Podium for Tom Drane at AFT Texas Half-Mile

2024 Progressive American Flat Track Championship
Texas Half-Mile

Images by Tim Lester

It turns out 13 was the lucky number for Chase Saathoff in his protracted, often excruciating, pursuit of a maiden Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER win, with Aussie Tom Drane also nabbing a spot on the podium.

After having previously notched up 12 podiums – half of those runners-up – Saathoff at last secured that elusive win, even if it didn’t play out quite the way he had envisioned.

In fact, the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event felt as if it was actively attempting to derail Saathoff’s luck as opposed to indulging it.

After showcasing race-winning speed throughout the day, Saathoff’s bid was pushed until the end of the day when inclement weather forced a reshuffling of the schedule. And when it did finally take place, the Main was red-flagged no less than three times – each one with Saathoff in the lead – due to a combination of precipitation and crashes.

The race was ultimately called complete with just over one minute remaining on the clock. As a result, Saathoff was awarded the win despite being robbed of the satisfaction of crossing the finish line in first.

Chase Saathoff

“It was crazy for sure. Every time there was a red flag, I’d just try to go over and control my thoughts. I pulled through with like four holeshots and can’t be more stoked with this, I would say, ‘win.’ I got the holeshot and led all of the race, but I would have liked to have taken the checkered flag. But I’ll take it. I’m not ashamed of it. I’d like to thank everybody so much for all their support.”

Title fighters Kody Kopp and Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) were credited in second and third after charging their way forward – Kopp in particular after running as low as eighth in the early going.

Kopp still holds a commanding lead with 92 points in the standings, while Saathoff’s breakthrough win elevated him into second (75) followed by Drane in third (69).

AFT Singles Main Result – Texas Half-Mile

AFT Singles Standings – Top 20

Mission SuperTwins – Texas Half-Mile

Brandon Robinson successfully defended his team’s home turf in a spectacular Mission SuperTwins Main Event to headline Saturday night’s Mission Texas Half-Mile.

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A victory at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, was always the dream result for the locally-based Mission Roof Systems outfit, but Robinson would have to go through both nine-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees and premier-class phenom Dallas Daniels to do so.

Estenson ace Daniels blasted into the lead off the launch and Mees dove up the inside as the two threatened another 1-2 breakaway at the front. Robinson was having none of it, however, tracking the duo down to transform the lead pack into a three-piece before they could shake free.

For the next few minutes, the trio traded positions in a flurry of moves before Robinson grasped command as the contest approached half distance. His thoughts of making an escape were upended by brake issues and Mees – the greatest Half-Miler in the history of the series and the winner of the previous three Texas Half-Miles – stormed back alongside Robinson with two to go.

Mees attempted an around-the-outside bid to steal away the win on the race’s final corner, but Robinson held firm, edging the factory Indian pilot to the checkered flag by a narrow 0.120-second margin. Daniels came home in third another 0.676 seconds back.

Brandon Robinson

“When we unloaded, I was definitely uncomfortable to start the day,” Robinson admitted. “Huge shout out to Ben Evans and Kayl Kolkman – they got me dialed-in. That race was epic. I’ve never really had a firm grasp on this place in the past, but tonight was awesome. I was able to use the high line in the beginning to make some moves and get around the guys. From there, I felt really good, but with about four minutes to go, I lost brakes, which was not fun. But we weathered that storm. It’s awesome to start the season the way we have. Big thanks to Mission Foods and Jerry Stinchfield at Roof Systems – they make our program happen.”

Davis Fisher came out on top of a two-rider fight for fourth that also included two-time Mission SuperTwins champ Briar Bauman.

Jarod Vanderkooi crossed the line clear in sixth, while Max Whale, Brandon Price, Johnny Lewis, and Declan Bender completed the top ten in that order.

Max Whale

“Mixed emotions about Texas! Super pumped with how I rode, way better all day long. The team and I worked well all day managed a solid seventh a lot closer to the top five then the last few rounds. Huge positives and improvements this weekend! My thoughts go out to all the fallen riders.”

After failing to win a race in 2023, Robinson became the first rider to claim a second Mission SuperTwins victory in 2024. He also took control of the championship lead in the process, as Robinson now leads Daniels by four points (86-82). Mees remains well within striking distance at 75 points in his quest to secure an unprecedented tenth GNC.

SuperTwins Main Result – Texas Half-Mile

SuperTwins Standings – Top 20

The Progressive American Flat Track season continues next weekend with the inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on Saturday, May 4.