KICKER AFT Singles Title Fighters Prepare for Kage Match.
The KICKER AFT Singles class stole the show at last year’s Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track presented by 805 Beer. They’ll return for an encore performance on Saturday, April 25, at Ventura Raceway, host to Round 4 of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
Return to the Scene of the Sublime
When the series arrived in Ventura, California, a year ago, the KICKER AFT Singles hierarchy seemed all but etched in stone.
Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) proceeded to smash those assumptions to dust. Despite making his pro debut with relatively little advance fanfare, Tadman proved utterly dominant and with eye-popping speed and style.
The Salinas, California, native’s thrilling form made it look as if he might crash on any given corner. Instead, he leveraged it to earn pole position, win his heat, take the Challenge race, and then claim his first Progressive AFT Main Event victory in his very first attempt.
And if that wasn’t convincing enough, Tadman backed it up with a repeat feat in the following week’s Silver Dollar Short Track.
The California swing was originally intended to be his only two appearances of the season, but his unprecedented debut success served as a springboard for him to complete the remainder of the season.
In the end, Tadman enjoyed a breakout rookie campaign, one in which he snared seven additional top fives, including three more podiums, en route to fourth in the championship standings. That showing earned him a place on the American Honda-backed Turner Racing squad for 2026, where he’s already returned to the box to up his career podium tally to six.
Still, Tadman continues to seek his third victory, after going two-for-two at the start. This weekend’s return to Ventura Raceway has him back in the spotlight and expectations are high.
He’s trying to stay relaxed and ride free, tempering those expectations with the understanding that he’s still learning his new bike and team.
That said, the potential for a repeat is undeniable.
Power Trio
Last year, Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F), and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) managed to re-establish order after Tadman’s two-week barrage.
They ended up going 1-2-3 in the standings at the end of the 2025 season, and that’s precisely where they sit in the 2026 points to date.
All three will be geared up for another opportunity to show that they’re up to the challenge presented by Tadman this weekend. And you can be sure no one will be overlooking him this time around.
Winning Time
It’s worth remembering that Tadman, Drane, Brunner, and Saathoff aren’t the only KICKER AFT Singles winners in the field.
Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) earned his first class victory earlier this season, and, judging by his flashes of speed, the rising star has it in him to stack several more on top of it.
And veteran pilot Justin Jones (No. 91 Fairway Ford Chevy GMC Yamaha YZ450F 450) has a win on his record too – albeit one scored more than a decade ago. But that 2015 triumph is more than just a distant memory; it’s evidence of what’s still possible for the New Yorker, who might just be riding better now than he ever previously has in his career.
Despite coming home second last time out in Georgia, Jones was less than satisfied, feeling he left a win on the table. He’s eager to make up for it as soon as humanly possible.
Who’s Next?
While Tadman will naturally garner much of the pre-race hype, there’s another Californian to keep close tabs on. Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) now boasts three runner-up finishes among his five career KICKER AFT Singles podium finishes. However, he’s still angling for that maiden win.
Santero finished seventh here in 2025 – which was his career-best finish at the time. He’s significantly upped his game in the two years since, including the third he picked up here a year ago.
There are plenty of others who could spring a surprise, including the likes of rookie ace Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), DAYTONA standout Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Eisenhard Racing/Pags Powersports KTM 450 SX-F), Tadman’s teammate, Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), fellow sophomore Ryder Reese (No. 41 Fairway Ford Chevy GMC KTM 450 SX-F FE), and perennial challenger Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R).
The Wizards of Oz
AFT ProSport 450 will continue to introduce Progressive American Flat Track fans to the future stars of the sport, as some of the world’s most promising amateurs will earn a spot on Saturday’s grid in Friday night’s AMA-sanctioned Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event at the venue.
If the first two rounds serve as any indication, we’re now in the opening stages of a full-blown Aussie invasion of the series.
Last year, Tom Drane became the first international rider to win a Progressive AFT national championship. It seems highly unlikely he’ll be the last.
His younger brother, Sam Drane (No. 7 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), was victorious in the opening two races of the AFT ProSport 450 era. Meanwhile, fellow Australians Jed Fyffe (No. 23 Thriller Motorsports/Yamaha Australia YZ450F) and Jake Paige (No. 55 Paige Racing KTM 450 SX-F) joined him on the box.
Of course, there is no shortage of talented young Americans coming up through the ranks. That list is perhaps headlined by Californian Ryder Bitz-Hay (No. 14 Bitz-Hay Racing KTM 450 SX-F) who has podiumed both times out in AFT ProSport 450 action.
Build. Check. Train. Check. Race…!
The Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track will also feature the popular and influential Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program.
Now in its seventh season of highlighting, celebrating, and encouraging the involvement of women in flat track, BTR will contest its third race of the ‘26 season at Ventura Raceway.
If you’re looking for favorites, a well defined pecking order has already taken shape. Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars), Julia Hess (No. 13 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars), and Madicela Rodriguez (No. 113 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) have finished 1-2-3 in each of the season’s prior two Main Events.
A Night to Remember
As if the world-class racing and remarkable beachside vibes weren’t enough, there will be plenty more reasons to celebrate at the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track.
The day will feature a pair of Thrashed Kids Freestyle Shows headlined by X Games Gold Medalist and Ventura Short Track Grand Marshal Tyler Bereman.
The event will also serve to honor the lives of Ventura native and Landspeed legend Chris Raschke (1964-2005) via “Chris Raschke Day,” and Salinas native and flat tracker Jess Garcia (1993-2020) with the Jess Garcia Memorial Challenge featuring the fastest four KICKER AFT Singles racers.
