Tag Archives: bryan smith

Indian’s 2018 Model Lineup and Custom Bike Displays Highlight Indian Motorcycle Activations at Daytona Bike Week

MINNEAPOLIS (February 28, 2018) — Indian Motorcycle®, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced a Daytona Bike Week lineup of activations packed with demo rides for 2018 models, custom bike displays, an exclusive rider’s group experience, and more. Carey Hart’s display of custom Chieftains, performance parts and accessories, and a Scout FTR750 photo opportunity are just a few of the offerings Indian Motorcycle will have available at its main footprint on Main Street.

Also, following one of the most dominant seasons in flat track history, Indian Motorcycle Racing will kick off the 2018 season opener at the Daytona International Speedway. The Indian Wrecking Crew of Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Brad Baker, who finished first, second and third respectively in 2017, will be joined by privateers Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Henry Wiles and others for the 2018 season.

“We are thrilled to offer attendees a dynamic and unique Daytona Bike Week experience, including an exclusive look at Carey Hart’s custom bikes, the Scout FTR750, FTR1200 Custom and all of our 2018 models,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director – Marketing and Product Planning for Indian Motorcycle. “Daytona also marks a special time: the return of American Flat Track and a chance to watch the podium-sweeping Indian Wrecking Crew and new crop of privateers who have turned to the Scout FTR750 for this highly anticipated 2018 season.”

Below are highlights of the Daytona Bike Week action Indian Motorcycle has planned.

Display at Main Street (Main St. & N. Wild Olive Ave.)
Check out Indian Motorcycle’s 2018 lineup at the Main Street display along with custom Scout Bobbers from the Brooklyn Invitational and performance accessories. Get an up-close look at Carey Hart and P!NK’s Chieftains, custom-built by Hart, as well as his custom Springfield and sidecar that were featured in the Hot Bike Tour. There will also be a photo opportunity with AFT championship-winning bike, the Indian Scout FTR750. The display will also feature the Scout FTR1200 Custom. The Main Street Display will be open Friday, March 9 to Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Demo Rides at Daytona International Speedway (International Speedway Blvd.)
Bike Week attendees will have the chance to ride the entire 2018 lineup of Indian motorcycles, including the Indian Scout Bobber and Indian Chieftain, among others. Ride multiple bikes, compare, and decide which Indian Motorcycle models best suit your riding style. Group demo rides are free and available to those with a valid motorcycle endorsement and proper attire. Demo rides will be running daily during Bike Week, Saturday March 10, to Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daytona TT Flat Track Race (Daytona International Speedway)
Come early and get your favorite rider’s autograph from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, and then watch the Indian Wrecking Crew return to the track for the first race of the 2018 AFT season. The 2017 AFT champion Jared Mees will be joined by teammates Bryan Smith and Brad Baker as they look to dominate another season with flat track’s most dominant motorcycle, the Indian Scout FTR750. Privateers Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Henry Wiles and Jeffrey Carver, among others, will also be riding the Indian race bike for the new season. The season opener takes place on Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. EST.

Indian Motorcycle Riders Group Exclusive Event (Daytona International Speedway)
Join us Thursday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST. for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Daytona International Speedway including the track, pits and paddock. After that, members will meet with the 2018 Indian Wrecking Crew race team and a get a premium photo experience in the pits. VIP Parking and complimentary tickets to the Daytona TT are included. IMRG members can learn more and visit www.IMRGmember.com/events to sign up.

Indian Motorcycle of Daytona Beach (290 North Beach Street)
Open daily, visit the dealership in the heart of Daytona Beach to check out Indian’s full 2018 lineup and take individual demo rides of your favorite models.

Klock Werks Kustom Cycles at Destination Daytona
Stop by Klock Werks and get an exclusive look at a new limited-edition motorcycle.

