Expect Fireworks as Progressive AFT Arrives at New York Short Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Progressive American Flat is destined to deliver fireworks at the Mission New York Short Track presented by Mad Max Indian Motorcycle as the series arrives at Weedsport Speedway in Weedsport, New York, for an Independence Day weekend showdown on Saturday, July 2.

It’s been an explosive season to date in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class with renewed parity and unpredictability. Still less than halfway through the campaign, the premier class has already witnessed five different winners across two manufacturers and three teams, while nine different riders and four different makes have been represented on the podium.

As much as some things may have changed, reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) remains atop the pecking order, holding both the points lead and bragging rights as the only rider to score more than one win this season. Mees enters the New York Short Track with two prior wins at the 3/8-mile circuit, including a critical victory that helped kickstart his late-season flurry to take back the crown a year ago.

That said, he’s been under intense pressure on multiple fronts, not the least of which coming from the Estenson Racing Yamaha duo of Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), who went 1-2 the last time the series visited a Short Track. Daniels is only growing in strength and looks more and more like a genuine title threat each successive week. Beach isn’t far behind and still has some of his best tracks ahead.

Two-time class champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) is still very much in the mix as well. Currently ranked third in the points, Bauman is in something of a wins drought by his high standards, going winless since reigning supreme in the ‘22 season opener. Furthermore, that opening-night triumph stands as his only victory over the last 15 races, dating back to just before last year’s New York Short Track. Bauman is motivated, talented, and determined, not to mention a past winner at Weedsport, which could make him an extremely formidable contender this weekend.

Of course, there’s also last weekend’s winner, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who appears to be finding his footing at just the right time. He leads a group of ‘22 podium finishers ranked just behind the top four that also includes Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750).

And don’t forget about Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who will be making one of his select appearances this season at Weedsport. Halbert showed plenty of pace at Laconia and split the wins with Mees here a year ago, and thus, should not be underestimated.

Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines

The Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines championship is fast taking shape as a two-man race featuring points leader Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) and defending champ Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07).

They’ve been nearly perfectly matched with both owning a pair of wins, while Janisch holds a slight podium advantage (6-5) to go along with his one-point title lead. Janisch has been on an incredible roll, racking up five consecutive finishes of first or second, while Texter finally unleashed his most convincing effort of the season last weekend at Lima.

With Janisch out of the series completely before getting an opportunity to ride as a sub late last year and Texter in the midst of his farewell season, either rider would make a most deserving and compelling champion.

A wild card will be thrown into the mix this weekend as 2020 class champ James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke) will be back in action. The WBR KTM 890 Duke proved itself a race winner straight out of the gate at the Red Mile. It’ll be interesting to see how it fares this weekend on a Short Track.

Several other riders could have their say as well, including the on-form Billy Ross (No. 109 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), Cameron Smith (No. 34 Thee Cathy Gray/Al Barker Yamaha MT-07), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), and Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) has been nearly unstoppable in the two most recent Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER races, barely providing his rivals a turn in the spotlight as he’s conquered practices, qualifying sessions, Semis, and Main Events alike.

Kopp now owns over half of the season’s race wins (four of seven) and is threatening to build up an unassailable points gap if his challengers don’t find a way to counter him and soon.

Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) stands as the only rider within even a two-race margin of Kopp. The Honda ace is due for a bounce-back effort after logging an eighth and seventh during Kopp’s last two dominant outings. Fortunately for Mischler, he won here a year ago and could desperately use a repeat performance right about now.

Mischler’s teammate, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R), is ranked third and also stands as a former winner of the New York Short Track.

While Kopp, Mischler, and Gauthier are the only winners in the field thus far this season, a number of others have what it takes to join those ranks, including Trent Lowe (No. 48 Mission Foods/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda CRF450R), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), and Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R).

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained off the track as well, including numerous vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, and the Kids Zone. Chasing Neon will entertain with its eclectic mix of live party music that ranges from country to classic rock and everything in between, while Rich the Magic Man will be performing the illusions that have made him Rochester’s most amazing and engaging magician for over 30 years. Finally, the evening will be topped off by a Independence Day weekend fireworks display.

Visit https://store.americanflattrack.com/ebooking/ticket/view/id/3764/ to reserve your tickets today. General Admission Grandstand tickets are available for just $25 in advance with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Premium General Admission, VIP Experience, and Indoor Box Suite ticketing options are also available for purchase.

Paddock Access Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT ahead of the day’s Main Event program. You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tv subscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99.

The Mission New York Short Track presented by Mad Max Indian Motorcycle will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, July 9, at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m, PT, including exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2022 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.