American Flat Track Championship

American Flat Track Championship

The American Flat Track Championship (AFT) is the premier American flat track motorcycle racing series. Flat track racing originated in the United States in the 1930s and remains one of the oldest continuous motorsports series in America.

History

American Flat Track traces its roots to dirt track racing which began on horse-racing tracks and fairground circuits in the early 20th century. The AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) sanctioned professional flat track from 1937, creating the foundation for what became modern AFT.

The series has evolved through multiple formats:

• AMA Pro Racing (1973-2016)
• American Flat Track rebranding (2016-present)
• AFT Singles and AFT Twins structure (2017-present)

Classes

AFT SuperTwins

The premier class featuring 750-1200cc V-twin engines producing 150+ hp. Indian and Harley-Davidson factory teams dominate this class.

AFT Singles

Entry-level class for 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles. Serves as a developmental series for future SuperTwins competitors.

Bike Specifications

AFT SuperTwins Technical Data

| Specification | Value | |--------------|-------| | Engine | 750-1200cc V-twin | | Power | 150-190 hp | | Weight | 120-135 kg | | Frame | Steel cradle or trellis | | Rear Tire | 18" dirt track slick | | Front Tire | 19" dirt track slick |

Key Features

• Massive rear tire - Large contact patch for acceleration
• No rear suspension - Rigid frame and swingarm design (some exceptions)
• No front brake - Braking done primarily with rear brake
• Side-mounted ignition - Traditional design dating to 1930s
• High exhaust - Pipes routing over the rear wheel

Indian FTR750

The Indian FTR750 has dominated AFT SuperTwins since 2017, developed specifically for flat track racing by Indian Motorcycles' racing division.

Harley-Davidson XG750R

Harley's factory-backed flat track racer based on the 750 platform, developed for competition against Indian.

Notable Riders

Multiple-Time Champions

| Year | AFT SuperTwins Champion | Manufacturer | |------|-------------------------|--------------| | 2023 | Jared J. Harper | Indian | | 2022 | Dallas Daniels | Indian | | 2021 | Briar Bauman | Indian | | 2020 | Briar Bauman | Indian | | 2019 | Briar Bauman | Indian |

Legends

Chris Carr (1951-2010)

5-time AMA Grand National Champion. Carr won 131 career events, the most in AMA/NASCARflat track history.

Scott Parker (1961-2014)

9-time AMA Grand National Champion (1996-2001, 2004-2006). Dominated the turn 2-dominated tracks.

Bartoline交叉

Prominent riders from the 1970s-1990s era.

Major Events

Miles of History

• Springfield Mile (Illinois State Fairgrounds) - 1-mile oval, legendary
• Lima Half-Mile - Historic Ohio venue
• Santa Rosa Half-Mile - California classic
• Cannonball" (location-based events)

Mile Tracks

Flatrock Speedway, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds (Illinois), calist Speedway.

Half-Mile Tracks

Roaring River, Bedford (Pennsylvania), Castle Rock.

Racing Format

AFT events typically feature:

1. Qualifying - Determines heat race starting positions
2. Heat Races - Short races to advance to the main
3. Semi-Finals - Additional qualifying rounds
4. Main Event - 25-lap feature race

Safety Evolution

Flat track racing is inherently dangerous with speeds exceeding 150 mph on mile tracks. Safety improvements include:

• Leather suits - Full-body protection
• Helmets - Full-face mandatory
• Air fences - Installed at tracks since 1980s
• Medical staff - On-site at all events
• Engine kill switches - Mandatory

Cultural Significance

Flat track racing is the foundation of American motorcycle racing. Many MotoGP and World Superbike champions got their start on flat tracks, including:

• Kenny Roberts - 1978 500cc World Champion, AMA flat track champion
• Marco Simoncelli - Early training
• Wayne Rainey - 500cc World Champion background

The sound, smell, and danger of AFT events continue to attract dedicated fans across America.