The 2026 American Flat Track (AFT) season begins on March 4 in Daytona, promising exciting contests fueled by fresh rivalries and evolving machinery. Fans can expect intense competition as Dallas Daniels aims to defend his 2025 title amid a changing landscape where new contenders and teams are ready to challenge his supremacy.
Daniels, backed throughout his career by Estenson Racing Yamaha, enters this season with the experience of a hard-fought championship behind him. After narrowly missing out on unseating Jared Mees in 2024 and navigating a rule change that sidelined the dominant Indian FTR750, Daniels leveraged his talent and consistency to claim the 2025 crown amid stiff challenges. The 2026 season is shaping up to be more fiercely contested, especially as rivals sharpen their focus on dethroning the Illinois native and his Yamaha MT-07 DT.
Daniels’ Path: Triumphs and Trials
The relationship between Daniels and Estenson Racing Yamaha has been central to his growth as a title contender. In 2025, despite entering the season as overwhelming favorites after Indian’s departure, Daniels saw his campaign nearly unravel due to a training accident that opened the door for his competitors. Nonetheless, his resilience and remarkable consistency—28 podiums in 29 starts—enabled him to secure the championship by the slimmest of margins.
This hard-earned success, however, brought fresh challenges. Daniels and his team have since been relentlessly refining the MT-07 DT, determined to improve both rider and machine synergy. Reflecting on last season, Daniels admitted that his struggles pushed the squad to innovate and adapt, making him stronger and more prepared for the intensified competition facing him in 2026.
The Emergence of Harley-Davidson’s Triumvirate
As Daniels braces for tougher opposition, Harley-Davidson’s presence looms large with its formidable XG750R bike fielded by multiple teams. Briar Bauman, a two-time Grand National Champion and last year’s major rival to Daniels, remains a key player after riding strongly for Rick Ware Racing/Latus Motors in 2025. Rejoined by crew chief Bryan Bigelow, Bauman and his XG750R are expected to be among the top contenders, aiming to convert past near-misses into victories.
Another significant force is the newly formed Latus Motors program, which retained Bauman’s former crew chief Dave Zanotti and mechanic Michelle Disalvo. This outfit has aligned its expertise to support rising star Kody Kopp, a three-time AFT Singles Champion who returns to SuperTwins full time after a stint under Kenny Roberts’ mentorship. Kopp’s tall frame and refined skills on bigger twins make him an intriguing challenger likely to deliver podium finishes and perhaps win races in 2026.
Completing what is being called Harley-Davidson’s “hydra” is Brandon Robinson of Mission Roof Systems. While not consistently a top finisher like Daniels or Bauman, Robinson’s resume and durability place him a cut above many, having competed against several generations of champions including Jake Johnson and Jared Mees. Though a title has eluded him, Robinson is poised for strong showings this year, threatening to capitalize on any mistakes from his rivals.
Rising Threats and Expanding Competition
Beyond the established frontrunners, other riders are closing the gap, threatening to disrupt the traditional order. Davis Fisher, racing for Rackley Racing on the KTM 790 Duke, surprised many by delivering a strong 2025 season—including multiple podiums—despite the bike’s challenging reputation. With a full offseason to build on his successes, Fisher is expected to become an even fiercer competitor.
Likewise, Trent Lowe exemplified rapid progress on the factory-backed Turner Racing Honda Transalp. After midseason chassis improvements, Lowe surged forward, capturing Honda’s first premier-class twin-cylinder win in decades at the Springfield Mile by a mere 0.026 seconds over Daniels. As Lowe returns for 2026, Honda is optimistic that he will develop into a bona fide championship contender.
Teams Bolstering Depth Across the Field
Several teams are solidifying their lineups to field multiple riders capable of podium finishes. OTB Racing Yamaha, after medical setbacks sidelined Brandon Price in 2025, enlisted promising rookie Declan Bender, who secured a podium at the DuQuoin Mile. Both riders have earned spots in the 2026 campaign, ensuring OTB’s strong presence on the grid.
