Kage Tadman (228) claims the holeshot at Ventura Raceway during the AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event [Photo: American Flat Track/Scott Hunter]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 24, 2025) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will see the rising stars of the AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship venture into the unknown at the Lima Half-Mile I & II at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28. 

Mission Impossible-er 

While sitting outside the top five in the AFT Singles points standings, Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F) gets top billing until someone actually beats him to the checkered flag – be it heat race, challenge race, or Main Event. 

The class’ emerging ace did the near impossible, not just winning but utterly dominating his first-ever Progressive AFT event at the Ventura Short Track. 

He then did what had previously proven impossible, sweeping the proceedings again on less familiar turf to make it an unprecedented two-for-two at the Silver Dollar Short Track. 

Now Tadman faces the biggest test of his young pro career, attempting to make it three-for-three at the notoriously challenging Lima Half-Mile, which presents a bigger track, pea-gravel surface, and more than half a nation separating him from his home state of California. 

Is this where the rookie finally actually looks like a rookie? There will be zero shame – nor decrease in shine – if that turns out to be the case. But again, we’re not going to bet against him until someone actually proves it’s possible. 

Are You Up for the Challenge? 

While Tadman will need to quickly come to grips with Lima if he hopes to contend with a field loaded with riders who have a great deal more experience on the Allen County Fairgrounds circuit’s fabled cushion surface, his chances are likely provided at least something of a boost by the novel Mission Triple Challenge format that’ll keep everyone guessing on Friday night. 

The three-race, expanding-length format opens up more opportunities to experiment and learn, which should play in Tadman’s favor. The fact that he’s not in the championship picture due to his midseason debut, also means he’s better positioned to swing for the fences without being overly concerned about his title chances. 

Maybe that leads to a strikeout.  

Or perhaps it results in a(nother) homerun.  

Points Potential 

While Friday and Saturday will utilize different formats, they’ll both pay full points, which means nearly 30% of the season’s points to date will be earned this weekend in Ohio. 

That presents each of the AFT Singles title fight’s big three – Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R), and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) – a chance to make a significant move with a huge weekend. 

And that’s right – we’ve graduated from a big two to a big three after Brunner finished ahead of both Drane and Saathoff at the Silver Dollar Short Track to close within 14 points of the lead. 

There’s equal opportunity to make a big move in the wrong direction with a disastrous weekend, and the three-race Mission Triple Challenge offers lots of ways to slip up. 

Hey, that’s how it goes. Successfully navigating the unknown and stepping up when the pressure is the greatest is what winning a championship is all about.  

Interestingly, it’s top-ranked Drane who may be most in need of a breakout weekend. He’s yet to win this season and – like his Mission AFT SuperTwins teammate, Dallas Daniels – despite performing at a very high level, he’s yet to match up to the stratospheric expectations he was burdened with in the preseason. 

But also like Daniels, Drane returns to Lima with good memories. Last season, he fended off a surging Kody Kopp, making his escape when the two powered past a downed rider late in the race. 

Lima is reminiscent of the sort of tracks Drane grew up racing on in Australia. Back-to-back races here could prove the key to unlocking the sort of form the gifted pilot has been searching for in 2025. 

Delayed Gratification 

There was plenty of hype for the long-awaited debut of reigning Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner Walker Porter (No. 100 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) prior to the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway. 

And with its rescheduling, that long-awaited debut was made even longer-awaited, shifting the hype to this weekend’s Lima Half-Mile. 

The hype exists for a reason: Porter has the potential to join Tadman in making this a rookie class for the ages. 

And In This Corner… 

Just like in Mission AFT SuperTwins, the Mission Triple Challenge adds an element of the unknown and a little extra opportunity for an upset. Who are the riders most likely to strike and claim a maiden Progressive AFT victory this weekend? 

Fourth-ranked Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) leads the list, having claimed his second-career podium finish a couple races back. 

Santero comes in looking for redemption. That aforementioned crasher who provided Drane with the breathing space he needed to win a year ago? Yep… 

The top finisher in last year’s race who is still in the field and has yet to be mentioned is another recent Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award recipient; Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), the award’s 2023 honoree, enjoyed one the better outings of his rookie campaign by claiming sixth here a year ago. He’s upped his game by earning a first-career podium already in ‘25 and is now actively hunting a victory. 

Evan Renshaw (64) in Ventura [Photo: American Flat Track/Kristen Lassen]

Finishing just behind him were the presently on-form Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F) and Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio/Sluggo/Unsettled Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who could use a couple of strong finishes about now. 

By the way, don’t sleep on Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who will make his pro Lima debut after sitting out most of last season due to injury. 

You Ask, The Riders Answer 

Lima’s fanbase has a reputation for being among the most knowledgeable to be found anywhere in the nation. And they’ll have an opportunity to add to that knowledge base via the Rider Q&A session that will be included in each day’s Fan Party, which will run for approximately an hour directly preceding Opening Ceremonies. 

That won’t be the only attraction keeping spectators entertained between action on track. There will be music, a bouncy house for kids, numerous vendors, and plenty of food and beverage options, along with extensive motorcycle parking. 

And fans who come out a day early can watch some of the future stars of the sport perform with a day of amateur racing scheduled for Thursday, June 26. 

Get Your Tickets Today and Save Some Cash  

Fans can save $10 by purchasing their tickets in advance with prices slated to return to their standard rate starting on Wednesday, June 25. If you act fast, General Admission Bleacher tickets are still $35 each night (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket) with Reserved Grandstand tickets $40 and Premier Reserved Grandstand $45. Meanwhile, fans who purchase the two-day ticket save an additional $5 (two-day General Admission: $65/two-day Reserved: $75/two-day Premier Reserved: $85). 

Those who purchase either a Reserved ticket or a Premier Reserved ticket will have the option to add the VIP Experience upgrade for a combined $150. New for 2025, the Lima VIP Experience includes a trackside meet-and-greet with dirt track legend Jared Mees, infield access for the Opening Ceremonies and heat races, all-day pit access, a climate-controlled VIP lounge, and free VIP parking. 

Camping is also available at the Allen County Fairgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent Camping is free while RV/Trailer Camping, including water and electric hook-ups, is $50 per night (cash only). 

To purchase Lima Half-Mile I tickets, click HERE.   

To purchase Lima Half-Mile II tickets, click HERE.  

And to save $5 by purchasing Friday and Saturday tickets together for the Lima Half-Mile I & II, click HERE. 

Gates will open for fans at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on both days. For more information, ticket purchases, and updates, visit www.limahalf-mile.com or call 419-991-1491 

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 Lima Half-Mile I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, July 5, at 9:30 a.m. ET (6:30 a.m. PT), with the Lima Half-Mile II scheduled to air one week later, on Saturday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT). 

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