FEATURE
P74
2017 AMERICAN FLAT TRACK PREVIEW
with two classes, the premier
AFT Twins and the support class,
AFT Singles. AFT Twins will
race the big bikes on all tracks,
including short tracks and TTs.
There's also a big change with
the race format this season that
breaks with long-held flat track
traditions. Essentially riders will
have to race in two qualifying
races to make the main event.
Instead of transferring straight in
from a heat race, the four heat
races this year serve to qualify
riders into two semi races where
18 riders battle for nine starting
spots in each race making for the
18-rider main field. There's also
an LCQ to get into the semi. If a
rider falls or has a mechanical in
the semi, they're out. There are
no provisional starts. It will be a
big accomplishment just to make
all the mains this season and that
really could play into the champi-
onship picture.
There are a number of new
venues on the calendar this year.
Obviously, the series-opening
Daytona TT, played out in front of
the massive main grandstands at
Daytona International Speedway,
is going to be a very interesting
race and no one really knows
what to expect.
Who's the favorite to win at
Daytona this year? With a new
track and riders racing twins
for the first time on a national
TT track, it really is wide open.
Henry Wiles is a TT specialist,
but Jared Mees has narrowed
the gap. Jake Johnson, Robbie
Pearson and Jarod Vanderkooi
Brad Baker, Jared Mees and Bryan Smith will make up the
new factory Indian team.
Master of the TTs, Henry
Wiles could be the rider that
strikes first at the Daytona TT.
