News

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Trey!

by

After a week of bad weather capped by tropical storm Eta crossing the Florida peninsula and laying down several inches of rain, there wasn’t much hope that we would get to race,  but on Thursday the skies cleared, the ground dried, and the enthusiasm returned. Volusia was set to race!

The night kicked off with a salute to our Veterans and our honorary starter Wally Wallace who served for 42 years dropping the first green flag. The heats set up what would be five of the most memorable features of the year. Rookies rose to the occasion, and the old guard proved they could still hang with the young guns of the sport.

The 602 Late Models were the first feature, and likely the most talked about feature in the Southeast in the coming week. After winning his heat race Trey Mills attempted to shock the world as the 12 year old started from the inside of row 2 to demonstrate how he stacks up against the elite of his class.

Multiple feature winner Dustin Carter assumed the early lead but suffered a mechanical problem just before hallway and surrender the lead to a challenging Mills. There was no looking back after that as Mills went on to win with Brenden Smith and Mikey Kopka rounding out the top three.

The second feature of the night proved to be one to remember as well. With the Reutimann Memorial Race just one week away, Justin Allgaier was in town to shake down his ride. David and Buzzy Reutimann were ready to go as well, but local hot shoe Garret Stewart wasn’t willing to share the podium just yet.

Stewart has won every UMP Modified race this season at VSP, and tonight was no exception. Holding off challenges from David Reutimann and later Allgaier, Stewart kept his perfect record intact and cruised to yet another win in 2020 collecting the $1000 in prize money.

The next feature up, the Florida Late Models saw a familiar face biding for another win on the night. Trey Mills once again raced from the front of the pack after a second-place heat race finish and a good draw put him on the pole for the 20-lap, 27-car, $1000-to-win feature event.

Clean air was the key as multiple wrecks rendered several cars unable to finish the event. Up front Mills handled the restarts like a seasoned veteran, holding off challenges from some of the best in the business, but a restart on lap 11 left Mills the hunter instead of the hunted as Shan Smith took advantage of the high line that was starting to come in and assumed the lead that he wouldn’t give up. Smith and Mills checked out on the pack running one, two but the story book ending had to wait another week as Smith was the victor this week and went home $1000 richer.

The ¾ Modified feature saw a familiar battle up front as heat race winner Pat Vareika attempted to sweep the night but to do so had to battle Paul Shead in the feature.

The side-by-side dual in the feature was led from the beginning by pole sitter Paul Shead, who assumed the high line while Vareika worked the bottom side. Lap after lap left us wondering which one would come out on top. Right down to the checkered flag they battled with Shead pulling ahead at the line to take the victory.

In the final feature of the night a 28-car field was ready to go after the $1000 prize money in the D4R Street Stock season finale. Bruce Griffin led them to green in a race with multiple wrecks, including one between Griffin and David Showers that ended with Griffin taking the trip to the pits on the hook.

Three-wide racing was the theme early and Justin McGauley used the battles behind him to put distance between himself and the field as he pulled away to win his first feature at Volusia Speedway Park. Joe Belkey went on to finish second and David Showers Jr finished third.

The next race is the Reutimann Memorial, which begins with a Thursday Practice and racing on Friday and Saturday nights. The November 19th -21st event is just days away so we will be racing again before you know it!

Mother Nature Washes Out Volusia 40

by

The Volusia 40, scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at Volusia Speedway Park has been cancelled due to persistent rains and saturated grounds.

Next on the schedule is the Fall Classic, on Saturday, October 17, with the Top Gun Sprints, 602 Late Models, Street Stocks, and Compact 4s.

Donnie Chappell Takes Florida Late Model Win in Labor Day Championship Finale

by

The Labor Day Championships wrapped up Sunday at Volusia Speedway Park with Florida Late Models, Thunderstocks, Compact 4’s and a 602 Late Model All Stars.

