Podium for Tom Drane at AFT Texas Half-Mile

2024 Progressive American Flat Track Championship
Half mile Texas

Photos by Kristen Lassen, Hunter Scott

AFT Application – Texas Half Mile

Turns out 13 was the lucky number for Chase Saathoff in his long, often excruciating pursuit of victory for the AFT Unlimited Division Singles presented by KICKER, with Aussie Tom Drane also earned a spot on the podium.

After 12 podiums – half of them as runners-up – Saathoff finally got that elusive victory, even if it didn’t go quite the way he had envisioned.

In fact, the AFT Unlimited Singles Main Event felt as if it was actively trying to derail Saathoff’s luck rather than enjoy it.

After showing race-winning pace throughout the day, Saathoff’s bid was pushed to the end of the day when inclement weather forced a change to the schedule. And when it finally happened, Main was red-flagged no less than three times – each time led by Saathoff – due to a combination of rain and trouble.

The race was finally called complete with just over a minute left on the clock. As a result, Saathoff won despite being robbed of the joy of crossing the finish line first.

Chase Saathoff

“Definitely crazy. Every time there is a red flag, I just try to overcome it and control my thoughts. I got about four shots into the hole and couldn’t be more excited about this, I would say, ‘win.’ I was in the hole and led the entire race, but I wanted to take the checkered flag. But I’ll take it. I’m not ashamed of that. I want to thank everyone so much for their support.”

Title fighters Kody Kopp and Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) were scored in second and third after moving forward – especially Kopp after dropping to eighth in the first space.

Kopp still leads the standings with 92 points, while Saathoff’s breakthrough win lifted him to second place (75), followed by Drane in third (69).

Key Results AFT Singles – Texas Half Mile

AFT Singles Chart – Top 20

SuperTwins Mission – Half Mile Texas

Brandon Robinson successfully defended his team’s home turf in the spectacular Mission SuperTwins Main Event to headline the Mission Texas Half-Mile on Saturday night.

A win at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, has always been a dream result for the locally based Mission Roof Systems team, but Robinson will have to overcome both nine-time national champion Jared Mees and phenom First place Dallas Daniels does the same.

Estenson ace Daniels took the lead on the play and Mees moved inside as the two threatened another 1-2 breakaway up front. However, Robinson was having none of that, tracking the duo to turn the leading pack into three pieces before they could escape.

Over the next few minutes, the trio traded positions in a series of moves before Robinson took command as the contest approached the halfway mark. His attempt to escape was hampered by brake problems and Mees – the greatest Half-Miler in the history of the series and winner of three previous Texas Half-Miles – rushed back along with Robinson with two to go.

Mees attempted an outside attempt for victory in the final corner of the race, but Robinson held his ground, passing the factory Indian pilot to the checkered flag by a margin. narrow 0.120 seconds. Daniels finished third 0.676 seconds further back.

Brandon Robinson

“When we unloaded, I was definitely not comfortable starting the day,” Robinson admits. “A huge thank you to Ben Evans and Kayl Kolkman – they called me. That race was epic. I’ve never really gotten a grip on this place before, but tonight was amazing. At first, I was able to use the high line to perform some moves and pass opponents. From there, I felt really good, but with about four minutes to go I lost my brakes, which wasn’t fun at all. But we weathered that storm. It’s great to start the season the way we have. A big thank you to Mission Foods and Jerry Stinchfield at Roof Systems – they made our program a reality.”

Davis Fisher took the lead in a battle between two drivers for fourth place, which also included two-time Mission SuperTwins champion Briar Bauman.

Jarod Vanderkooi crossed the line in sixth, while Max Whale, Brandon Price, Johnny Lewis and Declan Bender completed the top 10 in that order.

Whale max

“Mixed feelings about Texas! I’m super excited with the way I ride, much better throughout the day. The team and I worked well all day to secure a solid seventh place, much closer to the top 5 then the most recent rounds. Big positives and improvements this weekend! My thoughts are with all the fallen riders.”

After failing to win a race in 2023, Robinson became the first driver to claim a second Mission SuperTwins victory in 2024. He also took over the championship lead in the process, as Robinson now leads Daniels by four points (86-82). Mees remains within striking distance of 75 points in his bid to secure an unprecedented tenth GNC.

SuperTwins main results – Texas Half Mile

SuperTwins Ranking – Top 20

The Progressive American Flat Track season continues next weekend with the Silver Dollar Short Track opening at Silver Dollar Raceway in Chico, California, on Saturday, May 4.