Broken Spoke Saloon (1151 US-1, Ormond Beach)
Check out the Indian Motorcycle on Tour display at the Broken Spoke Saloon on US Hwy 1 and get a close look at the 2018 Indian Chieftain models.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

Events & Rallies, News

Jared Mees Upsets Bryan Smith at the Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile II

September 5, 2017 ITN

Mees moves closer to sealing the deal on his fourth American Flat Track premier-class championship

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 3, 2017) – Jared Mees continued his march toward the 2017 AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines crown in Sunday’s epic Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile II. It was win that may go down as Mees’ signature victory in a season which has been lined with them.

The grandstands at the Illinois State Fairgrounds were packed once again as American Flat Track turned out in huge numbers to find out how the highly-anticipated rematch between rivals Mees and Bryan Smith (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750) would play out. When the series last visited the venue back in May, the reigning champ was in full control. On that day, the flat track faithful witnessed the “Master of the Mile” work his magic to perfection, upping Smith’s win streak to four with a trademark 0.005 of a second acing over Mees.

Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle Rogers Racing Scout FTR750) returned motivated to demonstrate just how completely the tables had turned since that defeat. Smith has yet to win since his Springfield Mile I triumph, while Mees has assembled an imposing championship advantage on the strength of five wins during that same span.

On Sunday, the two were joined at the front in a six-rider, three- and four-wide melee by Brad Baker (No. 6 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750), Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Estenson Logistics Yamaha FZ-07), Briar Bauman (No. 14 Zanotti Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650), and Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Ben Evan’s Racing/Carver’s BBQ Kawasaki Ninja 650).

The prospect of a six-way shootout to the end was shot down on lap 17 of 25. A red flag was displayed due to an incident involving Kenny Coolbeth (No. 2 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R), who had fought his way up from 13th to seventh to lead the second group.

When racing resumed, it quickly took shape as a four-way fight for victory involving Mees, Smith, Baker, and Halbert.

Mees took the white flag to open the final lap down in third. He then stormed up the inside of Baker entering Turn 1, and then went the other way heading into 3. He powered alongside Smith around the outside as they negotiated Turns 3 and 4, and slotted just in front of him in the decisive sprint to the checkered flag.

Mees hit the stripe 0.021 seconds ahead of Smith. Baker narrowly edged Halbert to claim third another 0.051 seconds back to secure the Indian Wrecking Crew’s sixth podium sweep of the season.

The victory stands as Mees’ eighth on the season, upping his career mark to 30 to move equal with Bart Markel for 10^th on the all-time list. Additionally, Mees now boasts a 46-point championship advantage (317 to Smith’s 271) with three races remaining. That means Mees could clinch the 2017 title two races early by claiming his ninth victory on the season at next weekend’s Harley-Davidson Williams Grove Half-Mile presented by Appalachian Harley-Davidson.

An ecstatic Mees said, “It feels so good to get this win. In the springtime, I got nipped at the line ever so slightly. My guys really gave me a good, strong motorcycle that was so hooked up. After practice, I thought this really could be my day, but I’ve felt that before and Bryan has always outsmarted me at the line… If there was one race I wanted to pull off this year after the first half of the year, it was the Springfield Mile II on Labor Day weekend.”

Runner-up Smith said, “It was a fun race — I’d have much rather won though. Hats off to Jared. He just got around me in the last corner and outsmarted me a little bit. The track was totally different than in the spring; you didn’t have to play chess so much as checkers and make moves quick. Unfortunately, I came up a little bit short, but nonetheless, it’s awesome to see the Indian boys battle for every spot on the podium again.”

Third-placed Baker said, “It was a really fun race. It was a blast out there. We all knew where we needed to be — whoever led off Turn 4 usually got to the stripe first… It was a dogfight whoever was going to get that spot. I was right there, but I think I set Jared up good to get us both. Bryan and I were right on his tail and we were all reacting at 140 miles per hour a couple inches away from the wall. It gets a little hectic there the last 50 feet of the race. To only lose by a half bike and get third just shows how close the racing was.”

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R) made the most of the second chance provided by the red flag, outdueling early contenders Bauman and Carver to complete the top five.

