DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is set to make its second-ever stop at Ventura Raceway on May 11, for the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track in Ventura, California.
Last season’s inaugural visit proved memorable for both the race action and the setting. With the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean just beyond the fences that line the venue’s one-fifth-mile dirt oval, the world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers put on a remarkable show in front of a packed house.
Mission AFT SuperTwins title aspirant Dallas Daniels ultimately came out on top following a day that saw lines and strategies continually tested and re-evaluated.
Not surprisingly, Daniels was joined on the podium by reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees as their double-digit podium streaks overlapped in California.
Meanwhile, 2024 championship leader Brandon Robinson missed out after getting caught up in an accordion-style crash that also claimed Johnny Lewis, Jarod Vanderkooi and Sammy Halbert.
Robinson is eager to not just make amends but extend a title advantage built upon four consecutive podiums highlighted by a pair of victories. Lewis, Vanderkooi, and Halbert, similarly, have the skills to flip the script this weekend.
Uncharacteristically, two-time series king Briar Bauman has yet to finish on the podium this season. That feels like a drought destined to be corrected in short order, perhaps as quickly and convincingly as by way of a victorious performance this weekend.
This weekend will see Kayl Kolkman race in a Progressive AFT round for the first time since the series’ last stop at Ventura Raceway. For the past 15 years, Kolkman has never raced more than a limited schedule, but he’s a threat to upset the established order whenever and wherever he turns up. That’s most definitely true on his home turf, as the Ventura native clocked the fastest time in practice and paced a qualifying session a year ago.
Several others merit monitoring, including the likes of Davis Fisher, Brandon Price and Dan Bromley along with premier-class rookies Max Whale, Trevor Brunner, Declan Bender and Morgen Mischler.
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Last year’s Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event at Ventura Raceway ranked as among the most rollicking of the entire season. On that night, double defending champion Kody Kopp took the honors at the conclusion of a spectacular showdown with fellow prodidy Chase Saathoff.
Kopp returns with the points lead and a pair of early-season Short Track wins working in his favor, while Saathoff is fresh off his long-awaited maiden Progressive AFT win and motivated to immediately claim a second.
If the entertainment factor of a prospective rematch wasn’t enough on its own, throw in Tom Drane, who wouldn’t fully find his front-running form until the round after Ventura one year ago.
While Kopp, Saathoof, and Drane come into the weekend ranked first through third in the points and the odds-on podium favorites, the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles class is famous for springing surprises. Trent Lowe, Dalton Gauthier, James Ott and Logan Eisenhard are just a sampling of the riders with the potential to upset the plans of the top three.
And don’t overlook the contingent of quick Californians hoping to impress in their home state, a crew that includes the likes of Travis Petton IV, Tyler Raggio and Tarren Santero.