Florida Late Models: The Florida Late Models Visited Volusia Speedway Park on Sunday to take a shot at a $1500 pay day. The 30-car field broke into four heat races filled with stories including a win in the first heat by 13-year-old Jackson Hise. Other Heat winners included Donnie Chappell, Jared Allison, and Joe Kump.

The B-Main would set the rest of the field with four cars transferring to the A. Winner David Clegg led flag to flag and secured his spot while Adam Bennett and Steve Shead rounded out the top three. The final transfer spot was taken by Steven Stratton who edged out Dennis Williams at the line by less than two feet.

The feature race saw Donnie Chappell (above) taking the early lead and Hise running second. In lapped traffic Hise kept pace with Chappell and when a late race caution came out with five laps to go it seemed as if Hise would get one more chance to challenge for the win. When the wreck was cleared Hise’s car wouldn’t crank and he was pushed to the pits. When the race restarted Chappell continued his dominance on the night and took the checkered flag followed by Chuck Comby and Joe Kump who rounded out the top three.

Thunderstocks: The Thunderstock cars came out to take a shot at $750 tonight at Volusia Speedway Park. Twenty Cars were split into two heat races won by Ron Adams and Bubba Christianson.

In the feature Hayden McCormick jumped out to an early lead and never looked back holding off challenges from Joe Belkey after multiple cautions and taking home the win and a nice payday! Joe Belkey was second and Bubba Christianson was third.

Compact 4’s: Tonight’s Compact 4 class at Volusia Speedway Park brought in 13 cars trying to win the $250 prize money. Chuck Frater and David Costello won their heat races and in the Feature it was all Chuck Frater leading flag-to-flag. John Pedaggi finished second and David Costello brought home third.

602 Late Model All Stars: The 602 Late Model All Stars brought the stars of late model racing to Volusia Speedway Park Sunday Night with 23 cars taking the green flag for the 30 lap Feature event! Fast time was set by Shane Riner setting him up for a pole position start. After a four wide salute to the fans outside pole sitter Trey Mills, the 12 year old driver of the number 14 car took the early lead. After multiple cautions and restarts Mikey Kopka took his turn out front leading until around 10 to go when Clay Harris, last nights winner of the VSP 602 Late Models, made the outside pass and had clear sailing to a victory and a $2000 payday. Trey Mills wasn’t about to settle for third and with two laps left he used the cushion to pass Kopka and take the second position. Kopka went on to finish third and pole sitter Shane Riner was fourth.

Clay Harris Tops 602 Late Models at Labor Day Championship Opener

by

Two-day Labor Day Championships at Volusia Speedway Park kicked off on Saturday with 602 Late Models, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks and 3/4 Modifieds.

VSP 602 Late Models: The VSP 602 Late Models started off the show at VSP Saturday night. Heat race winners included Mikey Kopka, Trey Mills, and Gage Griffin setting the stage for a 27-car feature event.

Gage Griffin lead the early laps of the feature race putting several cars laps down but a mid race caution erased that lead and after two more cautions Griffin started to fade and Clay Harris (above) who started 9th drove it to the front and claimed the Victory and a cool $1,000 payday! Pole Sitter Bud Chancey hung on for second place and Trey Mills placed 3rd.

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds: The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds were back in action Saturday Night gunning for the $1,500 to win prize money. The heat races were packed with action as 35 cars took their shot to get into the A-Main. Clay Harris secured his spot winning the first heat and while Dale Kelley and Rich Pratt took home wins in the second and third heats.

The B-Main was the last chance for 11 racers to get the final four transfer spots into the A-Main. Kenny Mihalik led early but a late race spin sent him to the back ending his chances for a transfer spot. Jamie Carter assumed the lead but Ronnie Chance had the high line working and went on to take the win. Carter finished second, Patrick Vareika was third, and the final transfer spot went to Gregory Skyta.

In the A-Main it was all Seth Geary early. Geary had a comfortable lead most of the night but a late race caution allowed the pack to close the gap and put Garret Stewart back in contention for the win. After another caution with Stewart starting on the second row he was able to get around Geary and pull away from the pack keeping his win streak alive and banking $1,500.

