Flat Track is the oldest form of motorcycle racing, ranging from 1/10th of a mile ovals to mile long ovals with speeds up to 135 mph on dirt. The tracks vary in consistency with multiple forms of material on the surface from clay based to crushed limestone. The technique of riding these tracks also changes slightly, making flat track a sport that is easy to ride, but hard to master. Riders of all ages take part in flat track riding and racing, bikes range from 50cc to 800cc, riders will hit top speeds on the straight of the oval before they lean over and slide into the corner to make a 180 degree left hand corner and race back down the other straightaway. The “slide” into the corner is the signature of flat track track.

 Flat track motorcycles are essentially strip down versions of stock motorcycles and are devoid of a front brake. Flat Track is not only the fastest growing motorsport in the world and rightfully so, it is reasonably easy to learn, involves a comparatively low set up cost and is a whole lot of fun.

There are many distinct variations on the flat track racing format – including indoor and outdoor, and of course levels – from very basic, informal local races to the premier professional series – Progressive American Flat Track.

Progressive AFT 101

Progressive American Flat Track is widely recognized as the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Much has changed over 100 years, but the sport remains perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine.

Over the decades, many of the world’s best motorcycle racers have emerged from America’s dirt track venues – legends like original Indian Wrecking Crew members Bill Tuman, Bobby Hill, and Ernie Beckman during the 1950s, Gary Nixon and Dick Mann in the 1960s, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, and Wayne Rainey during the ’70s and ’80s, and Nicky Hayden in the ’90s and 2000s. All were superb flat track racers – several of them Grand National Champions – and many used the skills they first developed on the dirt to revolutionize Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing and attain global superstardom.

Today’s American Flat Track Professional series consists of three classes – Mission AFT SuperTwins, Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER, and AFT AdventureTrackers™.

The premier Mission AFT SuperTwins class consists of production-based twin-cylinder motorcycles (649 – 900cc), utilizing the latest in motorsport technology and piloted by an exclusive company of the fastest athletes on dirt.

The AFT Singles presented by KICKER class consists of production-based 450cc off-road machines specially prepared for flat track competition.

And the AFT AdventureTrackers, which made its high-profile debut in the Streets of Downtown Sturgis last season, features near-stock Dual Adventure bikes piloted by riders from a diverse set of racing backgrounds.

As part of the sport’s historic formula, competitors are required to master the skills of racing on four distinct types of race circuits, Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track, and TT (Tourist Trophy). Mile, Half-Mile and Short Track races are conducted on specially-prepared oval tracks, with either flat or banked surfaces, while TT circuits have both right and left hand turns plus a jump:

• Mile – Generally located at state fairgrounds or horse racing facilities, Mile races often turn into barnburners with packs of riders drafting at speeds exceeding 140 mph, lap-after-lap to the finish line.
• Half-Mile – Half-Miles have been the most common circuits on the schedule throughout the history of the sport. Many Half-Miles are purpose-built racetracks which play host to a wide variety of motorcycle and automobile dirt track racing organizations.
• Short Track – Short Tracks feature quick laps and fierce battles, sometimes described as being like “a fist fight in a phone booth.” Starts and aggression are often the critical factors that determine the results on a short track.
• TT – TT circuits can be either purpose-built race courses or temporary in nature. Ultimately, they all require riders to master both right- and left-hand turns and negotiate a jump at least once per lap.

Professional flat track racing is currently experiencing a significant rebirth, much of which can be credited to changes instituted in 2017: a name change, a simpler class structure, and a significantly boosted media presence that has helped attract millions of new viewers. A continued refinement of the rules and structure have followed in recent years to further capitalize on the sport’s enormous potential.

And in some significant ways, 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for the Grand National Championship. The Mission AFT SuperTwins class has moved to an all-production based rule set just as an elite crop of contenders prepare to vie for the throne left vacant by the retirement of Jared Mees following the 2024 season that saw him secure a record-setting tenth premier-class crown in his final season of competition.

