Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1012061
FLAT TRACK AMERICAN FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 12 / AUGUST 5, 2018 BUFFALO CHIP / STURGIS, SOUTH DAKOTA P72 "Everybody just kind of stacked up. Everybody was good, and it was hard to pass. I just kind of hung out for a while. Suddenly, I saw Briar and somebody else piled up in the right-hander. I thought, 'well, there's one or two more spots.' I could see Henry in front of me was trying to make something happen and he jammed it in on Sammy in the tight left after the jump. He (Wiles) high-sided so I got two more there, then I was in third. I caught up to Gillim and just as I got to him he made a mistake. He ran wide, and I got by." Even with all his good fortune, the next step was daunting. "It was just Mees in front of me," Johnson contin- ued. "I thought, 'I think I've got the pace to do this.' I raced Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Hayden Gillim (Indian/ Cycle World/S&S Cycle, Indian Scout FTR750) were second and third, respective- ly, with Vanderkooi pressing Bauman for the lead. But Bauman's bid to repeat his victory was short-lived as he soon crashed on the horse- shoe turn around the bar, collecting Vanderkooi in the process. With the two leaders on the ground, defending Grand Na- tional Champion Jared Mees (Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing, Indian Scout FTR750) claimed the lead. "When those guys fell, Hayden opened the door just enough that I was able to get by and go from fourth to first," said Mees. Gillim tucked into second with Sammy Halbert (Harley- Davidson Motor Company/ Vance & Hines, Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Henry Wiles (Bandit Industries/Wilco Racing, Indian Scout FTR750 ) pushing Gillim. Mees looked to be on his way to his 10th win of the year, but Johnson (Estenson Racing/Mc- Candless Truck Center, Indian Scout FTR750) was patiently recovering from a poor start. "I figured in the main event that I just had to get the start. I did the opposite," said Johnson. "I came off the line in sixth or seventh. I thought it was over from there. WAITING IT OUT A steady rain that started falling at the conclusion of the last Twins heat delayed the program by over two hours, but the track was repaired. The Theory Of A Deadman concert was pushed back and racing continued on the tight, twisty TT track built into the legendary Buffalo Chip amphitheater. OUT WITH THE INURED, IN WITH THE HEALED While more AFT Twins riders have hit the injured list, two AFT Singles riders returned from their injury-forced time off. Brandon Price made his way back after his big crash at the Springfield TT and came home 10th in the main. Max Whale's collarbone is healed up from his training accident and finished a solid eighth, even though he fell while leading his semi. He was able to re- mount and earn a transfer to the main. Briefly... Jake Johnson (center) celebrates on the AFT Twins podium with points leader Jared Mees (left) and Sammy Halbert.