Estenson Racing’s Tom Drane secures his first American Flat Track title two rounds early with an emphatic overall victory in the AFT Singles Mission Triple Challenge.
Estenson Racing’s Tom Drane was crowned the 2025 AFT Singles Champion with a commanding overall victory on day one of the Springfield Mile doubleheader in Springfield, Illinois. In addition to etching his name into the sport’s history books as the first international rider to win an American Flat Track Championship, the Australian enjoyed a stellar weekend at the legendary track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, adding two more victories to his season tally.
The Springfield Mile is renowned for its close racing, with multiple riders battling all the way to the finish. This year was no exception, with Drane coming out on top in all three main events at Round 14 of the championship, also the final Mission Triple Challenge event of the season. His perfect score claimed the overall victory and clinched his first AFT Singles title, marking the fourth championship in the class for the Estenson Racing team.
Then at Sunday’s penultimate round of the championship, which was the traditional one main event format, Drane once again delivered a masterclass performance. He edged out the competition by just 0.028 seconds to claim his fifth win in six tries at the historic venue. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a standout 2025 season, earning seven wins and 14 podium finishes so far. He also achieved a rare dirt track grand slam, with victories across all four disciplines – Short Track, Half-Mile, Mile, and TT.
In two weeks’ time, the Estenson Racing squad heads to Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri, on September 13, where Drane’s teammate Dallas Daniels looks to secure the AFT SuperTwins crown. Daniels enters the season finale with a 13-point advantage in the hotly contested premier-class championship.
Tommy Hayden – Estenson Racing Team Manager
“I am really proud of Tom and the whole team for the season they have put together. Wrapping up the championship with two races remaining is a testament to his speed and consistency all year. Tom and his family made a big commitment and sacrificed a lot to come to the U.S. and chase this title, so it means a lot to me to see them accomplish this.”
Tom Drane – Estenson Racing #59
“It’s been a very emotional ride. Over the last three years, we’ve put everything into chasing this championship. My family has made so many sacrifices, and for Estenson to give me this opportunity, I’ll be forever grateful. There are no words to truly describe the feeling I have right now.”