Declan Bender lines up earlier this season as an AFT Singles presented by KICKER rider [Photo: American Flat Track/Kristen Lassen]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 28, 2025) – OTB Racing is making a bold mid‑season move to keep its championship charge alive in the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, announcing today that Declan Bender will climb aboard the team’s Yamaha MT-07 for the remainder of the Mission AFT SuperTwins campaign.

The 23‑year‑old Bender – 2023 AFT Singles presented by KICKER Rookie of the Year and ninth‑place finisher in last year’s premier‑class standings – steps in for Brandon Price, who has been medically sidelined following a pair of heavy crashes at Daytona and Ventura.

“This isn’t what anyone wanted to hear,” stated Brandon Price on his social media channels. “All things considered, I still had a pretty good run in the sport – four SuperTwins podiums, four AFT Singles wins and a runner‑up in the Singles championship. I didn’t achieve any of this alone. Thanks to my family, friends, sponsors, fans and everyone who supported me throughout my career.”

OTB Team Owner Wayne Sody acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the change—but says the squad is ready to rally, “Losing your rider a third of the way into the season is tough, and we’re sending Brandon nothing but love and respect as he takes the next step in life. At the same time, we’re fired up to welcome Declan. He’s fearless, he’s hungry, and he’s already proven he can mix it up with the best in the Mission AFT SuperTwins class. Our entire crew is locked in on finishing ’25 with a flourish.”

Declan Bender echoed the sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm: “I’m beyond excited to get brought on board with OTB Racing for the rest of the 2025 season. Wayne, Meg, Wyatt and Mike have an amazing program put together that I feel I can take us to the top of the box. I look forward to seeing what we can do the rest of the season!”

A Deeper Bench in the Paddock

In a further boost, respected technician Mike Luczak has joined OTB as Crew Chief, pairing with long‑time lead mechanic Wyatt Neal to form one of the sharpest wrenching duos on pit lane. 

“These moves represent a new chapter for OTB,” Team Owner, Wayne Sody continues. “Mike and Wyatt are two of the sharpest minds in the paddock, and with Declan on the bike, we’re confident in our ability to make a strong push through the second half of the season.”

Partners That Keep OTB Rolling

OTB Racing’s 2025 effort is fueled by an all‑star roster of partners: Memphis Shades, Corbin, Vinson Construction, Luczak Racing, Glen’s Auto, Michael Sponseller, Yamaha Blu Cru, Lisa Niner, Fredericktown Yamaha, Rausch Racing, Lowery Racing, Motion Pro, Small Town Lids, R‑Nyne Designs, Vortex Brewing Co, Vortex Racing, Earlbeck Gases, Arctic Circle, BCTRA, LP3 Refuse Removal and Black Hills Powersports.

OTB Racing in Ventura

Follow the team’s journey on Instagram @otbracing_ and Facebook OTB Racing.

Next Up for Progressive AFT 

The 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season will continue next with the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO on Saturday, June 7.  

To purchase Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway tickets, click HERE.  

For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, tickets and streaming options, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.