On March 5 and 6, 2026, the Progressive American Flat Track, overseen by AMA Pro Racing, will ignite the Grand National Championship with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, held at the DAYTONA Flat Track in Daytona Beach, Florida. This kickoff event draws more than 500,000 enthusiasts during the city’s 85th annual Bike Week, showcasing over two dozen of the world’s top motorcycle dirt trackers competing across eight brands.
A New Chapter for the Mission AFT SuperTwins Leader
For the first time since 2020, the prestigious #1 plate in the premier Mission AFT SuperTwins division will be worn by a newcomer to that honor: defending champion Dallas Daniels, riding the No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07. Daniels has carefully prepared for the responsibility, seeing the number not only as an accolade but also a significant challenge. He previously defended a No. 1 plate successfully as the back-to-back KICKER AFT Singles champion in 2021 and was the heavy favorite in the 2025 season.
Despite the intense pressure last year, Daniels secured the Grand National Championship and now enters 2026 with renewed confidence. His team has improved the racebike during the offseason, addressing prior concerns from the last season to present a stronger package. Their progress in preparation suggests a formidable challenge for competitors throughout the season.
Harley-Davidson’s Dominance and New Contenders Join the Fray
In 2025, Daniels faced stiff competition notably from Harley-Davidson XG750R riders Briar Bauman and Brandon Robinson. Bauman, a two-time Grand National Champion, clinched eight wins while Robinson secured a victory he sought since 2017. Together, they pushed Harley-Davidson to a dominant nine-win season, finishing second and third in the championship and delivering a final 1-2 finish at Lake Ozark.
Returning for 2026, Bauman and Robinson aim to maintain their streak with Harley-Davidson, now bolstered by the entrance of triple KICKER AFT Singles champion Kody Kopp. Kopp makes his Mission AFT SuperTwins debut with the No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R, supported by an expert team, targeting immediate impact. Additionally, two- and four-wheel dirt track specialist Aidan RoosEvans joins the premier class aboard a Harley-Davidson XG750R, adding depth to the brand’s lineup.
Diverse Brand Rivals and Rising Talents Fuel the Competition
While Daniels, Bauman, and Robinson shaped much of last year’s action, several other riders have emerged to contest the top positions. Trent Lowe, riding the No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet, made history by earning Honda’s first twin-cylinder premier class victory in over 25 years, signalling a strong offensive for 2026. Meanwhile, Davis Fisher delivered multiple podium finishes for Rackley Racing on the KTM 790 Duke, aiming to build on his impressive rookie season alongside teammate Ben Lowe.
Yamaha’s On The Box Racing team also strengthens its presence with Brandon Price and Declan Bender, both of whom have recent podium finishes and will join forces to present a competitive duo. Meanwhile, nine-time premier-class Short Track Main Event winner Henry Wiles returns with his Kawasaki Ninja 650, and Bike Week legend Sammy Halbert continues his campaign on a Castrol Yamaha MT-07, boasting four prior DAYTONA ST wins and standing just behind Daniels, Robinson, and Jake Johnson in career victories at the venue.
New Faces and Manufacturer Entries Stir Up the Season
The 2026 season welcomes fresh talent and exciting machine lineups to the premier division. Evan Renshaw, the 2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner and 2024 Progressive AFT Rookie of the Year, will compete for the first time on the official Royal Enfield 650 entry. This bike previously achieved podium finishes through Dalton Gauthier, who now rides a Fairway/JMC Motorsports-developed Aprilia Tuareg 660, aiming to replicate his prior success.
Suzuki strengthens its presence with Dan Bromley and newcomer Billy Ross, both piloting the GSX-8S, targeting consistent top-five finishes. Yamaha adds Chad Cose and Cameron Smith to their lineup, further boosting their odds in the highly competitive field. This blend of veteran expertise and fresh contenders from multiple manufacturers promises an intense fight for podiums.
Innovative Race Formats Promise Exciting Racing Dynamics
The 2026 Mission AFT SuperTwins championship will open in traditional fashion on Thursday night, followed by the Mission Triple Challenge on Friday. This event, introduced last year at the Lima Half-Mile, features three Main Events of progressively increasing length and stakes. Hosting this triple-header at the tight DAYTONA Flat Track will create heightened tension and adrenaline-fueled competition for fans, setting the stage for a remarkable season opener.
Bike Week Festivities Elevate the Experience
Daytona Beach’s Bike Week offers a gaming atmosphere beyond the races, attracting crowds with a wide variety of vendors, food and beverage options, and ample motorcycle parking areas. Fans attending the event can fully immerse themselves in the motorcycle culture as well as enjoy thrilling on-track battles.
Ticket Options and Access for Spectators
Tickets for the American Flat Track races at Daytona are affordably priced, with Upper Rim Road Standing Room Only tickets at $30 per day and free admission for kids 12 and under accompanied by an adult. General Admission costs $35, with discounted rates for students and children under 10. Reserved Grandstand and Premium Reserved Grandstand tickets are also available at $45 and $55 respectively, accommodating all ages. Military personnel and first responders benefit from a special discounted rate through GOVX.
Exclusive experiences include the Practice Viewing Fan Experience, offering reserved grandstand seating and a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line for $100. The Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience, at $125, adds the benefit of close-up views during the ceremonies. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. ET both days, with festivities beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday and 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
Options for Watching American Flat Track Action Remotely
Fans unable to attend in person can stream the races via FloRacing, the official live broadcast partner of Progressive American Flat Track. Subscribers gain access to over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026 through multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Chromecast.
FOX Sports will provide extensive television coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader, featuring rider profiles and onboard camera footage. Upcoming announcements will detail premiere air dates on FS1 and subsequent re-airs on FS2.
Anticipating an Intense Season Start at Daytona
The 2026 American Flat Track Daytona opener is poised to deliver electrifying racing featuring a mix of proven champions and ambitious newcomers. With outstanding riders like Dallas Daniels, Briar Bauman, Sammy Halbert, and many others preparing to battle on various competitive motorcycles, the event promises thrilling competition and memorable moments. The combination of new race formats and the vibrant cultural backdrop of Bike Week suggests that fans will witness a captivating start to what could become an unforgettable season.
