 a.m. ET (5:30 a.m. PT), with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II set to air on Saturday, March 21, 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.

 

Tim Lester

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 5, 2026) – The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicked off in truly unforgettable fashion in Thursday night’s season-opening Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I as Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) became the only rider in Mission AFT SuperTwins history to claim victory in their very first attempt. 

 

While widely expected to contend as a rookie, Kopp’s unprecedented achievement at the DAYTONA Flat Track still served to put the established powers of the Grand National Championship on notice. Perhaps most impressively, Kopp’s triumph didn’t even come as an upset by the time the Main Event rolled around, as the triple KICKER AFT Singles king was in in dominant form much of the night; Kopp posted the fastest time in qualifying, won his heat with relative ease, and then took the checkered flag in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. 

 

Despite that stirring lead-up performance, however, the Main Event itself proved a brutally tense affair. 

 

Reigning class champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) entered the opener as the pre-event favorite, having won five of the last six races in Daytona Beach (incidentally, a record mirrored by Kopp in 450cc action). But the Estenson Racing superstar found himself nearly two seconds adrift of Kopp less than halfway into the Main after getting caught up between Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/OnlyFans/Castrol Yamaha MT-07) as the race took its shape. 

 

Daniels certainly fought back like a champion, however, slowly chipping away at that deficit once he established himself in second. He slashed the gap to 0.500 with a minute-and-a-half to go and then closed right on the Latus Motors Racing pilot’s rear wheel as they stormed past the two-laps-to-go flags while negotiating lapped traffic.

 

Despite coming under immense pressure, Kopp appeared set to hold strong when he took the white flag. Moments later, however, the race was stopped after third-place runner Lowe crashed, and his bike went up in flames.

 

By rule, the race was called complete at that point, locking up Kopp’s place in the record books. Daniels was awarded second, officially 0.150 seconds back, while Henry Wiles (No. 911 J&M Logging/Ray C’s Harley-Davidson Kawasaki Ninja 650) – who finished third in this same race a year ago – was elevated to the final spot on the podium due to Lowe’s misfortune.

 

Wiles put himself in a position to earn that distinction after passing fellow series part-timer and ST ace Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/OnlyFans/Castrol Yamaha MT-07) with less than a minute on the clock.

 

Afterward, Kopp said, “I’ve dreamed of this since I was five years old, ever since I knew what flat track racing really was and understood it. By no means is this how I wanted to win my first national though – I want to come back tomorrow night and prove it with an actual checkered flag. Dallas kept me honest. It’s no joke racing against him – I haven’t raced against him really since my rookie year. I know the task at hand – or at least, I’m starting to learn it – because he’s a real challenge out there, for sure.”

 

While Kopp gave the Harley-Davidson XG750R its tenth-ever premier-class victory, the bike’s usual standard-bearers endured significantly more difficult outings. 

 

Two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) crashed after being run up into the wall moments after the original start, forcing an immediate stoppage. Despite then restarting from the back of the pack, Bauman snaked his way forward to an eventual seventh. 

 

That was one position behind Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who had to work his way into the Main via the LCQ after encountering mechanical issues in his heat. Like Bauman, Robinson charged up through the field but fell 0.150 seconds short of a top-five result, ending his race just behind fifth-place finisher Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke).

 

Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Lisa Niner Racing Suzuki GSX-8S) came home eighth, while Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Parts Bros/D&D Cycles/Fairway Ford Aprilia Tuareg 660) rounded out the top ten.

 

Kopp won’t just have a chance to get that Main Event checkered flag tomorrow – he’ll have three as Friday’s Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II Mission AFT SuperTwins rematch will be waged under the Mission Triple Challenge format. 

 

KICKER AFT Singles

 

Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) opened his 2026 KICKER AFT Singles title defense in the same victorious fashion by which he closed out the 2025 season to secure his shiny new #1 plate. 

 

The Australian picked up right where he left off, carrying over his season-ending four-race win streak and upping it to five – but the fifth did not come easily. 

