The Progressive American Flat Track campaign kicks off March 9-10 with the Daytona Short Track I & II. (AFT photo)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The world’s top motorcycle dirt trackers are just days away from launching their Progressive American Flat Track campaigns in the highest style as the series revives a hallowed Daytona Bike Week tradition.
The championship hunt will begin in electric fashion when the sport takes center stage under the lights of the flat track at Daytona International Speedway not once, but twice, with the DAYTONA Short Track I & II taking place on March 9th of Daytona Dodge will be presented -10.
The return of the DAYTONA Short Track season opener reconnects the series to an earlier era.
Progressive AFT made 0.25-mile tracks in Daytona Beach the annual home for its opener from 1989 through 2016, first at Municipal Stadium before moving to the DIS Flat Track in 2010 — just outside of NASCAR Turn 2 at the World Center of Racing . The return of the event is a fitting way to open what promises to be a special season.
Over the decades, the DAYTONA Short Track Opener has shone the spotlight on flat track’s most legendary riders, with Hall of Famers Scott Parker, Chris Carr, Will Davis and Kenny Coolbeth all taking the podium. One of the sport’s greats yet to triumph at the venue is the reigning Mission SuperTwins, presented by S&S Cycle Champion Jared Mees.
As a result, Mees will be properly motivated to add the DAYTONA Short Track to his extensive list of career wins while also fueling his title defense. He must conquer a 25-rider-strong pool of challengers brimming with talent.
At the top of that list is two-time series champion and runner-up by 22 Briar Bauman. Bauman comes just days away from the big announcement that he will be competing aboard KTM gear, backed by powerhouse Rick Ware Racing, who are entering the sport after previously competing in NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, NHRA, AMA and FIM has made a name for itself Supercross, among others.
Other expected frontrunners include Estenson Racing teammates Dallas Daniels and JD Beach, who enter the season to take another step forward after a landmark campaign, and Brandon Robinson, who has racked up multiple wins in each of the last four seasons .
Another rider to keep an eye on this week is Sammy Halbert. Though no longer a full-time series contender, Halbert has a bright history at the venue, boasting four previous DAYTONA ST victories.
While no one will be shocked if any of the above six take the podium this week, the DAYTONA Short Track is also known for delivering massive surprises early in the year. Before becoming established title contenders, Bauman and Robinson each claimed their first premier class wins of their careers at the event.
There’s a long list of Dark Horse picks, although calling the likes of Jarod Vanderkooi, Bronson Bauman, Johnny Lewis, Mikey Rush, Davis Fisher and Kolby Carlile underdogs isn’t entirely accurate.
Share Unlimited Prepare AFT Singles
Presented by KICKER Champion Kody Kopp, Parts Unlimited AFT Singles will be swinging the #1 record for the first time on the DAYTONA Short Track, where the prodigy’s chances of successfully defending his crown will be immediately put to the test.
The class field features 44 riders and is filled with the best 450cc dirt trackers in the world, representing six different nations with a variety of titles. Kopp’s biggest rival may be his teammate, Australia’s Max Whale, a two-time runner-up.
Meanwhile, Whale’s compatriot Tom Drane is widely expected to be an immediate contender, having flashed incredible speed in limited appearances last season when he joins multiple race winner Trevor Brunner at Estenson Racing.
That international flair will be enhanced this week by the appearances of reigning FIM Flat Track World Champion, Spain’s Gerard Bailo, and third placed rider in the world, Ervín Krajčovič of the Czech Republic, along with Britain’s Gary Birtwistle and Canadian Hunter Bauer, who scored his first progressive strengthened his AFT podium last season.
The most formidable threat of all, however, could be coming from close by as the Honda-backed American Turner Racing team grows in strength. It will once again field a talented trio, adding Trent Lowe to the remnants of Morgen Mischler and Chase Saathoff.
Fans will be thrilled to see the return of all-time winner of the class, Shayna Texter-Bauman, who will attempt to immediately add to her historic Parts Unlimited AFT win tally. Meanwhile, Texter-Bauman’s brother Cory Texter has taken on management responsibilities this season as he oversees a revamped 1st Impressions Race Team that will field Chad Cose and James Ott.
Considering the full list of realistic podium contenders – many of whom have gone unmentioned – making the Main Event this week will be an achievement in itself.
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