The 2026 Grand National Championship is set to reach a critical juncture with the Lima Half-Mile I & II presented by Drag Specialties, taking place at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. This doubleheader event, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will feature the Mission Triple Challenge format on Friday and a conventional slate on Saturday, marking Rounds 8 and 9 of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season.
The Lima Half-Mile is renowned for its unique pea-gravel battlefield and fervent fanbase, making it one of the most coveted victories in motorcycle dirt tracking. The venue’s challenging nature has seen legendary riders like Scott Parker, Jared Mees, and Chris Carr achieve multiple wins here, underscoring its significance in the sport.
The Quest for Victory at Lima
Two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman is a standout contender with a remarkable track record at Lima. Tied with Chris Carr for third in career Lima victories, Bauman has achieved his successes on four different makes of racebikes. A victory this weekend could move him into a tie with the legendary Ricky Graham for fifth all-time in total premier-class victories. Should he sweep the weekend, Bauman would also tie Graham for the most-ever consecutive premier-class victories.
Reigning class king Dallas Daniels has shown consistent strength at Lima, winning two of the last three races, including last year’s Mission Triple Challenge. Despite being just a tick off most of the season, Daniels remains a formidable contender in the title fight. However, neither Bauman nor Daniels currently lead the championship. That honor belongs to rookie phenom Kody Kopp, who has secured six finishes of first or second in the year’s first seven races.
The Battle for the Title
Kopp, Bauman, and Daniels are locked in a tight 10-point championship clash, with no other rider within even 50 points of third. The Lima Half-Mile represents both the end of the season’s first half and the start of its second, offering a fresh opportunity for riders to make their mark. Davis Fisher, Trent Lowe, and other talented riders have faced challenges this season but remain hopeful for a strong performance in Lima.
OTB Racing teammates Brandon Price and Declan Bender have shown signs of improvement, with Bender steadily marching up the order in recent races. Rookie Evan Renshaw, despite initial struggles, is poised to settle in and showcase his natural ability. Other riders like Chad Cose, Ben Lowe, Hunter Bauer, and Dalton Gauthier also have their own stories of mixed first-halfs and are looking to turn things around in Lima.
Beyond the Track
Fans attending the Lima Half-Mile I & II can look forward to a variety of off-track activities, including music, a bouncy house for kids, numerous vendors, and plenty of food and beverage options. The event will also feature a Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event on Thursday, spotlighting the future stars of the sport. Ticket options range from general admission to VIP experiences, with camping available at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
The Lima Half-Mile I & II promises to be a thrilling and historic event, with top riders vying for victory and the championship lead. As the season reaches its midpoint, the stakes are higher than ever, and the excitement is palpable.