Catch American Flat Track on NBCSN every Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. The Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile II will air on NBCSN on Thursday, September 21 with the Springfield ST as part of a doubleheader with another classic venue, the Peoria TT. The Peoria TT show kicks off at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT) with the Springfield Mile II episode at 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. PT). The full schedule for American Flat Track on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn.

Catch the highlights on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFlatTrack/videos/1651918971508867/) and YouTube (https://youtu.be/gDIX_pOKP8w).

Next Up:
American Flat Track will be back in action next weekend as the series travels to Mechanicsburg, Pa., for the Harley-Davidson Williams Grove Half-Mile presented by Appalachian Harley-Davidson on Saturday, September 9. Live coverage can be viewed on FansChoice.tv beginning at 1:00 a.m. ET with Opening Ceremonies scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at https://www.showclix.com/event/williams-grove-half-mile .

Fans can keep up-to-date with American Flat Track on Facebook (@American Flat Track), Twitter (@AmericanFlatTrk) and Instagram (@AmericanFlatTrack). AFT mobile apps are available for iPhone on the App Store and for Android at Google Play. For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.

Awards Update:
AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Öhlins Fastest Lap – #14 Briar Bauman
McElroy Packaging Lucky 13 – #69 Sammy Halbert

How to Watch:

NBCSN and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track events. All 18 rounds, from the season-opening Harley-Davidson DAYTONA TT to the American Flat Track Finals in Southern California, will air in one-hour primetime telecasts throughout the summer and fall on NBCSN. FansChoice.tv remains a cornerstone of AFT’s digital strategy and provides live streaming coverage of every event.

About American Flat Track:
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. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram, live stream the events at FansChoice.tv and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

Events & Rallies

Jared Mees Retakes Points Lead with Rolling Wheels Half-Mile Victory

July 10, 2017 ITN

Last time out, at the Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle, Jared Mees failed to make the Main Event — a race he promoted himself — after twice jumping the start during his Semi race. Adding insult to injury, he lost his AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines championship lead in the process to rival Bryan Smith (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750).

On Saturday night July 8, in front of another packed house at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge, NY, Mees obliterated all challengers aboard his No. 9 Indian Motorcycle Rogers Racing Scout FTR750 en route to claiming his fifth checkered flag of the 2017 campaign – and with a near five-second margin of victory.

Mees was forced to deal with rival Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Estenson Logistics Harley-Davidson XR750) on the race’s opening lap. The two banged bars as they jostled for the inside on Lap 1, with Halbert diving into the lead heading into Turn 3. Mees squared up the turn and slotted back underneath to reacquire the position by the completion of the first lap. The three-time Grand National Champion continually worked up his advantage from there, steadily stretching it out before finally taking the win.

The victory marks the 25th of Mees’ career. It also saw him complete an in-season Grand Slam with triumphs across all four disciplines (TT, Short Track, Mile and Half-Mile) in 2017, with eight races still remaining on the calendar.

Now back in control of the title fight, Mees said, “(Lima’s) behind us. That was my mistake, my fault, and I needed to come back and do exactly this. I had two long weeks to think about my mistake.”

Sammy Halbert posted his second runner-up finish of the season, and Brad Baker (No. 6 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750) picked up his seventh podium result of the year but had to work for it in the end. A seemingly lonely third was made considerably less when Baker was joined on his rear wheel by Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Carver’s BBQ Kawasaki Ninja 650) late in the contest.

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R) made it two Harleys inside the top five, edging Lima winner Briar Bauman (No. 14 Zanotti Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650) by 0.119 of a second for fifth.

Smith endured his worst finish of the season in seventh. He relinquished the points lead to Mees as a result, and now trails his rivals by eight points (202-194). After opening the year red hot with four wins, a second, and a third in the season’s first six races, Smith finds himself in something of a cold streak – at least by his lofty standards. In his last four outings, he’s tallied up results of fourth, third, sixth, and seventh.

In AFT Singles Shayna Texter (No. 52 Richie Morris Racing Honda CRF450R) continued to stamp her authority on the AFT Singles title fight with a wire-to-wire victory at the Rolling Wheels Half-Mile.

