AFT Singles Leader Dalton Gauthier’s Response to Suspension 

18-year-old takes full responsibility for his actions, still has championship hopes

PINE GROVE, Pa (April 13, 2017) – Yesterday, American Flat Track announced that Dalton Gauthier, winner of the first three races of the season and points leader in the AFT Singles class, has been disqualified from the April 1 Charlotte Half-Mile and suspended indefinitely from AMA Pro Racing for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

Here’s Gauthier’s response to the announcement:

“I had marijuana in my system when I was tested at the Charlotte Half-Mile. I’m 18 years old and made a rookie mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions; it was nobody’s fault but my own. The rules are clear, and I violated them. My season is off to such an incredible start, a distraction like this is not what anyone wanted to see. I apologize to my sponsors, my fans, and everyone involved with American Flat Track. I am disappointed in myself, learned a big lesson, and promise this will never happen again. I plan to complete the Road to Recovery Program as soon as possible so I can get back to racing. When I’m back, I’ll be gunning for the championship like always.”

Gauthier will resume racing as soon as he’s completed all requirements and cleared to race by American Flat Track. Despite the Charlotte disqualification, Gauthier is still leading the AFT Singles points heading into the May 13 Arizona Mile.