 

A chaotic opening several laps saw Drane, archrival Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), an on-form Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Eisenhard Racing/Pags Powersports KTM 450 SX-F), and ‘15 DAYTONA winner Justin Jones (No. 91 Fairway Ford Chevy GMC Yamaha YZ450F) swap positions relentlessly as they jockeyed for position. 

 

And when Drane finally settled into the lead and stretched out nearly a second at the front, all that effort was erased as due to a red flag that flew in response to an incident involving Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

 

Saathoff made the most of the do-over, immediately jumping on Drane and snatching away the lead with just over two minutes and two laps remaining to determine the winner. 

 

The Aussie then sought long and hard for a way to claw back past and at last found it with only a half-minute to go.

 

“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with the restart,” Drane admitted. “I got a decent start, but Chase put up a helluva battle. It’s great to get the win. This is a great way to start the season, and I couldn’t have done it without my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team. They put in an awesome effort in the offseason, and we’re here to do the job.”

 

The ever-present Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) made his way up the order to grab the final spot on the box. Behind the usual suspects came rookie Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who made a head-turning class debut in fourth.

 

Eisenhard worked back past Jones with just over one lap remaining to earn the final spot in the top five. Canadian Jordan Beaulac (No. 156 Picotte Motosport/Dofralex GASGAS MC 450F) finished seventh, followed by Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F), Tadman, and Ryder Reese (No. 41 Fairway Ford/JMC/Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F).

 

AFT ProSport 450

 

Sam Drane (No. 7 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) joined his older brother in taking a win on the night by claiming the first victory of the AFT ProSport 450 era.

 

Drane overhauled Ryder Bitz-Hay (No. 14 Bitz-Hay Racing KTM 450 SX-F) to earn the Road to AFT Amateur Invitational victory after finishing second to him in Wednesday's 450 Road to AFT Main at the Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event, a contest which earned the riders their place on Thursday’s entry list.

 

Jed Fyffe (No. 23 Thriller Motorsports/Yamaha Australia YZ450F) and Jett Katarzy (No. 17 1st Impressions Husqvarna FC450) finished just behind Bitz-Hay in third and fourth, respectively, while Brody Hanson (No. 99 Hanson Racing KTM 450 SX-F) completed the top five.

 

Drane said, “I had to work hard for that one. Ryder didn’t make a mistake the whole time until that one time, and I got through. It was a great race and very good fun.”

 

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR)

 

Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) repeated her season-opening feat of a year ago, once again securing the first win of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) season. Goottsch leapt out into the lead from the start and put her head down en route to a lopsided win.

 

She was followed to the checkered flag by BTR rookie Julia Heess (No. 13 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars), who just managed to keep second-year rider Madicela Rodriguez (No. 113 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) at bay.

 

The class, which is showcasing the efforts of women in racing for a seventh season in 2026, will be back in action tomorrow night.

 

Next Up

 

The world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series will be back in action tomorrow night for the second half of the season-opening Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-ii-150638 to secure your tickets 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 Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, March 14, at 8:30 a.m. ET (5:30 a.m. PT), with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II set to air on Saturday, March 21, 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.

 

Tim Lester

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 12, 2026) – Following season opener at the DAYTONA Flat Track, the 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers™ championship is narrowing its sights on the most storied venues in American motorcycle racing. The chase for the title will now be decided across a curated selection of the sport’s most prestigious “Crown Jewel” events, centering the championship battle at the historic Jackpine Gypsies facility in Sturgis and the legendary Peoria TT.

 

Originally devised to provide the Dual Adventure segment a competitive outlet, AFT AdventureTrackers showcases the performance and versatility of modern adventure motorcycles in near-production trim. With championship-caliber riders at the controls, the class earned a reputation for thrilling racing as competitors navigate the versatile machines around unique racecourses in dramatic fashion.

 

The pursuit of the title resumes this August amidst the energy of the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will serve as a high-intensity hub for the class, hosting two critical rounds that test every facet of Adventure riding. On August 8, riders will tackle the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, a technical masterclass featuring high-speed sections and a jump designed to push machines to their limits. This will be followed on August 10 by a return to the facility for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track, a pure display of bar-to-bar aggression and agility on a tight, demanding oval.