Fans can also expect a multitude of vendors, big screen viewing, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options.
Get Your Tickets Today
General Admission tickets are just $50 (kids 12 and under free) all taxes and fees included. Reserved Grandstand tickets are just $15 more (all ages). Students with proof of a valid student ID can purchase a General Admission ticket for just $30 at the door. There’s also a Military/First Responder Discount available, allowing GOVX fans to purchase tickets at reduced rates.
The Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience is available for purchase for $135 (all ages) or $95 as an add-on. This premium option includes GA seating, full event pit access, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line with photos opps, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and a portion of the night’s race action.
And don’t miss out on the 805 Pit Party, a premium ticket add-on designed to elevate raceday hospitality. Available for $75, the 805 Pit Party provides guests with access to a dedicated hospitality area featuring a variety of beverage options, along with snacks available throughout the event.
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769 to reserve your seats today.
Gates will open for fans at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
More from another press release issued by AFT:
Appalachian Harley-Davidson Named Title Sponsor of Williams Grove Half-Mile; Tickets On Sale Now.
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, has announced that Appalachian Harley-Davidson will serve as the title sponsor of the Williams Grove Half-Mile, set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the historic Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Tickets for the event are now on sale.
The event will be officially titled the Appalachian Harley-Davidson Williams Grove Half-Mile, marking a continued partnership between Progressive AFT and one of the region’s premier Harley-Davidson dealerships. Known for its strong connection to the riding community and deep roots in central Pennsylvania, Appalachian Harley-Davidson is a natural fit for one of the most iconic venues on the schedule. Tickets will also be available in-store at Appalachian Harley-Davidson, All Trails Powersports, and Blue Mountain Indian, further connecting the event with the local riding community.
“We’re incredibly excited to be named the title sponsor of the Williams Grove Half-Mile,” said Carla Perry, Marketing and Events Manager for Appalachian Harley-Davidson. “It’s an iconic event with a passionate fan base, and we’re proud to be part of something that means so much to the racing community.”
“Appalachian Harley-Davidson represents the exact kind of partner that helps strengthen this sport at the local level,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “They have real roots in the region, strong connections within the riding community, and a clear understanding of what events like this mean to fans. Having Appalachian Harley-Davidson involved as title sponsor adds meaningful support as we return to Pennsylvania this season.”
Williams Grove Speedway, long regarded as a cornerstone of American dirt track racing, provides the perfect backdrop for high-speed, bar-to-bar racing. The half-mile oval is a fan favorite, known for its speed and the passionate crowds that pack the stands.
Fans can look forward to a full day of on-track action, highlighted by the Mission AFT SuperTwins, KICKER AFT Singles, along with Build. Train. Race. and the AFT ProSport 450 class, where the sport’s rising stars take center stage. It all unfolds within an energetic event atmosphere that captures and celebrates the true spirit of flat track racing.
Tickets are available in a variety of options to suit every fan. General Admission tickets are $40, while Reserved Grandstand Seating and Premium Reserved Grandstand Seating are available for $50 and $60, respectively. A Pit Pass add-on is available for $40, offering fans an up-close look at the teams and riders. Kids 12 and under receive $15 off all ticket options.
The H-D VIP Experience is available for $135 and includes premium seating and exclusive access, with a $95 add-on option also available for fans looking to upgrade their race day experience.
There’s also a Military/First Responder Discount available, allowing GOVX fans to purchase tickets at reduced rates.
To purchase tickets for the Appalachian Harley-Davidson Williams Grove Half-Mile, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-williams-grove-half-mile-185952.
For more information about Appalachian Harley-Davidson, visit https://appalachianharley-davidson.com.
Next Up
Progressive American Flat Track continues its 2026 season with a California doubleheader, bringing two straight weeks of bar-to-bar action to the West Coast. The run begins with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway on April 25, before the series heads north to Chico for the Silver Dollar Short Track on May 2.
Tickets for the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track are available at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769.
Tickets for the Silver Dollar Short Track can be purchased at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-silver-dollar-short-track-168776.
For more event and series information, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1
FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events, featuring rider features and onboard cameras. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.
More from another press release issued by AFT:
Mees Promotions Teams Up with Cory Texter Promotions for Lima Half-Mile Amateur Event.
Posted on Behalf of Mees Promotions:
Lima, Ohio – Mees Promotions has partnered with Cory Texter Promotions to bring an exciting amateur showcase to the Lima Half-Mile on Thursday, June 25, kicking off one of the most historic weekends in American Flat Track racing.
Held the day before the legendary Lima Half-Mile Grand National event, this amateur program will give riders a premier opportunity to compete on one of the sport’s most iconic cushion half-mile tracks.
The event will also feature a “Road to AFT” class, where competitors will battle for a coveted top-12 transfer position into Friday’s Grand National Triple event, adding even more intensity and opportunity for rising talent.
This race marks the final Road to AFT event of the 2026 season, making Lima the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of professional riders.
Mees Promotions shared, “We’re excited to keep the amateur event going at Lima and can’t wait to see the pros of the future take on the half-mile.”
Riders can pre-enter now by visiting corytexterpromotions.com.
Fans and competitors alike are encouraged to be part of the action as the road to the pros runs through Lima.
We look forward to seeing everyone on June 25 at Allen County Fairgrounds.
Special thanks to: Drag Specialties, Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas; Flat Work Concrete; Memphis Shades; EBC Brakes; Dunlop; Service Pro; Fairview Ford and Chevy; Motion Pro; LS2 Helmets
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