Next Up:
American Flat Track will complete its run of three consecutive Half-Miles with the Harley-Davidson Calistoga Half-Mile in Calistoga, California, on July 29. Live coverage can be viewed on FansChoice.tv on Saturday beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at http://www.calistogahalfmile.com/.

How to Watch:

Events & Rallies, News

Bryan Smith Keeps Win Streak Rolling With Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile I Win

May 30, 2017 ITN

Another nail-biter AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines race goes to the “Mile Master”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 28, 2017) – An historic American Flat Track win streak remained in play despite facing its stiffest test yet today in front of a packed house at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to watch the AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines contest the Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile I.

The streak in question belongs to Bryan Smith, who pulled off a third successive Mile miracle aboard his No. 1 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750. The victory was the defending Grand National Champion’s fourth race win in a row overall, making him just the fifth rider in series history to accomplish that feat.

It certainly did not come easily on Saturday afternoon. Smith hoped to make an escape at the start, building up more than a half-second advantage early on before rival Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle Rogers Racing Scout FTR750) slowly reeled him back in.

Soon enough, the third member of the Indian Wrecking Crew, Brad Baker on the No. 6 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750, followed suit.

Adding a bit of spice to the lead pack following a pair of Indian podium lockouts were the respective arrivals of Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere Beaverton Motorcycles Kawasaki Ninja 650) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Estenson Logistics Yamaha FZ-07).

In fact, Halbert looked like he might have something for all comers on this day. He continually built up speed as the track came around to his bike set-up, enabling him to throw down the race’s fastest lap (34.571) with six to go.

The next man destined to join the fight up front looked to be Springfield master Kenny Coolbeth (No. 2 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R). The Main Event was shaping up to be a significant uptick in form for the entire works Harley-Davidson crew with all three riders battling in strong position, led by Coolbeth, who was sixth and closing with the laps winding down.

Unfortunately, a freak incident between Coolbeth and teammates Jake Johnson (No. 5 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R) dashed the hopes for the Factory trio. A red flag then flew, setting the stage for a six-lap shootout for victory.

Once the race was back underway, Halbert continued to demonstrate race-changing pace and led as the pack took the white flag. Title hopeful Mees dove underneath to slot into first as they entered Turn 1 and held the advantage coming back onto the front straight.

However, he found himself outmaneuvered yet again by Smith, who went around the outside of Halbert on the backstraight and then rocketed off Turn 4 just behind Mees in the decisive run to the stripe.

Smith, Mees, and Halbert took the checkered flag practically three abreast, with the photo finish giving Smith the nod by 0.005 of a second over Mees. Halbert, meanwhile, snapped the run of Indian 1-2-3s in third position, just another 0.039 seconds back.

After discovering he had won, Smith took the checkered flag in his hand and did a reverse victory lap in honor of the late Nicky Hayden.

The victory was the 30th AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines victory of Smith’s career – including eight at the Springfield Mile. After the race, he said, “I’ve never won here at Springfield by being able to get away, so I put my head down (at the start). I was hoping to break away but I saw Jared trying to reel me in so I chilled. I wasn’t sure if we were cooking the tire or not.

“In the shootout, Sammy got up there and made it interesting for me and Jared. Heck, I didn’t know who won until I came around and they handed me the checkered flag.”

Despite narrowly missing out once again, Mees picked up another big points bounty for his title campaign. His season tally now reads two firsts, three seconds, and one third.

Runner-up Mees said, “Honestly, if I was to do it all over again, that’s probably what I would have done again. I was getting through the corners really good and getting off really good. I just came up a little short – that’s how it is on these Miles. I wanted to lead it off Turn 4 really bad because I felt I was really strong there, but obviously, I was just a millisecond not strong enough.”

The third-place result was Halbert’s second podium finish on the year. After the race he said, “For sure Estenson Racing put together a great bike for me – that Yamaha FZ-07 was running great, especially at the end. I was struggling a lot at the beginning and lost the lead draft, but as the track got faster and more hooked up, my set-up came in.

