The Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II will see the AFT AdventureTrackers™ make their long-awaited return and play host to an evolving AFT Singles presented by KICKERchampionship fight as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicks off an action-packed week at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II, on Monday, August 4, and Tuesday, August 5, at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Never a Doubt
Was there ever any doubt?
At Lucas Oil Speedway, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) managed to extend his career-long streak of winning at least one race in each of his AFT Singles campaigns. And he did so in thrilling last-lap, last-corner fashion following an epic clash with title fighters Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R).
Okay, maybe there was just a hint of doubt – especially pulling off that win after Drane jumped out the early lead.
Brunner continues to establish himself as among the sport’s most decorated 450cc riders. Since joining the pro ranks after winning Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award honors in 2019, Brunner has been named AFT Singles Rookie of the Year, finished inside the championship top five on four occasions, climbed his way up to seventh all-time in career race wins, and stands as one of just five riders to achieve the Grand Slam in the category.
Really, the only major achievement thus far eluding him is the #1 plate.
With former class rivals Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp no longer a concern, 2025 was expected to be his best shot yet.
Brunner is still in the hunt, but the road to the title is looking steeper by the round.
Second-ranked Saathoff is well within reach, now 12 points ahead and seven rounds remaining.
Drane, however, is a relatively distant 35 points out. And worse yet, Drane shows very few signs of making things easy on Brunner – or Saathoff for that matter.
When the Australian saw his class-record nine-race podium streak halted earlier this year, he immediately went about assembling an active five-race streak that ranks tenth best all-time.
While time is running out for those in pursuit of Drane, there’s plenty of opportunity for movement this week. With three races in five days, a full 69 points will be up for grabs in Sturgis.
Three Races in Five? Make That Five in Five
Three rounds in five days is correct, but five races in five days is more accurate, as the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I will utilize the Mission Triple Challenge format.
In its debut, Brunner proved himself capable of beating Drane to the checkered flag – teasing what was to come – even if Drane ultimately walked away with overall top honors and maximum points in Lima.
But one small mishap in any of the three Main Events on Monday could prove pivotal in this year’s championship battle.
New to All
Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F), Walker Porter (No. 100 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and the rest of this year’s standout rookie class will find themselves on somewhat more leveled ground this week in Sturgis.
The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club’s Short Track will be new to all, offering the first-year riders a chance to compete while not also facing the additional challenge of coming to grips with a venue at which their opponents are already well acquainted.
Even minus that help, Tadman has scooped a pair of wins this year and seemed to have a realistic shot at a third at Lucas Oil Speedway before a mechanical problem knocked him out of the running in the Main Event’s opening lap.
Porter, meanwhile, is motivated to get on the podium and do so as quickly as possible.
Could the rookies turn the class’ power dynamics upside down again this week?
Happy Hunting Grounds
Even if the tracks are different, a return to the city where he earned his first-career AFT Singles podium one year ago is likely a welcome one for Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R).
Santero is in the midst of something of a mini-slump, having finished 17th, eighth, and eighth, in his most recent three races. That said, he still ranks fourth in the standings, thanks in large part to grabbing his second- and third-career podium finishes earlier in the year.
But he’s going to have to return to that form in a hurry if he wants to remain in fourth and hold off the big pack of riders currently embroiled in a rapidly advancing fight for fifth.
Gimme Five
Just ten points separate Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who rank fifth through seventh.
And as mentioned above, that scrap is effectively one for fourth, with RoosEvans now just six points back of Santero.
But while fourth may be the goal (at least considering how far out in front Drane, Saathoff, and Brunner are), eleventh isn’t out of the question for any of them either.
Tadman and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) are just four points back of Pfanders and within single-race striking distance of Santero.
And while there is some distance back to tenth-ranked Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/Reel Medics Yamaha YZ450F) and eleventh-ranked Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), both riders have shown the ability to make up piles of points in a hurry when on their game.
Adventure Awaits
The AFT AdventureTrackers are back following their massively successful debut in Sturgis last year and will be here for the next four rounds.
A showcase for near-stock Dual Adventure bikes, the AFT AdventureTrackers put on quite the show in ‘24 when reigning FIM Flat Track World Champion Sammy Halbert took full advantage of the misfortune of Mission AFT SuperTwins star Dan Bromley to earn the class’ first-ever win ahead of a field stacked with big-name riders hailing from diverse backgrounds.
Over the next couple of weeks, these versatile machines will demonstrate their full capabilities on a Short Track, Super TT, and traditional TT.
First up are the twin Short Track rounds where there will be ample opportunities for them to lock horns.
The Contenders
The AFT AdventureTrackers’ entry list has yet to be unveiled in full, but the list of riders already confirmed features some heavy hitters.
Among those taking part are the aforementioned Dan Bromley (Memphis Shades/Suzuki V-Strom 1050), ST and TT legend Henry Wiles (No. 911 Walter Bros. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), 2022 Mission Production Twins champion Jesse Janisch (No. 33 WFOracingonline.com/Öhlins Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), and AFT Singles top-five finishers Hunter Bauer (Vinson Construction BMW F900 GS) and Austin Luczak (No. 188 Memphis Shades/OTB Racing Honda Africa Twin).
Who else will jump into the fray? Let’s just say you can once again expect to see some notable names from dirt track and beyond.
A Party Inside a Party Inside a Party
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has a well-earned reputation for nonstop fun and excitement and both days at the track will prove no exception.
The Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – will take place leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night.
And those in attendance will also be able to enjoy big-screen coverage of all the race action, the Kids Zone with a bounce house and face painting, DJ’d music, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options.
Get Your Tickets Now
General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) each day, while Reserved Grandstand tickets are available for $40 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID.
H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating.
Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track.
Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating.
Click HERE to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I.
Click HERE to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II.
You can also take advantage of a discounted rate by purchasing tickets for both days together HERE.
Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1
FOX Sports coverage of the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT), with the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track IIset to air the following day, Sunday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.