Royal Enfield, aiming to enhance its Mission AFT SuperTwins presence, has signed Evan Renshaw—the 2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner—hoping his stature and skill on larger twin bikes will unlock his full potential. Renshaw’s new role will be closely overseen by Johnny Lewis, whose mentorship highlights the team’s strategy to cultivate talent unburdened by SuperTwins experience, allowing for rapid adaptation.
American Flat Track fans will also see Chad Cose, known as the “California Kid,” return to premier-class competition with Parker Racing Yamaha. After a productive run in AFT Singles and Production Twins, Cose aims to regain momentum in the top-tier series. Meanwhile, G&G Racing Yamaha has introduced Canadian talent Hunter Bauer to replace the injured James Ott, continuing its search for fresh yet capable riders.
Competitive Sparks in the AFT Singles Division
The AFT Singles category promises renewed excitement as Estenson Racing Yamaha’s Tom Drane returns to defend his dominant 2025 championship. Drane’s commanding 2025 performance, with eight wins and 15 podiums, erased much suspense from last year’s title race. However, this season he faces an intensifying rivalry, notably from Chase Saathoff, who has recovered from injury and moved to 1st Impressions Husqvarna with multi-title tuner Andrew Butler and advisor Jared Mees guiding him.
Trevor Brunner, switching back to the KMA Racing Yamaha YZ450F after a brief SuperTwins experiment, has re-established himself as a podium threat, securing a win at Lucas Oil Speedway late in 2025. Yet, the surprise may come from Kage Tadman, who joined Turner Racing’s American Honda-backed squad. Tadman stunned the field last year with wins shortly after joining the series and appears set for further growth that could challenge the established order.
The field remains deep with talents like Tarren Santero (Mission Roof Systems), Bradon Pfanders (OTB Racing), Jared Lowe (BigR Racing), and Evan Kelleher (Schaeffer’s Motorsports) all capable of top finishes. The rookie class, including Jack Brucks and Jackson Sangals, also represents the sport’s fertile future.
Innovations and New Opportunities in American Flat Track
AMA Pro Racing continues to evolve the sport by embracing both its heritage and modern audience expectations. In 2026, the introduction of AMA StreetTrackers joins the existing AFT AdventureTrackers class. StreetTrackers revitalizes Flat Track’s Class C roots by featuring near-stock production motorcycles, evoking the everyday machines fans recognize and likely boosting grassroots engagement.
Moreover, the partnership with Cory Texter Race Promotions adds a fresh developmental pathway for emerging talent. Throughout the Progressive AFT season, seven Mission Foods CTR Showcase events will immediately precede national races, spotlighting the 450 Road to AFT class whose technical regulations align with the new AFT 450 ProSport division. The top twelve finishers in these showcase events earn licenses and entry to national races the following day, enabling promising amateurs to gain vital exposure within the professional paddock.
The 2026 cycle begins imminently, with the first Showcase event scheduled for March 4, immediately followed by the Royal Enfield Short Track double-header in Daytona on March 5 and 6. This marks a dynamic new chapter for the sport, blending tradition, competition, and growth in pursuit of wider appeal and higher stakes.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Intensified Rivalries and Growth
The 2026 American Flat Track season is poised to deliver thrilling competition as veterans like Dallas Daniels face revitalized challengers and emerging talents push through to national prominence. Harley-Davidson’s three-pronged effort, combined with the continued rise of riders such as Kody Kopp and Trent Lowe, reshapes the hierarchy and deepens the talent pool.
Meanwhile, strategic partnerships and expanded class offerings aim to connect the sport’s rich legacy with fresh audiences, cultivating new riders and fans alike. As the season unfolds beginning in Daytona, participants and spectators will witness how determination, innovation, and rivalry converge in pursuit of the American Flat Track crown.
