Mees Leads the Way into Critical Mission Springfield Mile Doubleheader

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – August 30, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season has finally arrived at its crown jewel, the Mission Springfield Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties, which will take place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, for a Labor Day Weekend doubleheader on September 3-4.

Always a highlight of any Progressive AFT season, this year’s stop is especially critical. It represents two of the season’s final four rounds, and will thus pay out 50% of the remaining points to determine this year’s national champions. Additionally, it will be two of the final three opportunities to earn points toward the Progressive Triple Crown and its associated $25,000 prize.

Any rider who has accumulated as many titles and race wins as Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) has successfully faced down many a pivotal race weekend. That said, this year’s Springfield Mile must rank up near the top of that list for the reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle king.

Off the track, the event marks the first year it’s being overseen by Jared and his wife, Nichole Mees, under the Mees Promotions banner. Meanwhile, he currently holds a narrow title advantage, leading primary rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) by nine points and Estenson Racing Yamaha teammates Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) by 16 and 29 points, respectively.

By one line of thinking, the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous for Mees, who has won the Springfield Mile seven times in all, including five of the last six. Should he sweep here like he did a year ago, it could once again springboard him to the #1 plate.

However, that’s easier said than done. While Mees is easily the most successful Mile rider on the tour, Daniels has won two of three Miles to date this season. Furthermore, after Springfield, the season will head to its third Short Track of ‘22 – the first of which Beach and Daniels went 1-2, the second of which Bauman won – and then end right back where it started – at Volusia Speedway Park, where Bauman stood victorious.

In other words, Mees could really use another trademark Springfield performance to put him in the best position possible to retain his crown.

Other riders will more than likely play key roles in deciding this year’s…