SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — American Flat Track will return to the Illinois State Fairgrounds this weekend for its annual celebration of two-wheeled, dirt-track motorsports.
The multi-day event kicks off Sept. 4 with the AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class competing in a doubleheader at the Springfield Short Track.
On Sept. 5-6, the AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines and AFT Production Twins will take the stage on the historic one-mile dirt track for the Springfield Mile I & II presented by Memphis Shades.
Defending Springfield winner Jared Mees will be gunning for his fourth SuperTwins victory at the track and remains the favorite on his No. 9 Indian. His biggest competition is expected to be reigning Grand National champion and fellow Indian rider Brian Bauman and Bryan Smith on his No. 4 Harley-Davidson, looking for his 10th victory at Springfield.
Championship leader James Rispoli shows no sign of slowing down in the AFT Production Twins class, especially after losing last year’s Springfield event by a mere 0.111 seconds. Sure to be in the hunt are this year’s Production Twins winners Chase Cose, Cory Texter, Ryan Varnes and Ben Lowe.
Friday’s AFT Singles twin bill will factor into the season’s continuing championship fight. Title contenders Henry Wiles, Mikey Rush, Chas Cose, Max Whale and Dallas Daniel hope to make up ground at the Springfield Short Track.
Ticket sales have been limited to 20 percent capacity, and all safety protocols will be followed to ensure a safe atmosphere.