Briar Bauman Bio
Briar Bauman is an American professional flat track motorcycle racer who competes in the American Flat Track (AFT) series. He is a two-time AFT Grand National Champion, having claimed the premier class title in 2019 and again in 2020. Known for his aggressive riding style and consistency on a variety of track surfaces, Bauman has established himself as one of the top competitors in American flat track racing during the late 2010s and early 2020s. He rides for Zanotti Racing aboard an Indian Scout FTR750, the same manufacturer and chassis combination that has dominated the AFT Twins class in recent seasons.
Early Life and Background
Briar Bauman was born and raised in the United States and grew up surrounded by the culture of American motorcycle racing. Flat track racing has deep roots across the country, particularly in regions with a strong tradition of dirt track competition, and Bauman was introduced to the sport at a young age. Like many riders who reach the upper levels of the sport, he developed his skills on smaller local tracks before progressing to more competitive national events.
Bauman comes from a family with ties to motorcycle racing, and the Bauman name is well known in American flat track circles. His relatives have competed in the sport, and the family connection gave him early access to equipment, tracks, and mentorship that helped shape his career. That background provided a foundation as he moved from amateur and regional competition into the national spotlight of the American Flat Track series.
Path to American Flat Track
Bauman climbed the ranks of American flat track racing through the sport’s developmental ladder, competing in smaller displacement classes before moving up to the premier AFT Twins class. He earned a reputation as a fast, determined rider capable of contending for race wins on mile, half-mile, short track, and TT layouts, the four primary track configurations used in American flat track.
In 2018, Bauman demonstrated his rising profile by finishing third in the AFT Twins championship and earning a silver medal at the X Games Harley-Davidson Flat Track event. Those results confirmed that he had the pace and composure to challenge for a national title. The following year, he captured his first AFT Grand National Championship, signaling his arrival as a leading figure in the sport.
Briar Bauman Career
Early Career
Bauman’s early professional years were spent establishing himself within the AFT Twins class, where he raced against established champions and seasoned veterans. He spent time developing relationships with teams and manufacturers while learning how to manage a full season of national events. His progress was steady, and he regularly posted strong finishes that hinted at a breakthrough run.
That progress led to his pairing with Indian Motorcycle’s FTR750 program, one of the most dominant combinations in the history of American flat track. Riding for Zanotti Racing, Bauman gained access to a proven chassis and a well-funded team environment, which helped translate his raw speed into consistent results and race victories.
AFT Twins Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Bauman’s 2018 season was a springboard. He finished third in the AFT Twins final standings and reached the podium at the X Games in the Harley-Davidson Flat Track discipline, showing he could perform on the sport’s biggest stages. That year demonstrated that he had the consistency to contend for a championship in the near future.
He delivered on that promise in 2019, winning the AFT Grand National Championship for the first time. The title run featured a series of race wins and podium finishes across multiple track types, including miles, half-miles, short tracks, and TTs. Bauman followed that success with a second consecutive AFT Grand National Championship in 2020, cementing his status as the leading rider of the Indian FTR750 era.
Zanotti Racing Era (2019–Present)
Bauman’s arrival at Zanotti Racing aligned with one of the most successful partnerships in the team’s history. Riding the Indian Scout FTR750, he has been a regular contender for race wins and championships, working closely with his crew to refine setups for the variety of track shapes that make flat track uniquely demanding.
His two AFT Grand National Championships in 2019 and 2020 defined the early part of his time with the team, and he has continued to be a factor in subsequent seasons. The combination of Bauman’s riding, the Zanotti Racing team environment, and Indian Motorcycle’s factory support has made him one of the most recognizable names in American flat track.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bauman is regarded as a well-rounded rider who can adapt to all four primary flat track disciplines. His strengths include precise bike control on slippery surfaces, smart tire management over long main events, and the ability to run competitive lap times in traffic. Working with his team, he has built a reputation for executing race strategies that play to his strengths while minimizing risk on physically demanding tracks.
Notable Races and Milestones
His two AFT Grand National Championship titles in 2019 and 2020 stand as the defining achievements of his career, complemented by his silver medal at the 2018 X Games Harley-Davidson Flat Track event. Race wins across mile, half-mile, short track, and TT venues have highlighted his versatility and his ability to deliver championship-level performances under varied conditions.
Briar Bauman Career Wins
Briar Bauman’s career is highlighted by two AFT Grand National Championship titles won in 2019 and 2020. Those championships anchor a resume that includes multiple race victories across the premier AFT Twins class and a podium finish at the 2018 X Games.
AFT Twins Highlights
During his AFT Twins career, Bauman has accumulated race wins and podiums at premier American flat track venues. His first Grand National Championship came in 2019, and he successfully defended the title in 2020. Earlier, his third-place finish in the 2018 AFT Twins standings and a runner-up result at the 2018 X Games Harley-Davidson Flat Track event signaled his arrival as a top-tier rider.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his national championship success, Bauman has represented Indian Motorcycle and Zanotti Racing at major showcase events, including the X Games. His overall body of work in American flat track reflects a rider who has consistently competed at the front of the field in one of the most competitive eras of the sport.
Briar Bauman Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Briar Bauman comes from a family with deep connections to American motorcycle racing, and the Bauman name has long been associated with flat track competition. That family heritage played a significant role in his introduction to the sport and in his development as a young rider.
Personal Life
Bauman is based in the United States and continues to focus on his racing career. Details about his personal life outside of flat track are limited, as he keeps much of his private life away from public view.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Briar Bauman remains a leading figure in the American Flat Track series as a rider for Zanotti Racing aboard the Indian Scout FTR750. The combination of his experience, his two former AFT Grand National Championships, and the strength of his team make him a regular contender for race wins and another title run. The 2025 schedule, with its mix of miles, half-miles, short tracks, and TTs, plays to his well-documented versatility across all four disciplines.
With a deep roster of rivals and continued manufacturer support, Bauman’s focus will be on returning to the top of the AFT Twins standings. Strong qualifying efforts, consistent podium finishes, and execution in the season’s high-stakes events will likely determine his championship prospects. As one of the most experienced riders in the premier class, he enters the year with the tools and the team to be a factor from the opening round.