 

The 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers season will reach its definitive crescendo at one of the most revered stops on the circuit: the Peoria TT. By positioning the Peoria Motorcycle Club as the season finale on August 22, the AFT AdventureTrackers class provides a fittingly grand stage for a champion to be crowned. Known for its rich history and the iconic jump that has defined generations of racing, Peoria represents the ultimate proving ground for the performance and authenticity of modern adventure motorcycles from manufacturers including BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, and Triumph.

 

This championship path intensifies the pressure on riders and teams, as every lap at these historic venues now carries immense weight toward the final standings. By concentrating the title fight on the sport’s most iconic dirt, AFT AdventureTrackers ensures maximum visibility for the class and a high-stakes conclusion for the fans. With the opening round complete and the most challenging tracks in the sport ahead, the battle for the 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers championship has become a prestigious sprint to the finish.

 

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 10, 2026) — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to announce that Mark Rogers and Eric “Digger” Manes, stars of the hit television show Moonshiners, will serve as Grand Marshals for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track on Saturday, March 21, at Senoia Raceway.

 

Mark & Digger will be on-site throughout the event promoting Sugarlands Distilling Company, the Official Moonshine of Progressive American Flat Track, while also supporting the brand’s newest product, Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey. The duo has partnered with Sugarlands for years to create a line of craft spirits bearing their names, including Mark & Digger’s Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey, Rye Apple Moonshine and Hazelnut Rum.

 

“We’re pleased to welcome Mark & Digger as Grand Marshals for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “They bring a recognizable personality to the event and add to the fan experience in a way that fits naturally with the atmosphere of Progressive American Flat Track.”

 

As Grand Marshals, Mark & Digger will anchor the evening’s ceremonial festivities, including the opening ceremonies. Fans will also have the chance to meet the stars in person during a special fan walk and scheduled meet-and-greet sessions throughout the day.

 

Sugarlands is taking the "Spirit of the Smokies" to the track. The Gatlinburg-based craft distillery will host an interactive fan activation at the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track, featuring its world-class portfolio of Sugarlands Shine, High Rock Vodka, Roaming Man Whiskey and Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey. Fans can expect an experience that perfectly blends Tennessee craft tradition with the high-octane atmosphere of Progressive American Flat Track.

 

“American Flat Track fans bring an incredible level of passion and energy to every race weekend, and we’re excited to be part of that atmosphere,” said Patrick Sullivan, Sugarlands Chief Commercial Officer. “Having Mark & Digger serve as Grand Marshals and creating an interactive Sugarlands experience at the track gives us a chance to connect with fans in a fun, authentic way and share a taste of what our brand is all about with the AFT community.”

 

The Yamaha Atlanta Short Track at Senoia Raceway marks the first of two Sugarlands featured rounds during the 2026 season. Sugarlands will also activate during the Peoria TT on August 22 at the historic Peoria Motorcycle Club, where Mark & Digger will again serve as Grand Marshals.

 

For more information on Sugarlands Distilling Company and its full line of spirits, visit Sugarlands.com.

 

To purchase tickets to the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280.

 

Watch every race live on FloRacing, visit https://flosports.link/AFT2026 to sign up.

 

Grab the latest Grand National Championship gear at the American Flat Track online store at https://shop.americanflattrack.com.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Lester

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 5, 2026) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, unveils the series’ broadcast schedule for the 2026 campaign.

 

Since debuting on FOX Sports platforms in 2022, Progressive AFT has experienced significant growth in national visibility and audience reach. That momentum carries into 2026, with FS1 once again serving as the primary broadcast home for the series, complemented by a special broadcast window on FOX for the Nashville Short Track.

 

The proven model introduced in recent seasons will remain in place, with each Progressive AFT round presented as a one-hour premiere telecast on FS1. In many instances, broadcasts will air the weekend following the event, maintaining premium weekend time slots and frequently aligning with major motorsports programming to maximize exposure.

