Flat track racing in the United States is getting a makeover, with AMA Pro Flat Track changing its name to American Flat Track (AFT). This change comes during an interesting time, with flat track racing seeing a renaissance in its two-wheeled racing spectacle.
Reading our minds, the press release from AMA Pro Racing says that the rebranding comes as “the dawn of a new era for America’s favorite motorcycle sport,” which also comes as American Flat Track also ushers in a new class structure for professional flat track racing.
As you would expect then, AMA Pro Racing is also announcing its new racing classes for the newly named American Flat Track series.
There will be an AFT Twins class, with two-cylinder motorcycles, 650cc to 999cc, which will cater to the series’ top riders; and then there will be an AFT Singles class, with 450cc single-cylinder machines, which will serve as a feeder for the AFT Twins class.
“We are extremely excited about the rebranding of the series,” said Michael Lock, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “The rejuvenation of the sport will bring a new level of excitement to racers and fans.”
“Everyone will be able to easily understand what’s happening on the track and will be able to enjoy all of the action from the moment they arrive to when they head home. It’s a very exciting time for the sport of professional Flat Track racing.”
In order to increase the racing spectacle, American Flat Track will also feature a new event format, which will now be of a tournament style.
In it, the fastest 48 riders from timed qualifying sessions will advance to the heat races. From there, the race program will consist of 4 six-lap heats, with 9 of the 12 riders transferring to one of the two semi-final races.
Replacing the “last chance” race into the main event, the new semi-final races will be knockout rounds, where 18 riders compete for each of the 9 available spots. The main event will thus be comprised of 18 riders, 9 from each of the two semi-finals.
The main event race format also changes, with the AFT Twins class continuing with the traditional 25-lap affair, but the AFT Singles class will see its race-distance increased from 12 laps to 15 laps.
AMA Pro Racing also says that it is working to overhaul the AFT rulebook, in time for the 2017 season. An update on that will come at a later date.
Source: AMA Pro Racing
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