“I put in a lot of work to catch those guys before the red flag, but luckily I was able to get up to the front and lead a couple laps. I definitely had a shot at the win. I wish I would have played my cards a little differently, but I’m stoked to get up here on the box.”

Baker came home a close fourth, while a very racy Fisher scored his best result of 2017 to round out the top five.

The Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile I will air on NBCSN on Thursday, August 10, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Catch the highlights on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFlatTrack/videos/1538534296180669/) and
YouTube (https://youtu.be/HRKqXUanTFk).

Next Up:
Next Saturday night American Flat Track will complete its run of four Miles in four weeks with the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 3. Live coverage can be viewed on FansChoice.tv beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at https://www.showclix.com/event/red-mile. Fans can also keep up-to-date with race day action by following American Flat Track on Facebook (American Flat Track), Twitter (@AmericanFlatTrk) and Instagram (@AmericanFlatTrack).

Award Updates:
AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Ohlins Fastest Lap – #69 Sammy Halbert
McElroy Packaging Lucky 13 – #1 Bryan Smith

How to Watch:
NBCSN and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track events. All 18 rounds, from the season-opening DAYTONA TT to the American Flat Track Finals in Southern California, will air in one-hour, tape-delayed telecasts on Thursday nights throughout the summer and fall on NBCSN, while FansChoice.tv provides live streaming coverage of American Flat Track events. FansChoice.tv also provides coverage of IMSA’s development and single-make series, and NASCAR’s touring and weekly series. Catch all the action at http://www.nbcsports.com/ and http://www.FansChoice.tv.About American Flat Track:
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. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, live stream the events at FansChoice.tv and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.

News

Bryan Smith Takes Another Mile Win In Five-Lap Shootout With Teammate Brad Baker

May 13, 2017 ITN

Shayna Texter ends win drought in an AFT Singles thriller

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 13, 2017) – The Indian Wrecking Crew once again lived up to its moniker in the fourth round of the 2017 American Flat Track championship. The trio of factory riders secured a dominant sweep of the AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines podium at the Law Tigers Arizona Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle.

Leading the charge around Turf Paradise was reigning Grand National Champion Bryan Smith. Smith drew upon every last ounce of his trademark Mile magic to position his No. 1 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750 ahead of the identical No. 6 Indian Scout FTR750 of Brad Baker at the checkered flag by a scant 0.057 seconds.

Following two red flags and with the sun quickly headed to the horizon, the AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event was reconfigured into a dramatic five-lap shootout. At the second and final restart, Baker again resumed his place at the front of the field and appeared well on his way to grabbing his first victory of 2017. However, Smith had other ideas, ducking down the inside at the opening of the penultimate lap and held strong from there.

“It was a little bit of strategy,” Smith said. “I just sat on Brad’s rear tire, and luckily it worked out where I got by him with two to go. I went on by him and had just enough where I was a little bit better, mostly off of (Turn) 2.”

The cagey performance was the 20th Mile victory of Smith’s career, good enough to rank fifth most in American Flat Track history. It was also his 28th overall AFT Twins win, which ties him with fellow Michigan natives Bart Markel and Henry Wiles for tenth on the all-time order.

“It’s pretty cool at 28 wins that I tied Bark Markel, the original godfather of the Michigan Mafia,” Smith said. “And it’s pretty special for me to be, I believe, the only rider to win a Mile on three different brands and tie his record. Hopefully next weekend I can break it.”

Runner-up Baker said, “I wanted that win so dang bad. I don’t think I’ve wanted a win more in my life. This type of track is one I typically struggle at – one that’s dry, slick, one-lined – where you kind of have to go slow to go fast and ride with a lot of discipline.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed and angry. But they call Bryan the “Master of the Miles,” and he’s great at this. This is definitely a heartbreaker because I was the guy to beat all day… We’re on identical equipment so it’s not like I had any more horsepower than him or he had any more horsepower than me. It was all about who was the best rider, and today, Bryan proved his experience and craft on the Miles.”