 

A highlight of the 2026 schedule is the Nashville Short Track, which will receive national network coverage on FOX. The one-hour telecast is set to air Saturday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT), delivering Progressive AFT to a broad over-the-air audience.

 

2026 Progressive AFT Broadcast Schedule:

FS1 - Saturday, March 14 – Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I – 8:30 a.m. ET (5:30 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Saturday, March 21 – Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, March 29 – Yamaha Atlanta Short Track – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Saturday, May 2 – Ventura Short Track – 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, May 10 – Silver Dollar Short Track – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, May 24 – Throttlefest – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, May 31 – Williams Grove Half-Mile – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)

FOX - Saturday, June 13 – Nashville Short Track – 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, July 5 – Lima Half-Mile I – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, July 12 – Lima Half-Mile II – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Saturday, July 18 – DuQuoin Mile – 9:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Saturday, August 15 – Jackpine Gypsies Super TT – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Saturday, August 22 – Jackpine Gypsies Short Track – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, August 30 – Peoria TT – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 - Sunday, September 13 – Springfield Mile I – 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)

FS1 – Sunday, September 20 – Springfield Mile II – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)

 

The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6.

 

How to Watch

 

FOX Sports and FloRacing are home to Progressive American Flat Track programming. For the 2026 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FloRacing provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at https://flosports.link/aft.

 

 

Tim Lester

 

 

 

Kristen Lassen

Kristen Lassen

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 3, 2026) – The Grand National Championship is far from alone in opening its title fight when the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, get underway with this week’s Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II on Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6. 

 

The week will be consequential across categories, as KICKER AFT Singles, AFT AdventureTrackers™, AFT ProSport 450, and Royal Enfield BTR join Mission AFT SuperTwins in launching their respective ‘26 campaigns at the DAYTONA Flat Track during Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

 

Can Anyone Contain Tom Drane? 

Reigning KICKER AFT Singles Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) is back to defend his crown. A ‘25 season that opened with an uncharacteristic five-race wins drought was transformed into a display of outright domination by the Australian.  

 

Once Drane rounded into midseason form, he was nearly unstoppable. When he saw his record-setting nine-race podium streak snapped, Drane stormed back with a (still-active) 12-race podium streak.  

 

The final four of those podiums came in victorious fashion, tying him with three-time class champion Kody Kopp for the second-longest win streak in class history and leaving him just a DAYTONA double away from equaling two-time KICKER AFT Singles king Dallas Daniels for the most ever recorded in succession. 

 

When the dust had settled, Drane claimed the 2025 title by a resounding 86-point margin. As a result, he opens his title defense viewed as the unquestioned favorite. 

 

Leading the Chase  

Despite Drane’s apparent position of strength, three riders in particular can provide compelling arguments why 2026 should pose a considerably stiffer challenge. 

 

Drane’s fierce rival, Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), is back for another run at the title, now teamed up with 1st Impressions Race Team. Saathoff and Drane have proven well-matched over the years, leading to several memorable (and heated) moments due to repeated last-race clashes. Saathoff missed the final four races of ‘25 due to injury, but prior to that, he picked up three wins and remained within striking distance of Drane in the championship fight. 

 

Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) took up the chase in Saathoff’s absence and ultimately finished as runner-up.  Following a season aboard a big twin, Brunner’s 450cc muscle memory came back to him as the season developed. By the end of the year, he was back to his typical front-running standard. 

 

Like Saathoff, Brunner has switched teams for ‘26, joining KMA Racing, which puts him back on Yamaha equipment. The last time he rode a YZ450F, he went tooth-and-nail with then-teammate Drane for runner-up honors behind Kopp. 

 

Super sophomore Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) comes into the season with new surroundings as well, joining the factory-backed Turner Racing squad. Last year, Tadman finished fourth in the points in what was a breakout rookie season – highlighted by two mind-boggling wins – despite running only a partial season. 

 

 Armed with a year of experience and an offseason of training, Tadman is primed to make a big leap forward.  

