Tom Drane (No. 1) leads Chase Saathoff (No. 88) during the 2026 DuQuoin Mile.  [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing] 

Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro's Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 1, 2026) – Even with the 2026 championship already decided, there’s still much in play as the KICKER AFT Singles class closes out the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, with the Caterpillar Springfield Mile I & II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. 

One Last (All) Time 

If this weekend proves to be his last in the class, Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) has already made a compelling case for the category’s G.O.A.T.  

That’s not to say the Australian can’t add even more firepower to that claim this weekend. Already holding the class record for most victories all-time (27), and most Mile victories all-time (9), the Australian can break a three-way tie with Kody Kopp and Dallas Daniels and claim sole possession of most single-season wins all-time. One more would do it, upping his ‘26 tally to nine. And a double win would put it borderline out of reach at ten. 

What are the odds he pulls it off? History suggests they’re even better than you likely imagine. 

Drane comes into Springfield having won the series’ last six Miles. His Springfield-specific mastery is equally notable, where he’s taken the last five straight (make that seven if you separate out his clean sweep of last year’s Mission Triple Challenge). 

But that doesn’t mean it’s likely to come easily. Every single one of the aforementioned victories was measured by – at most – tenths and more often by hundredths and even thousandths of a second. 

Incidentally, Drane will be juggling his run at the record books with a glimpse into the future with a Mission AFT SuperTwins wild card entry. 

Parting Shots 

Outside of equaling Kopp’s back-to-back-to-back titles, there seems to be little left for Drane to accomplish before graduating to the premier-class ranks. And considering the performance of his immediate predecessors – reigning Grand National Champion Daniels and runaway Rookie of the Year Kopp – Drane is a likely candidate to move up a weight class. 

If that’s the case, this may be the last chance some old foes have at getting the better of Drane, at least on single-cylinder machinery. 

First among rivals is Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who has been butting heads and trading paint with Drane pretty much from the start. 

Lost in Drane’s superlative season is another standout year for Saathoff. With two races yet to go, he’s already logged ten podiums, including a win and six top twos. 

But that hasn’t put him completely out of reach of a trio of riders who still have an outside shot of swiping second in the standings. 

Third-ranked Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), fourth-ranked Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R), and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 JMC Motorsports/Fairway GMC KTM 450 SX-F) still all hold a mathematical opportunity to overtake Saathoff.  

It’s unlikely to happen, especially in the case of Brunner, who would practically need to sweep out and have Saathoff sleep in to pull it off.  

But all three could certainly factor in the fight for the wins. Each one took checkered flags within striking distance of Drane here last year, with Brunner walking away with a pair of seconds – one by 0.017 seconds and the other by 0.028. 

Year to Remember 

Regardless of what happens this weekend, 2026 will go down as breakthrough seasons for both Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) and Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer's Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F), who joined the prestigious list of KICKER AFT Singles Main Event winners this year. 

But what better way to celebrate than via an exclamation point in Springfield? 

Even though Pfanders’ maiden win came in the opener, he’s riding consistently stronger than ever before at this stage of the season, racking up five top-five finishes in his last six outings. 

And while Kelleher’s first triumph came at a Super TT, you’d be wise to remember that he   initially burst onto the scene with a front-running ride at the ‘24 DuQuoin Mile. 

Beyond Santero 

While Santero continues to attempt to shed his place atop the list of riders most likely to get their first KICKER AFT Singles win, he’s not alone in growing impatient. 

Among the remainder of the field, Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) have flashed the speed needed to win most frequently, and they’ve got two last opportunities to get it done before heading into the offseason. 

Rookie of the Year 

Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) has already locked up KICKER AFT Singles Rookie of the Year honors. He’s done so on the strength of eight top tens, including three finishes of sixth or better with a fourth-place ride to his name. 

And despite coming close, yet he’s still seeking a rookie-season podium finish. Time is running short. 

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 

Fans can make their way to the Springfield Mile on Saturday by participating in a special Route 66 Centennial certified ride created and organized by Mees Promotions in partnership with Harley-Davidson. 

The ride will depart from Conrad’s Harley-Davidson and travel to the Illinois State Fairgrounds via the historic Route 66. Participation is free with the purchase of a Springfield Mile event ticket. The first 75 to register will also receive an exclusive event t-shirt. 

Fans interested in participating in the September 5 ride can register HERE. 

The Race for Your Seats is Underway 

Bring the whole family and enjoy big-screen viewing, vendor displays, and a wide variety of food and beverage options 

Move fast and you can save $10 on all tickets purchased prior to Wednesday. Until then, you can still get Infield tickets for just $25 per day (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult), while Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $35 per day (all ages). A Pit Pass can be added to any ticket for an additional $40. 

For $150 per day, fans also have the opportunity to receive a Hospitality VIP Experience which provides an upgraded Reserved Grandstand ticket of their choice, food and beverage in the VIP area, and all-day access to the pits. 

And for $130 per day (all ages), H.O.G. members can enjoy the Harley-Davidson VIP Experience, which provides dedicated H.O.G. parking and an exclusive seating section, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo ops included, a meet-and-greet with the Harley-Davidson riders, and exclusive swag. 

Camping is also available through the Illinois State Fairgrounds campgrounds. For reservations or questions, please call 217-524-9894.  

To purchase Caterpillar Springfield Mile I tickets, click HERE.   

To purchase Caterpillar Springfield Mile II tickets, click HERE.   

And for additional savings, purchase your Saturday and Sunday tickets together. To purchase two-day Caterpillar Springfield Mile I & II, click HERE.  

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mees Promotions by phone 217-632-0277 or email: meespromotions@gmail.com.  

Gates will open for fans at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT) both days, with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 2:40 p.m. ET (11:40 a.m. PT) on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT) on Sunday. 

How to Watch 

FloRacing 

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

FS1 

FOX Sports coverage of the Caterpillar Springfield Mile I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT). The Caterpillar Springfield Mile II will air the following Sunday, September 20, at  11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT) 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.