The 2023 American Flat Track racing season kicked off on Thursday night with round 1 of the Daytona double-header. Some real surprises, some returning veterans like Slammin’ Sammy Halbert being sponsored by our friends at Fredericktown Yamaha and a resurgent heat race win by Royal Enfield’s Johnny Lewis made the Daytona Short Track worth the trip to Bike Week worthwhile for the AFT faithful. Yamaha dealers had to be happy with Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) performance as well.
Actually there was literally something for everyone as four riders on four different makes lined up on the front row for the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event. Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) raised more than a few eyebrows when he grabbed the early lead, while Daniels, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke) jockeyed for position just behind the Royal Enfield.
After some back-and-forth, Robinson managed to work his way into the lead and then threatened to make an early escape. By the time Daniels and Bauman dispatched Lewis, the Mission Roof Systems rider had nearly a second in hand. However Daniels put his head down at that point, stretching out an advantage over Bauman while eating away at Robinson’s. By half distance the two linked up at the front just as they made their way into lapped traffic for the first time.
Once through the rappers, Daniels, Robinson and Bauman appeared set for a 1-2-3 finish. Until the red flag came out after Lewis collided with another rider. Not only was Lewis’ top five gone, but seemingly so was Bauman’s podium run in his debut aboard the Rick Ware Racing KTM 890 Duke as his brake pedal disconnected during the Main Event melee.
Even with Bauman’s technical issues and the potential for chaos the top three were forced to negotiate, the trio locked down their positions as they powered away from the staggered start and held on to the checkered flag. The victorious Daniels said, “I tell you what – there’s nothing that makes you more nervous than that right there, leading the laps going away and a red flag comes out with two to go… These two guys on the podium with me – I grew up watching these guys win here. These guys are my heroes. And now I want to beat them. It’s an honor to win here.”
Defending champ Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) was the biggest beneficiary of the restart, slashing up to 4th after being mired as deep as 12th in the pack. Mees was chased to the line by Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). Four-time DAYTONA ST winner Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Yamaha MT-07) took sixth, followed by Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) and the remounted Lewis.
Next Up: The 2023 Progressive AFT season picks right back up with the second half of the DAYTONA Short Track doubleheader opener tonight. Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) ahead of the evening’s program.