Street Stocks: The Street Stocks visited Volusia Speedway Park for a $750 to win showdown! The heat races had this writer wondering if this was 2020 or the 1980’s as veteran racers David Showers Sr and Tuck Trentham took wins in heat one and two. Bubba Christian and David Showers Jr also won their heats.

With 33 cars there was definitely going to be a B-Main, which was led flag to flag by Sammy Hatcher. Alan Peacock took second and with a last lap pass Cory Hupp took the last transfer spot sending Josh Sanford home.

In the feature event, David Showers Jr. led flag to flag holding off challenges early from Tuck Trentham and a late race challenge from Joe Belkey winning $750 and a $250 bonus for being topless! Belkey went on to finish second and Livingood finished third. Both Belkey and Livingood also banked extra money for being topless!

3/4 Modifieds: The 3/4 Modifieds were the final feature of the night. Paul Shead won the heat race and after being collected in an early wreck was able to hold off Tim Hogan to take the Feature Win and $300!

Volusia’s DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals Returns with World of Outlaws to Kick Off 2021

by

Second-annual event, Jan. 14-16, features four divisions across three days of racing

After the great success that was the inaugural DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals in January, Volusia Speedway Park’s kickoff event to the racing season returns in 2021 as the biggest Dirt Late Model extravaganza to hit the state of Florida with the addition of a fourth division of full-fendered fury.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series will join the DIRTcar Pro Late Models, 602 Crate Late Models and the Florida Late Model Challenge Series as the fourth different division for the second annual event, completing the spectrum of Dirt Late Model diversity in this one-of-a-kind racing spectacle.

The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet kick off their 2021 schedule with three straight nights of $10,000-to-win events over the course of the event, Jan. 14-16, launching the new standard-show purse, highlighted by $10,000 for the winner, $2,000 for 10th and $1,000-to-start. The Sunshine Nationals will effectively mark the beginning of the DIRTcar national points season, as each driver competing with the World of Outlaws will be eligible to earn points in the DIRTcar Late Model national points standings.

Tickets for the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals are now available online; only for purchase online or by calling 844-DIRT-TIX.

Three weeks later, the Outlaws return to The World’s Fastest Half-Mile for week two (Late Model week) of the legendary DIRTcar Nationals, proceeding two nights of DIRTcar Late Model action. With four consecutive shows from Wed-Sat, Feb. 10-13, all eyes will be on the week-long championship points battle for the Big Gator trophy. Tickets for the DIRTcar Nationals are also available now.

A total of eighty-one Late Models across the three divisions packed the pit area on the opening night of competition for the inaugural Sunshine Nationals back in January, with more coming in for Saturday night’s $10,000-to-win Pro Late Model finale.

Several big names of the DIRTcar Late Model circuit came out to compete with the Pro Late Models, including Kyle Bronson, Randy Weaver, Max Blair, Ashton Winger, Michael Page and more. Bronson walked away with the fattest pockets at the weekend’s conclusion, pulling off the clean sweep of the DIRTcar Pro Late Model division by winning all three Features and collecting a grand total of $13,500 in Feature winnings.

Three different drivers claimed victory in the three 602 Late Model Features, including 22-year-old Late Model prodigy Cody Overton. The Florida Late Models almost saw a clean sweep of their own by David Showers Jr., who had never been to Victory Lane in a Late Model of any kind prior to his breakthrough victory on opening night.

Each of these storylines builds the narrative heading into the second annual event next January. Can Bronson defend his turf, keep the win streak going and repeat as Pro Late Model champion? Will the 602 Late Models see a fourth different winner? Who will take the World of Outlaws points lead out of the Sunshine Nationals and into the DIRTcar Nationals just one month later?

The answers will reveal themselves in just over four months. With a total purse of nearly $220,000 across all four divisions and the return of the nightly points system to determine the overall mini-series champion in each division, the 2021 racing season is set for quite a sunny kickoff.

