The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season concluded with a spectacular finale at the Springfield Mile II in Illinois. The event, held on September 6, 2026 saw Davis Fisher of Rackley Racing emerge victorious in a thrilling Mission AFT SuperTwins race. Fisher’s triumph was a testament to his skill and the relentless efforts of his team, marking his second career win in this prestigious series.
The race was a nail-biter from start to finish, with Fisher and Tom Drane a wildcard from the KICKER AFT Singles category, engaging in a fierce battle for the lead. The two riders exchanged positions multiple times, setting the stage for a dramatic final lap. Fisher’s strategic maneuvering in Turn 3 proved decisive, allowing him to edge out Drane by a mere 0.009 seconds at the finish line.
The Battle for the Top Spot
Fisher’s victory was not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for his team. He expressed his gratitude to his sponsors and teammates, highlighting the importance of their support. “Tom put up a heck of a fight,” Fisher remarked, “I just can’t thank the whole Rackley team enough for just chugging away at this and putting the KTM on the top of the box.” His long-time sponsor, Bob Lanphere from Beaverton Motorcycles made the trip to Springfield to witness the victory, adding a personal touch to the achievement.
The podium was completed by Trent Lowe who finished third, just 0.057 seconds behind Fisher. Lowe’s performance was a testament to his consistency and skill, as he backed up his Saturday podium with another strong showing on Sunday.
Title Contenders’ Performance
The race also featured the top contenders for the Grand National Championship including Dallas DanielsBriar Bauman and Kody Kopp. Daniels, the eventual champion, faced challenges during the race but managed to secure fourth place. Bauman, who had been leading the pack, was forced to withdraw due to a mechanical issue with just over four minutes remaining. Kopp, despite the setback, finished fifth, securing second place in the championship standings.
Other notable performers included Dalton Gauthier who finished sixth, and Declan Bender who won a tight battle for seventh place. The “Wizard” Jeffrey Carver, Jr. also made a popular return to action, securing a top ten finish.
KICKER AFT Singles: A Wild Finish
The KICKER AFT Singles category also delivered an exciting finale, with twelve riders engaging in a fierce battle for the lead. The race reached its boiling point on the final lap when Logan Eisenhard and Jordan Beaulac collided, bringing out a red flag. At the time of the incident, Tom Drane was leading, but Chase Saathoff had taken the white flag inches ahead. The win was awarded to Saathoff, marking an unexpected conclusion to a long-standing rivalry.
Saathoff, a home-state hero, expressed his gratitude to his team, stating, “It still feels great to win. I’m super grateful, and I do feel we would have had a chance at the line.” Drane, who had been on a seven-race win streak, finished third, ending his record-breaking season with nine victories and a second consecutive title.
The top five in the KICKER AFT Singles race were completed by Trevor Brunner and Jared Lowe. Other notable performers included Walker PorterBradon PfandersTarren SanteroJett Katarzy and Kaleb Martin.
The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season concluded with a thrilling finale, showcasing the skill and determination of its riders. The victories of Davis Fisher and Chase Saathoff will be remembered as highlights of an exciting year in motorcycle racing.
