Flat Track
Sometimes called “America’s Original Extreme Sport,” flat track motorcycle racing has been thrilling participants and spectators alike since the beginning of motorcycling more than a century ago.
One of the most traditional forms of motorcycle competition in the United States, flat track racing — also referred to as dirt track racing — got started in an age when racers would compete on horse-racing tracks that were specially groomed to create a hard-packed dirt surface that was appropriate for racing motorcycles. Modern flat track racers compete in four different events: short-track oval, half-mile oval, and one-mile oval formats, as well as TT courses that feature at least one right turn and a jump.
Professional flat track racing is one of the most competitive and exciting forms of motorcycle racing today, with world-class riders racing just inches apart on highly specialized motorcycles capable of reaching speeds as high as 140 mph — with no front brakes. The premier classes use purpose-built flat track bikes — sometimes called “framers” because of their custom-built frames — while novices often start out on lightly modified motocross or off-road motorcycles that have been converted for flat track use with different wheels, tires, and suspension components.
In addition to AFT and the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, the AMA sanctions numerous local flat track events all over the country. Riders converge on these tracks, many of which have been operating for decades, to battle for bragging rights, trophies and pro-am purses.
Championship and Premier Events
Claim: Injured motorcyclists are uninsured and disproportionately rely upon the public to pay for their injuries.
Response: Motorcyclists are just as likely to be privately insured as any other road user.
A medical center study1 reported that injured motorcyclists in the trauma center relied on public funds a lower percentage of the time than did automobile drivers to pay their hospital bills during the same time period.
A university study2 reported that automobile drivers and motorcyclists have their medical costs covered by insurance at a nearly identical rate.
Conclusion: Injured motorcyclists are less likely than the general population to use public funds to pay for injuries sustained in crashes, and no more likely to be uninsured than other vehicle operators.
Since 1975, the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship has pitted top amateur flat trackers against each other in friendly competition. As the premier amateur flat track event in the United States, the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship is unmatched in terms of history and prestige.
Riders at the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship traditionally compete in all types of flat track races, with the overall class winners crowned national champions.
As with most AMA amateur national championships, and in recognition of the range of participants in amateur competition, the event includes multiple classes to provide ample opportunity for amateur racers to compete. Age, displacement and bike-configuration classes are featured.
2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship: June 30-July 6, 2024. Du Quoin, Illinois. Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Classes & Schedule (PDF)
The AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series recognizes national champions in period-correct classes that reflect the storied history of AMA flat-track competition. Class winners are honored at the annual AMA Championship Banquet, which recognizes national champions in all amateur racing disciplines.
2024 AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series Schedule
| Organizer | Event Title | Track | Location | Date | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Nace Promotions | Round 1 – Short Track | Just Add Dirt Raceway | Palatka, Fla. | 3/2/2024 | (270) 442-7532 snace@apex.net stevenaceracing.com |
| Steve Nace Promotions | Round 2 – Short Track | Just Add Dirt Raceway | Palatka, Fla. | 3/3/2024 | (270) 442-7532 snace@apex.net stevenaceracing.com |
| Steve Nace Promotions | Round 3 – Short Track | Daytona Int’l Speedway | Daytona, Fla. | 3/5/2024 | (270) 442-7532 snace@apex.net stevenaceracing.com |
| Shippensburg Motorcycle Club | Round 4 – Short Track | Stelhamer Speedway | Shoemakerville, Pa. | 4/14/2024 | (717) 503-8030 candybaer@comcast.net baermotorsports.com |
| Shippensburg Motorcycle Club | Round 10 – Short Track | BAPS Speedway | York Haven, Pa. | 7/20/2024 | (717) 503-8030 candybaer@comcast.net baermotorsports.com |
| Echo Valley Riders | Round 5 – 4/10 Mile Day – Double Header | Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Ballston Spa, N.Y. | 5/11/2024 | (518) 727-0311 sflach@camppinnacle.org albany-saratogaspeedway.com |
| Echo Valley Riders | Round 6 – 4/10 Mile Night – Double Header | Albany-Saratoga Speedway | Ballston Spa, N.Y. | 5/11/2024 | (518) 727-0311 sflach@camppinnacle.org albany-saratogaspeedway.com |
| Square Deal Riders | Round 7 – Short Track | Square Deal Riders Track | Harpursville, N.Y. | 6/14/2024 | (607) 725-3069 williamsracing12@yahoo.com squaredealriders.com |
| Square Deal Riders | Round 8 – Short Track | Square Deal Riders Track | Harpursville, N.Y. | 6/15/2024 | (607) 725-3069 williamsracing12@yahoo.com squaredealriders.com |
| Shippensburg Motorcycle Club | Round 9 – Short Track | Hunterstown Speedway | Gettysburg, Pa. | 7/14/2024 | (717) 503-8030 candybaer@comcast.net baermotorsports.com |
| American Motorcyclist Association | Round 11 – Half-Mile | Ashland County Fairgrounds | Ashland, Ohio | 7/27/2024 | (614) 856-1900 ksaillant@ama-cycle.org americanmotorcyclist.com |
| Western Reserve Motorcycle Club | Round 12 – Short Track | Western Reserve Motorcycle Club Grounds | Salem, Ohio | 8/10/2024 | (330) 332-0818 wrmcinfo@yahoo.com westernreservemc.com |
| Echo Valley Riders | Round 13 – Short Track | Accord Speedway | Accord, N.Y. | 9/21/2024 | (518) 727-0311 sflach@camppinnacle.org accordspeedway.com |