DIRTcar Pro Late Model, 602 Late Model and Florida Late Model purses/format will remain the same for 2021. Invites for the DIRTcar Pro Late Model division are again extended to all Crate Racin’ USA, FASTRAK and RUSH Late Model competitors.

2021 DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals Winner’s Shares

                                    Pro Late Model         602 Late Model        Florida Late Model

Thu., Jan. 14 –         $1,500                        $1,000                        $1,500

Fri., Jan. 15 –           $2,000                        $1,200                        $3,000

Sat., Jan. 16 –          $10,000                      $1,500                        $1,500

DIRTVision presented by Drydene will provide live coverage of the 2021 Sunshine Nationals for all Fast Pass subscribers and PPV buyers. Head to DIRTVision.com today to sign-up for just $39 per month and never miss a moment of the action!
DIRTcar Racing is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game) and NAPA Auto Parts (SDS). Contingency sponsors include: ARP Automotive Racing Products (SDS), ASI Race Wear (SDS), Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux, Cometic Gasket (SDS), COMP Cams (SDS), DART (SDS), Fox Shox (SDS), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum) (SDS); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Beyea Headers, FireAde, Intercomp,Racing Electronics and TNT Rescue.

Rain Cancels Saturday Heat Wave

by

BARBERVILLE, FL — August 21, 2020 — Racing at Volusia Speedway Park has been halted by persistent rains yet again as track officials have been forced to cancel Saturday’s Heat Wave due to saturated grounds.

Next on the schedule is a Test & Tune on Friday, September 4, followed by the Labor Day Championships  September 5-6, featuring DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models, Street Stocks, and Compact 4s on Saturday, and DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, 602 Late Models, Florida Late Models, 3/4 Modifieds,  and Thunder Stocks on Sunday. Labor Day Monday will move over to the Kart Track with all classes – J.R.1, J.R.2, Lights, Medium, S.-Heavy, Heavy (30 laps).

Exciting Action Kicks Off Volusia’s Weekly Racing

by

Weekly racing at Volusia Speedway Park kicked off Saturday night with 85 cars across four divisions and thrilling action in each class.

Congrats to the winners:

  • Jason Fitzgerald, Florida Late Models (above)
  • Garrett Stewart, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (below)
  • Kyle Livingood, Street Stock (below)
  • Paul Shead, 3/4 Stock (below)

RESULTS

FLORIDA LATE MODELS FEATURE (25 laps) — 1. Jason Fitzgerald, 2. Trey Mills, 3. Joe Kump, 4. Jackson Hise, 5. David Showers Jr., 6. Shan Smith, 7. Trynt Lloyd, 8. Tom Fiebelkorn, 9. Scott Gray, 10. John Bledsoe, 11. Cameron Saunders, 12. Robert Gast, 13. Jimmy Wagner, 14. Sonny Thompson, 15. Steve Shead, 16. Mark Steube, 17. Joshua Kuntsbeck, 18. Jason Pope, 19, Donnie Birdwell. DNF: Bill Adkins, Don Sniff, Jimmy Waldrop, Brenden Smith, Jonathan Thomas, Derrike Bennett, Dennis Williams, Richard Ferry, David Showers Sr.

DIRTcar UMP MODIFIEDS FEATURE (25 laps) — 1. Garrett Stewart, 2. Tyler Clem, 3. Seth Geary, 4. Buzzie Reitumann, 5. Jason Garver, 6. Patrick Vareika, 7. Brandon Wells, 8. Josh Sanford, 9. Paul Shead, 10. Ray Durrence Jr., 11. Kenny Mihalik, 12. Tony Campbell, 13. Shawn James, 14. Jason Thayer, 15. Charlie Phillips, 16. Paul Schloss, 17. Mike Phillips. DNF: Matt Johnson, Dale Kelley, Zach Permann.

STREET STOCKS FEATURE (25 laps) — 1. Kyle Livingood, 2. Joe Belkey, 3. Tuck Trentham, 4. Chris Lawrence, 5. Shaun Washam, 6. Brian Morgan, 7. Bruce Griffin, 8. Thomas Hill, 9. Chris Vogel, 10. Thomas Pratt, 11. Sammy Hatcher, 12. Carl Moore, 13. Jonathan Croson, 14. Bubba Christian, 15. Jacob Bell, 16. Richard Livernois, 17. Mike Stalnaker, 18. Bobby Ogelsby, 19. Alan Peacock, 20. Kameron McGauley, 21. Josh Sanford, 22. Dale Mimbs, 23. Clayton Ruth, 24. Patrick Mennenga, Rick Osteen.

3/4 MODIFIEDS FEATURE (15 laps) — 1. Paul Shead, 2. Tim Hogan, 3. Bo Bass, 4. Austin Hunter, 5. Pat Varieka, 6. Wray Shaffer, 7. Jeff Newton. DNF: Wade Olmstead, Jesse Powers, Brad Fender, Tad Olmstead, Wryan Shaffer.

American Flat Track Kicks Off 2020 at Volusia

by

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 18, 2020) – Five-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) notched up the 50th premier-class victory of his American Flat Track career with a second dominant win at Barberville, Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park in Saturday’s Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys.

The “50” that may be more relevant to Mees at the moment, however, is the 50 points he logged with his season-opening double victory that launched his 2020 AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines title campaign in perfect form.

Mees actually started from the second row this time around, allowing reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) a chance to make an early escape of his own after Mees’ Friday disappearing act.

However, Mees worked fast, slashing through the field, and ultimately, Bauman less than three minutes into the Main Event. Mees steadily built his advantage up to just over a second as the two encountered lapped traffic and managed that gap to the checkered flag.

“What an amazing night,” Mees said. “We struggled in the Semi; we gambled with the set-up and just went backwards. Kenny Tolbert and Bubba Bentkey worked their magic for the Main and the motorcycle was hooked up so good off the corners thanks to Jimmy Wood with Öhlins Suspension. Those guys got me so hooked for the entire weekend, and I came in so hungry.”

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) dueled with Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for third over the race’s opening half before clearing off to a lonely podium finish. It was a supremely gritty performance on the part of Robinson, who not only managed to finish third following 38 laps in sweltering conditions, but did so just seven weeks after breaking his ankle.

Halbert got swallowed up by a charging Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), but managed to retake fourth as they went back and forth while weaving past slower riders. Price actually found himself dropped back to sixth at the flag, as Davis Fisher (No. 67 BriggsAuto.com Indian FTR750) joined their fight late and stole away fifth position.

AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys

2019 rookie sensation Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) entered the season as many pundits’ hot pick to earn the 2020 AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys crown. Those predictions may have been second guessed by some after Daniels failed to make the Main Event in Friday’s opener. However, Daniels immediately reestablished himself as a serious player in this year’s title fight with an inspired ride to victory on Saturday night.

Even better, the win came following one of the most entertaining and hectic races in AFT Singles history. An eight-rider pack fought for the lead throughout the eight-minute regulation of the Main, with Daniels, Chad Cose (No. 49 Wally Brown Racing/American Suzuki RM-Z450), and Mikey Rush (No. 14 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) all taking turns at the front with countless passes for position just behind.

But just as the timer clicked 0:00 to set up a final two-lap shootout to decide the winner, the red flag flew. As a result, Daniels took point in a staggered restart, lining up just ahead of teammate Rush and Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F).

Once the race resumed, Rush sought a way past teammate Daniels but instead found himself displaced by Texter entering Turn 1 on the final lap. Daniels pumped his fist as he closed on the checkered flag, unaware that Texter had a run on him as well. Despite the near disaster, Daniels held on to the redemptive win by a scant 0.020 seconds at the stripe, even though Texter’s final charge marked the fastest lap of the night between the three competitors.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve won a national, and last night we didn’t even qualify for the Main Event,” Daniels said. “It’s just awesome to have this great team behind me. We’ve got our work cut out for us now, but we’re going to make a fight for this championship — I think we showed that tonight. I’m just pumped.”