Smith now sits perfectly even on top of the AFT Twins title fight with Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle Rogers Racing Scout FTR750) at 87 apiece. Mees retained a share of the points lead by furthering his season-long string of podium results with a close third.

Despite struggling with shifter issues, Mees managed to keep Smith and Baker honest throughout and finished just over a half-second back of the win.

“It was good for Indian Motorcycle, but we just didn’t quite have it today,” Mees said. “Honestly, we were third place all day… I was pretty much a sitting duck in third; we couldn’t really do anything. I was just grateful to get it into gear really quick off the line and kind of latch onto these guys. Brad had a helluva pace early on, but hats off to Bryan – he just put in a veteran move in on that last lap and a half and made it happen. I feel like Brad was probably the fastest, but Bryan out-schooled him.”

Thanks to the combined efforts of Smith and Mees early in 2017, the Indian Scout FTR750 has now opened its first full season of American Flat Track competition by claiming a victory in each Grand Slam discipline (TT, Short Track, Half-Mile, Mile).

Sammy Halbert continued to make his mark as the top privateer with a solid fourth-place run aboard the No. 69 Estenson Logistics Yamaha FZ-07. Halbert actually had to put in a charge just to snare the final qualifying position in the LCQ in order to advance into the Semis. But following that early scare, Halbert proved himself to be the only rider capable of reliably keeping the Indian Wrecking Crew in sight in Phoenix, even if only for a handful of laps at a time.

Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Richie Morris Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650) completed the top five, finishing just ahead of the similarly mounted Briar Bauman (No. 14 Zanotti Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650) andJake Shoemaker (No. 55 Weirbach Racing Kawasaki USA Kawasaki Ninja 650).

Harley-Davidson’s early-season woes continued at Turf Paradise. Jake Johnson (No. 5 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R) was the only rider among the firm’s trio of factory-backed talents to make the Main Event. To make matters worse, Johnson’s day then ended in a crash which brought out one of the aforementioned red flags.

Texter Takes Title Lead With AFT Singles Triumph

Shayna Texter stepped forward to seize control of the AFT Singles class with a hard-earned win aboard her No. 52 Richie Morris Racing Honda CRF450R.

Texter was hounded throughout the Main by Tristan Avery (No. 16 Ron Ayers Honda CRF450R) and Brandon Price (No. 92 DPC Racing/Don’s Kawasaki KX450F), but proved almost impossible to draft by and even more difficult to stay in front of.

Texter said, “It was a long 15 laps. I just tried to stay smooth and make as few mistakes as I possibly could. I knew those guys were on me; I could see them in my shadow going down the back stretch. I just tried to be smart and keep them behind me.”

The narrow .041 of a second win was the seventh of Texter’s AFT Singles career and her first since the 2013 season. Her 2017 campaign is trending upward in a serious fashion; she’s now logged third-, second-, and first-place finishes in consecutive events.

“It feels awesome to get back up there – it’s been a rough couple of years,” Texter admitted. “I finally get to ride a motorcycle that’s stable and allows me to show what I have under the helmet. It’s really exciting to get back up here.”

The Law Tigers Arizona Mile will air on NBCSN on Thursday, July 27, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. For race highlights click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-PAGlT4c_E

American Flat Track powers right into the second of its run of four Miles in four weeks with the Harley-Davidson Sacramento Mile presented by Cycle Gear on Saturday, May 20. Live coverage can be viewed on FansChoice.tv beginning on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT). Tickets for the Sacramento Mile are on sale and can be purchased at http://sactomile.com/tickets/.

Fans can also keep up-to-date with race day action by following American Flat Track on Facebook (American Flat Track), Twitter (@AmericanFlatTrk) and Instagram (@AmericanFlatTrack).

Award Updates:
AFT Singles

McElroy Packaging Lucky 7 – #52 Shayna Texter
Motul Move of the Race – #52 Shayna Texter

AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines

Ohlins Fastest Lap – #1 Bryan Smith

McElroy Packaging Lucky 13 – #1 Bryan Smith

About American Flat Track:
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. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, live stream the events at FansChoice.tv and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN.