Prior to making his Progressive AFT debut, James Ott made his name as a young phenom on the Southern California Flat Track Association scene, where he raced alongside his father and his brother. However, despite his amateur success, the Progressive American Flat Track paddock was not prepared for the spectacular showing Ott would make in his series debut at the 2019 Texas Half-Mile. There, the 16-year-old Ott found himself well outside the top ten early in the AFT Singles Main Event. Despite the deep and talented field in front of him, Ott proceeded to rip his way up through the order. By the time the final lap arrived, Ott had somehow worked into position to make a last-corner bid to overtake class superstars Mikey Rush and Shayna Texter for victory. While he ended up a quarter-of-a-second off the win at the flag, Ott made a huge impression with his maiden podium finish. Ott finished his first full season of AFT Singles competition in 14th overall in 2020, including three top tens. He added two more top tens in 2021 to finish the season ranked 17th overall. Ott took a significant step forward in 2022, securing his first career top-ten championship ranking in AFT Singles action. That accomplishment was built on the strength of ten top tens highlighted by a pair of top fives. He was signed to compete for the 1st Impressions Racing Husqvarna outfit from 2023-2024, where he claimed a combined four podiums among his numerous top-fives results. Ott stepped up to Mission AFT SuperTwins competition in 2025 with Yamaha-backed G&G Racing team and put together a hugely impressive rookie campaign. He ended the year ranked seventh in the Grand National Championship on the strength of two podiums among four top fives. Unfortunately, Ott was injured at the ‘25 season finale and was still on the mend as of the start of the ‘26 campaign.