This battle for supremacy will open with five consecutive bar-banging Short Tracks, starting with the series’ traditional Daytona Beach double opener during the 84th annual Daytona Bike Week. The schedule then transitions to a run through the Midwest, including a doubleheader in Lima, Ohio, and a high-speed showdown at the “Magic Mile” in DuQuoin, Illinois.

The Sturgis TT will serve as a highlight of the schedule again in ‘25, and this time around it will be joined by an all-new doubleheader – the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II – which will also take place in Sturgis during the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, just days ahead of Sunday’s TT.

The season’s stretch run will feature its two most iconic events – the world-famous 78th Peoria TT and a doubleheader at the legendary Springfield Mile – before returning to Lake Ozark Speedway for a season finale set during the 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest.

The upcoming season will see further innovation via the introduction of the Triple Challenge format that will be utilized at the Lima Half-Mile I, Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I and Springfield Mile I, in which the overall winner and final points payout will be determined by three races of increasing distance and importance.

America’s oldest and purest form of motorcycle sport is back on the radar, making that thunderous noise we all love, and it’s certain to continue in 2025. The momentum created over the past eight years has Progressive American Flat Track well positioned to take the next step in its meteoric rise, spearheaded by the Mission AFT SuperTwins class.

Source: AmericanFlatTrack.com

RPM – The Nation’s Premier Regional Flat Track Series

RPM Promotions is kicking off the 2025 Flat Track Motorcycle Racing season in epic fashion and is introducing new online pre-registration to make the process even easier.  With a 27 Race Elite Motorcycle Championship Series beginning February 28th Round 1 at Lakeview Motor Speedway in Nichols, South Carolina and Round 27 ending at Windy Hollow Speedway in Owensboro, Kentucky. The series promises to bring great racing action with (17) 1/2 Miles, (5) 3/8 Miles (4) Shorttracks, and (1) Mile across the United States and branching out internationally for 2 races in Canada. Top amateurs and pro racers from the United States and Canada and as far from Australia will be competing in the RPM Series.

 Jeff Hiers, President of RPM Promotions and former Expert Racer shared, “We are thrilled to bring back grass roots racing with 27 Races on the schedule – it reminds me of the old Camel Pro Days with such a diverse and loaded schedule!  Amateurs and pro racers, alike, have the opportunity to showcase their talent and compete!  Fans can share in the excitement and enjoy great racing action with 12 different classes and racers 5 years of age to 70 years of age. “

With RPM Promotions being an Outlaw racing program it’s a “run what you brung” style of racing Hiers says. 

For 2025, RPM is offering these standard classes for their Elite Race Series:

• 65cc
• 85cc
• 250cc
• 450cc
• Open Amateur
• 30 Plus
• 50 Plus
• 60 Plus
• Lightweight Vintage
• Heavyweight Vintage Open
• Maddog Open
• Pro Outlaw Open Singles
• Pro Outlaw Open Singles / Twins

RPM Online with Reasons To Ride!

For the 2025 series, RPM has teamed up with Reasons To Ride and theTicketing.co to offer online ticketing and racer registration for all of their races.  This will help streamline the entire process and make the race days even smoother!  To help encourage racers and fans to utilize the website and pre-register for the events, pre-sale discounts will be offered for all events online for a limited time.

UPCOMING FEATURE RACES:

• March 22^nd – Thunder Mountain Speedway, Rockholds KY: Shortrack
• March 29^th – Marion County Fairgrounds, Marion OH: ½ Mile Track
• April 26^th – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima OH: ½ Mile
• May 31^st / June 1^st – Barry Expo Fairgrounds, Hastings MI: ½ Mile Track

You can find more information regarding the series on the RPM Promotions llc Facebook and Instagram social media pages. 

Thanks to American Flat Track, American Motorcyclist Association, RPM Productions, LLC, and Stephen Tripp Photography for photos and content.