Turner Racing to Represent Honda in American Flat Track
Henry Wiles, Cole Zabala, Trevor Brunner to campaign CRF450R race bikes
January 21, 2021 — TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda today announced a new partnership with Turner Racing in Progressive American Flat Track. Turner Racing Honda will compete in the 2021 series in the AFT Singles division, with three riders—Henry Wiles, Cole Zabala and Trevor Brunner—aboard CRF450R race machines. The Georgia-based operation, which earned a win last year under the B&M Masonry brand, will also receive technical support from Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda, with Bryan Bigelow in the role of Team Manager and Mike Lozano serving as a technician.
This is Honda’s third season back in flat track racing after more than 25 years away, having earned a total of six AFT Singles wins in 2019 and 2020, while finishing those seasons second and third, respectively, in the rider points standings. For 2021, Honda hopes to build on that progress.
A veteran of the sport, Michigan native Wiles was the GNC1 Singles Champion in 2009 and 2010, and he finished third in the AFT Singles final standings last year, his first aboard Honda machinery. Zabala and Brunner are up-and-coming racers returning to Turner Racing, and both posted respectable results last season aboard Honda machinery—Zabala notching two podium finishes and Brunner winning the Springfield Short Track.
“We’re pleased to have a strong Honda effort in flat track racing,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising and Motorcycle Sports at American Honda. “American Flat Track continues to be a great steward of the sport, honoring its legacy while also building a promising future, and we anticipate a fun season battling for the championship. Everyone at Honda thanks Richie Morris and his team for two great years together, and we look forward to a successful effort with Turner Racing.”
Turner Racing owner Mike Turner noted that he is excited to be working with Honda. “This truly is a dream come true for our team,” he said. “To follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest flat trackers of all time, like Bubba Shobert, Ricky Graham, Mike Kidd, Freddie Spencer, Terry Poovey, Hank Scott, Doug Chandler and Ted Booty is an honor. These guys were my heroes growing up, and this means the world to me as a team owner. To be a part of the Honda legacy in flat track is something we do not take lightly, and we plan to honor that legacy by working 24/7 on our program to make them proud.”
The 2021 American Flat Track series commences on March 12 in Barberville, Florida.