 

Breakthrough Candidates 

KICKER AFT Singles is a star-maker, a class where riders break out and break through every year. There’s a deep list of candidates with the potential to do the same in 2026. It’s difficult to predict exactly who it might be – few foresaw the rise of Tadman at this time last year. That said, a handful have already shown considerable promise and just a minor uptick in form would put them right in the fight. 

 

Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) earned four podiums a year ago as he continued his gain in momentum and confidence.  

 

Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) earned his first professional podium late last season after demonstrating the pace required to do so pretty much from the time he first joined the tour in an injury-shortened 2024. 

 

2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) fought his way to a top-five race result as a rookie despite not being eligible to compete until turning 16 midway through the season. 

 

And Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) continues to knock on the door of a maiden podium, gaining strength and speed along the way. 

 

Here Come the Rookies 

To the surprise of absolutely no one, there’s another healthy crop of rookies entering KICKER AFT Singles competition in 2026. 

 

Among those to keep an eye on include a pair of young guns supported by strong teams in Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) and Jackson Sangals (No. 210 BigR Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R). And don’t overlook Gabriel Boisvert (No. 112 Waters Autobody Racing KTM 450 SX-F), a proven commodity on the Canadian scene who is now set to make his Progressive American Flat Track debut. 

 

450/650/850+ 

The week will be jam-packed with race action at the DAYTONA Flat Track.  

 

Thursday’s Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I will formally introduce the AFT ProSport 450 class to the festivities, while itself introducing fans to the next-generation of Progressive AFT heroes, several of whom will gain entry to the class with a successful run in Wednesday’s 450 Road to AFT clash at the AMA-sanctioned Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event held at the same venue. 

 

Meanwhile, Friday’s Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II will launch the 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers title fight with reigning class champ Dan Bromley (No. 62 Big Momma and Daddy Deep Pockets Suzuki V-Strom 1050) set to pilot Suzuki V-Strom once again. The big-bore Dual Adventure showdown will prove quite the show with these versatile 500+ pound machines banging bars in the close confines of the DAYTONA Flat Track. 

 

And both nights will feature Royal Enfield’s massively popular and successful and popular Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program. Now entering its seventh season, BTR has served to highlight, celebrate, and encourage the involvement of women in flat track racing since its inception. 

 

Bike Week Bonus 

Per usual, Daytona Beach will be jam-packed with two-wheeled activities throughout Bike Week. And fans at the track will have plenty to keep them entertained beyond the on-track action, including a wide range of vendors, numerous food and beverage options, and extensive designated motorcycle parking. 

 

That’s the Ticket

Upper Rim Road Standing Room Only tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket) each day, while General Admission tickets are just $35 ($25 for students with a valid ID and $10 for kids 10 and under). Reserved Grandstand and Premium Reserved Grandstand tickets are only $45 and $55 more (all ages), respectively, per day. There’s also a Military/First Responder Discount available, allowing GOVX fans to purchase tickets at reduced rates. 

 

The Practice Viewing and Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experiences offer reserved grandstand seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line complete with photos ops. The Practice Viewing Fan Experience is available for $100, while the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Experience, which also includes up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies, can be purchased for $125 per day. 

 

To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I tickets, visit: 

https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-150573. 

 

To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II tickets, visit: 

https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-ii-150638. 

 

And to purchase Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Ticket for the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, visit: 

https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-149220. 

 

Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) both days with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) on Thursday and 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on Friday.  

 

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/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

 

FS1 

FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader featuring rider features and thrilling onboard cameras. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to the AFT website at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. 

 

 Formula DRIFT

www.formulad.com

Formula DRIFT (also known as Formula D or FD) is a United States-based motorsport drifting series. Formula DRIFT was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003 as a sister company to Slipstream Global Marketing, the same partnership that introduced D1 Grand Prix to the United States. The new entity would solely own, operate and launch the first official drifting series in North America. Formula DRIFT is not associated with the FIA series of formula racing championships

 

 

     american  flat track FORMULA DRIFT    

 

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