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Drane Wins Prestigious Award T he AMA presented Sam Drane of Forbes, Australia, the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award after a stel - lar week of racing at the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing, which ran July 5-9 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois. In addition to Drane's special recognition, the AMA also con - gratulates Paige Keck of Neenah, Wisconsin, winner of the 2026 Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, who displayed excellence on the track and in the classroom. Jayden Nickens of Mechanics - ville, Virginia, and Dallas Mayer of Carbondale, Illinois, were also awarded AMA Youth Racer of the Year and AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, respectively. "Sam is a remarkable tal - ent on the racetrack, showing outstanding versatility across all disciplines of flat track racing," AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. "I look forward to following his pursuits at the pro - fessional level of racing, as he has showcased the necessary demeanor and professionalism to excel as a pro." Drane earned class victories in the 250cc Open Singles, 450cc and Open Singles/Twin, 450cc Production—Road to the Pros and the 505cc classes. Drane overcame plenty of adversity throughout the week, including mechanical issues during the event's second half-mile ses - sion. "The Nicky Hayden AMA Ho- rizon Award means a lot to me," Drane said. "This was definitely a lot more difficult compared to last year, but it's been one of the best I've had. I can't thank the team enough and everybody that helped me." Keck became the third con - secutive woman to bring home the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, which recognizes the rider that shows skill on the racetrack and in the classroom, considering the rider's academic achievements and transcripts. The winner of the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award earns a scholarship toward their colle - giate pursuits. "Paige's future is as bright as they come, as a racer and in all walks of life," Saillant said. "She showed great maturity through- out the week and was lightning quick on the track. That, coupled with her academic record, made her the perfect choice for this year's Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award." CN WIND IN THE P34 Sam Drane earned the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award after a stellar week of racing at the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship.