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/1545293
Mission CTR Showcase: Tennessee T he 2026 Mission Foods Cory Texter Promotions Showcase series concluded on a pictur- esque Friday evening in Hohen- wald, Tennessee, June 5. With just a month remaining until the annual AMA Flat Track Grand Championships, the Showcase finale at Tennessee National Raceway provided a strong tune- up for those chasing prestigious AMA honors this summer. Sam Drane was the winningest amateur rider at last year's Grand Championships, and on this night, Drane and his Estenson Ya- maha once again proved to be a formidable combo. Drane began his night by winning the Mission Challenge Dash for Cash. From there, the Australian holeshot and led every lap of the 450 Amateur main event. Drane's success continued in the Open Amateur main event with another wire-to-wire victory. During the 2026 Showcase opener in Daytona, the Road to AFT main event threatened to foil a perfect night for Drane. However, history would not repeat itself on this occasion. Drane was rock solid in "Rocky Top," completing his per- fect night with a margin of victory north of three seconds over Bayne Nantz and Dillon Durelle in the Road to AFT finale. Durelle, also aboard a Yamaha, proved to be the most consistent rider behind Drane, going 2-2-3 in Tennessee. The names Nickens and Texter have been synonymous with win- ning in Showcase main events this year, and both riders looked at home in Hohenwald. Cruise Texter and Jayden Nickens were once again the top youth riders, with Texter collecting wins in 50cc Chain, 65cc and Mini Open competition, and picking up another G&G Racing 65cc Dash triumph. As for Nickens, he completed a perfect Showcase season, win- ning every main event he entered in 2026. The Virginia racer had to overcome a challenge from his own home in the Youth Premier class, making a pass on twin sister Ella Nickens with two laps remain- ing. The 85cc main event and the G&G Racing 85cc Dash were less dramatic for Nickens, as he led the WIND IN THE P50 Sam Drane (7) making a pass on Dillon Durelle (58). Drane scored three main- event wins on the night, and Durelle landed on the podium in every race he contested. PHOTOS: JONATHAN HAVERKAMP