Argomenti trattati
The April 25 Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track produced a weekend of clear statements and tight dramas across Progressive American Flat Track’s classes. At the center of the headlines was Briar Bauman, who put together a performance that reminded everyone why he is a two-time Grand National Champion. The seaside grandstands were full as contenders battled on a fast and slippery surface that rewards aggression and precision.
Ventura also delivered theatrics in the support classes: the KICKER AFT Singles finale came down to a photo-finish, the AFT ProSport 450 drew a popular home-state winner, and the Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. category extended a winning streak. Across all races the weekend underscored the series’ mix of established stars, rising rookies, and mechanical unpredictability.
SuperTwins showdown: Bauman in control
Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) led from the start and maintained a pressure-forcing pace that few could match. His victory at Ventura was his third consecutive win at the ocean-side facility, a run that emphasizes his affinity for the track and his short-track skills. Bauman opened a clear margin early, leaving only Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) able to shadow him for significant stretches.
Kopp, the rookie who arrived to Ventura with the series points lead, pushed hard and kept pace when possible, but Bauman’s pace and race management ultimately proved decisive. Late in the main event Bauman encountered a three-rider pack while lapping competitors, which briefly reduced his gap and offered Kopp a chance to close. Still, Bauman’s earlier work allowed him to cross the line with a comfortable 1.373-second margin and claim a milestone win on his favored dirt scene.
Podium battles and turning points
The final step of the podium went to Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07), who salvaged third amid heavy mid-race contact incidents and a door-to-door tussle with Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke). Fisher was denied a late charge by an untimely mechanical failure with under a minute remaining, which elevated part-timer Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Dick Ford Racing/Mission/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) to a noteworthy fourth in his 2026 debut. Rounding out the top five was Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke), with Aidan RoosEvans, Trent Lowe, Logan McGrane, Jacob Lehmann, and Evan Renshaw completing the top ten.
Championship implications
After four rounds the Grand National Championship standings still favor consistency. Kody Kopp holds the points lead on the strength of two wins and two second places, sitting on 84 points, with Dallas Daniels second at 77 and Briar Bauman third with 62. The Ventura result narrows the gap in perceived form, but the championship fight remains open as teams prepare for the next short track test.
KICKER AFT Singles and ProSport highlights
The KICKER AFT Singles main event produced one of the weekend’s most dramatic finishes when Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) edged reigning champion Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) by just 0.034 seconds. Tadman battled from mid-pack and traded the lead several times, using a wider running line to create passing opportunities and then countering attacks. The race was notable for a strong holeshot from Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and a late-game push from Drane that fell a whisker short at the stripe.
Tadman’s win marks the fourth different KICKER AFT Singles victor in as many rounds, and it vaulted him closer to the top of that class’ standings. Brunner, who had won previously at Senoia, recovered from a poor start to take third, while Jared Lowe matched a career-best fourth. Other top-ten finishers included Tarren Santero, Chase Saathoff, Walker Porter, Justin Jones, Justin Anselmi, and Skylar Sentell. In the standings Tom Drane leads with 75 points, followed by Brunner on 66 and Tadman with 61.
AFT ProSport 450 breakthrough
On the amateur-to-pro ladder, Californian Jett Katarzy (No. 17 1st Impressions Husqvarna FC450) delivered a wire-to-wire win in the AFT ProSport 450, pleasing the local fans. The young rider capitalized on a sharp start and then rode a controlled race to maintain the advantage. Bayne Nantz finished second after a slugfest for the runner-up spot, with Ryder Bitz-Hay completing the podium and extending his perfect record in the ProSport class to three top-three results.
Royal Enfield BTR, next dates, and broadcast
The Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. class continued to spotlight emerging talent as Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) secured her third straight victory. Gottsch and qualifier Julia Heess ran 1-2 for the third consecutive race, while Hanna Brewer displaced Madicela Rodriguez for the final podium spot. These results underline the depth developing within the series’ spec-bike program and point to more intense battles as the calendar advances.
Progressive American Flat Track will complete its California doubleheader at the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico on Saturday, May 2. Fans who could not attend Ventura can watch the action through FloRacing or catch network coverage on FS1, which will premiere extended features and onboard footage. For many teams and riders, the short turnaround to Chico means quick lessons must be converted into improvements as the championship season accelerates.
Where to follow
Live streaming is available via FloRacing, and select programming airs on FS1 with feature broadcasts scheduled for May 2. The next stop in Chico promises more tight short-track action and points drama as contenders regroup after Ventura.