Back to the Beach: Progressive AFT Returns to Ventura Raceway

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – May 8, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is set to make its second-ever stop at Ventura Raceway this Saturday, May 11, for the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track in Ventura, California.

Last season’s inaugural visit proved memorable for both the race action and the setting. With the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean just beyond the fences that line the venue’s 1/5-mile dirt oval, the world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers put on a remarkable show in front of a packed house.

Mission AFT SuperTwins title aspirant Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) ultimately came out on top following a day that saw lines and strategies continually tested and re-evaluated.

Not surprisingly, Daniels was joined on the podium by reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) as their double-digit podium streaks overlapped in California.

Meanwhile, 2024 championship leader Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) missed out after getting caught up in an accordion-style crash that also claimed Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750), and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750).

Robinson is eager to not just make amends but extend a title advantage built upon four consecutive podiums highlighted by a pair of victories. Lewis, Vanderkooi, and Halbert, similarly, have the skills to flip the script this weekend.

Uncharacteristically, two-time series king Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) has yet to finish on the podium this season. That feels like a drought destined to be corrected in short order, perhaps as quickly and convincingly as by way of a victorious performance this weekend.

This weekend will see Kayl Kolkman (No. 98 Underground Suspension/Ohlins USA Yamaha MT-07) race in a Progressive AFT round for the first time since the series’ last stop at Ventura Raceway. For the past 15 years, Kolkman has never raced more than a limited schedule, but he’s a threat to upset the established order whenever and wherever he turns up. That’s most definitely true on his home turf, as the Ventura native clocked the fastest time in practice and paced a qualifying session a year ago.

Several others merit monitoring, including…