D&D Cycles/Certified Racing is proud to announce its return to the American Flat Track (AFT) series in 2023 with 2019 AFT Singles Champion Dalton Gauthier and rising star Landen Smith.
The D&D Cycles/Certified Racing riders will be on factory-supported KTM SX-F 450s. The team will operate out of the D&D Cycles race shop in Pensacola, Florida. Motorcycles and engines will be built in-house with engine development work done in collaboration with Vance & Hines Racing, in Brownsburg, Indiana.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing Team Manager Rob McLendon and Gauthier worked together to win the 2019 AFT Singles National Championship. This earned Gauthier a ride on a Vance & Hines-supported factory Harley-Davidson XG750R in the 2020 and 2021 AFT Production Twins Championships. In 2022, Gauthier rode a factory Honda CRF450R for Turner Racing Team, earning the runner-up spot in the AFT Singles Championship.
“Being able to just do my own thing, ride a bike I am more comfortable on, and just having a little more freedom was my motivation,” said Gauthier. “Rob told me we could put together a team where I would be able to mentor younger teammates, and after already working with Landen for several years, I am excited to be teamed together. I know D&D Cycles/Certified Racing will provide me with top-level machines, and I am looking to win more races and another championship. Point Blank. That’s my goal. It was an honor and pleasure riding for Turner Racing. I respect those guys and appreciate the opportunity they gave me.”
Smith has been under McLendon’s wing for his entire Amateur career and is looking to make a name for himself as he moves into the Pro ranks.
“It’s a dream come true to be picked for this opportunity right out of the Amateur ranks,” said Smith. “I have been riding daily and really working on improving myself. It’s one thing to be fast as an Amateur, but these Pro boys aren’t playing. I am ready to take the next step and I’m happy it’s with Rob and D&D Cycles/Certified Racing.”
For 2023, D&D is teaming up with Certified Racing, also out of Pensacola, Florida, to compete in the full AFT Singles Championship.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing would like to thank the following partners for their assistance in chasing the 2023 American Flat Track 450 Singles Championship: KTM North America, Certified Plumbing Sewer & Gas, Vance & Hines- Exhaust & Cylinder Heads, TCD Racing- Suspension & Chassis, WP Suspension, Vortex Racing- Sprockets & Chains, Bell Helmets, and Seafood Atlantic.
D&D Cycles/Certified Racing is looking for additional sponsors for the 2023 season. Interested parties should contact Rob McLendon at [email protected] or call (850) 456-0354.