Early-race leader Cose finished fourth, followed by Brandon Kitchen (No. 105 Donley Excavating/TCD Suspension KTM 450 SX-F), Cameron Smith (No. 44 Mike Butler Racing/Cornerstone Masonry Group Honda CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Roof Systems DFW/Duffy Fleet Services KTM 450 SX-F).

AFT Production Twins

Reigning AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) was far from satisfied after opening his title defense with a ‘mere’ podium finish in Friday evening’s opener. He promptly set things right for himself in Saturday’s rematch, registering a blowout victory to put himself back atop the points order.

Texter grabbed the holeshot and never looked back. James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) raced in close formation behind the leader over the contest’s opening half, but Texter slowly broke their challenge and powered to 3.244-second margin of victory.

Texter’s lopsided win was reminiscent of the three consecutive victories he logged to kick off his triumphant ‘19 campaign. It also provided strong evidence that he’s rediscovered the mojo he spent much of the latter half of last year looking to reclaim.

An emotional Texter dedicated the race to his best friend and title-winning mechanic, Jon Reid, who passed away last November, and another good friend in Jess Garcia, who died this past Wednesday.

“Last night felt a bonus to me because I knew how badly we were struggling,” Texter said. “And the first couple of sessions out today, we were really struggling again. But I have to say, I just have a lot of confidence in my team and in myself. And with all the hard work we put in, I’m just going to battle all year long. There’s no quit.”

Varnes appeared primed to overtake Rispoli late in the race as he did on Friday night. That is, right up until the moment he suffered a mechanical issue that erased his podium hopes with just over a minute remaining on the scoreboard.

As a result, the final spot on the box behind Rispoli went to another national championship-winning roadracer returned to dirt track in the ever-popular Danny Eslick (No. 64 Scott Powersports/R&D Machine Kawasaki Ninja 650).

Prior to Varnes’ misfortune, Eslick was also the beneficiary of a mechanical problem on the part of Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Lessley Brothers Racing, Competitive SheetMetal Yamaha MT-07), who slowed while battling Eslick for fourth with less than three minutes on the clock.

The final two positions in the top five fell to Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Weirbach Racing, Kawasaki USA Ninja 650).

AFT Returns to Racing with Inaugural Volusia Speedway Park Doubleheader

by

Volusia Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys to run Friday, July 17 & Saturday, July 18

Following almost ten months of anticipation, preparation, lockdown, and limbo, the 2020 American Flat Track season is at last set to commence. The long-awaited opener will kick off the resurrected campaign in spectacular fashion with the first of a season of doubleheader events, the Volusia Half-Mile I & Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL.

The global pandemic that pushed back the season by four months has changed the world in any number of ways, including a heightened awareness of the safety precautions needed for spectators and participants alike. As a result, tickets will be available in limited numbers, there will be a pre-entry health screening to ensure fan safety, and enhanced sanitation and cleaning protocols will be followed.

While the practice of social distancing is highly encouraged outside the air fences, the action on track promises to be as close and intense as ever.

The dawn of the AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines era comes alongside a reconfigured schedule that features a heavy dosage of Half-Miles, starting AFT’s first-ever visit to Volusia Speedway Park for Rounds 1 & 2. That altered reality will force new Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) to defend his #1 plate against a field stacked with heavy hitters who sense this season may be the best chance of their careers to earn the coveted title themselves.

It’ll be vitally important for Bauman to get out the gates quickly to reestablish himself as the rider to beat, especially considering the past three GNCs went to the winner of the season opener.

Bauman’s stiffest challenge will likely once again come from his fellow Indian Wrecking Crewmen. Future Hall of Famer Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) is angling to return to his commanding ways, while Briar’s younger brother, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), seems primed to take the next step and emerge a genuine championship threat.

While the factory Indian Motorcycle squad has proven to be a series juggernaut in recent seasons, the series’ historic dominator enters the 2020 fight rebuilt, refocused, and more powerful than its been in years. Now overseen by title-winning crew chief Ricky Howerton, the Harley Factory Flat Track Team is loaded with talent. Former Grand National Champion Bryan Smith (No. 4 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) spearheads the effort, flanked by the up-and-coming Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) and supremely gifted rookie Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X).

Yamaha has a pair of aces of its own in 2019 two-race winner JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and ‘17 AFT Singles champ Kolby Carlile (No. 36 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

In addition to the Wrecking Crew, Indian Motorcycle will again be represented by a deep bench of potential race winners on private FTR750s, including the likes of Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing/Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750).

Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys 

The 2020 Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class is once again a wide-open affair with reigning champion Gaultier, ‘18 champ Dan Bromley (No. 62 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), and ‘17 champ Carlile all graduating to the AFT SuperTwins class for 2020.

The aforementioned schedule reshuffle should seriously elevate the title chances of the category’s all-time winningest rider, Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F). But even without a bevy of TTs to bring her back to the pack, Texter figures to be pushed to the brink by a pair of former premier class standouts in Mikey Rush (No. 14 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Henry Wiles (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R).

Rush made his transition to AFT Singles competition a year ago with the RMR squad and came through in a huge way, scoring four wins and finishing as the championship runner-up, just six points removed from the title.

With Rush moving over to the Estenson Racing outfit for ‘20, his slot at RMR has been filled by Wiles. That’s a momenuntal development for the class’ balance of power, as Wiles — who boasts the 2009 and 2010 GNC1 Singles crowns and 26 career premier-class victories aboard four-stroke singles — is arguably the greatest single-cylinder racer in American Flat Track history.

While Texter, Rush, and Wiles have been doing the business at the sharp end for years, the class has historically been a venue for young riders to showcase their abilities at the professional level. And it will remain so in 2020 if 17-year-old prodigy Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) has anything to say about it. In just a half-season of competition, Daniels lit the class up in year ago, exploding onto the scene with a win, three podiums, and five top fives in the final seven races of ‘19.

AFT Production Twins

Reigning AFT Production Twins king Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) is back to defend his title. Texter opened his ‘19 campaign in scintillating form, tearing off three straight wins to start the year and then rode the wave of fast start to the throne.

He was pushed down the stretch by four challengers who each won two races apiece. While two of them, Gauthier and Carlile, have since moved on to the premier class, 2019 runner-up Ryan Varnes (No. 68 Varnes Racing/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) and fifth-ranked Chad Cose (No. Wally Brown Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) are back for another shot at the title.

The versatile James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) promises to be a factor as well. After successfully transitioning back to dirt track racing following a decade focused on pavement, Rispoli should only be that much stronger in 2020 with 2000 GNC Joe Kopp serving as his crew chief.

Safety has been placed at a premium and, toward those ends, AFT has worked closely with Volusia County health and government officials. For more on the specific precautions being taken at Rounds I & II, please view the event FAQ sheet.

While ticket sales are being limited to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing, fans looking to attend the highly anticipated 2020 American Flat Track doubleheader opener can purchase tickets for the Volusia Half-Mile I at store.americanflattrack.com and the Volusia Half-Mile II at store.americanflattrack.com.

General Admission tickets start at just $25, and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted for free in the General Admission area with the purchase of an adult GA ticket. Additionally, fans who purchase both days in advance will be offered a multi-day discount, which takes $10 off each pair of Friday/Saturday General Admission tickets. Multiple upgraded ticket options are also available to choose from.

While the Premium and Reserved Hook-Up camping spaces have sold out, a limited number of General Admission weekend camping passes remain. Fans are encouraged to reserve their spots now at store.americanflattrack.com.

Gates will open for fans at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on Friday and 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on Saturday with the Main Event programs slated to begin shortly after 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT both nights. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for less than $1 per event via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Live streaming for Friday, July 17 will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT) and Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT).

The Volusia Half-Mile I & Volusia Half-Mile II presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Thursday, July 23, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. The feature broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of AFT legend Chris Carr.