What American Flat Track Racing Is

American Flat Track (AFT) is a motorcycle racing series that runs on oval dirt tracks across the United States. Riders compete on lightweight motorcycles on surfaces made of clay, sand, or a mixture of both, racing in a counterclockwise direction around a track that is typically between a quarter-mile and half-mile long. The sport has roots going back to the 1950s and remains one of the few forms of motorcycle racing where American riders regularly compete at a high level.

Unlike road racing, where motorcycles lean into curves on asphalt, flat track racing happens on loose surfaces where the rear wheel slides sideways through the turns. Riders use throttle control and body positioning to manage that slide, and the bike's setup—tire pressure, suspension geometry, engine tuning—changes dramatically from track to track because no two dirt surfaces behave the same way.

AFT sanctions two main classes: the AFT SuperTwins, which use 750cc V-twin engines and represent the top level, and the AFT Singles, which use 450cc single-cylinder engines and serve as a development class for younger or less experienced riders. Both classes race on the same card at most events, so a single race day can include multiple races and multiple classes.

Key Takeaways

  • American Flat Track races happen on quarter-mile to half-mile oval dirt tracks, where motorcycles slide through turns on loose surfaces rather than leaning on asphalt.
  • The AFT SuperTwins class uses 750cc V-twin motorcycles and represents the top competitive level, while AFT Singles uses 450cc engines and functions as a development series.
  • Races typically last between 15 and 25 laps depending on track length and class, with the winner determined by who crosses the finish line first after that distance.
  • Motorcycle setup changes significantly between tracks because dirt surfaces vary in composition, moisture, and grip, so teams rebuild suspension and adjust tire pressure for each event.
  • AFT races are held at fairgrounds, county tracks, and dedicated racing facilities across the country, with the schedule running primarily from spring through fall.

How a Flat Track Race Actually Works

A typical AFT race day begins with practice sessions where riders learn the track and teams gather data on how their motorcycle handles the specific dirt surface. Then comes may have access to, where riders complete a short run to establish their starting position on the grid. The grid is usually set in rows of two, with the fastest qualifier in pole position (front row, inside line) and others arranged by their may have access to speed.

When the race starts, riders accelerate into the first turn and when ready begin managing the slide. On a flat track, the rear wheel is meant to slide—that is not a loss of control but the intended way to navigate the turn at speed. Riders use the throttle to control how much the rear slides, lean their body off the seat to shift weight, and use the front brake only in specific places because braking on a loose surface can cause the front wheel to wash out.

Races are typically 15 to 25 laps long depending on the track size and class. The winner is the first rider to complete that distance and cross the finish line. If two riders are very close, photo finish technology determines the winner. Crashes are common because the margin between control and losing the front wheel is narrow, and one rider's mistake can take out others nearby.

Motorcycle Setup and Why It Changes Every Race

A flat track motorcycle is built differently from a road racing bike or a street motorcycle. The frame geometry is designed to handle the unique forces of sliding through turns, and the suspension is set up to keep the bike stable when the rear wheel is moving sideways. Handlebars are positioned higher and farther back than on a road bike, and the seat is often narrower to allow the rider to move around more freely.

Tire pressure is one of the most critical setup variables. On a dirt track, lower pressure increases the tire's contact patch and grip, but too low and the tire can roll off the rim or overheat. Teams adjust pressure based on track temperature, moisture content, and how the surface has been groomed. A track that is wet and sticky requires different pressure than one that is dry and slippery.

Suspension geometry also shifts between races. The angle of the forks, the ride height, and the stiffness of the springs all affect how the motorcycle behaves when the rear wheel slides. A track with deep ruts requires different suspension than a smooth, hard-packed surface. Teams often arrive at a track with multiple suspension setups ready and test them during practice to find what works best.

The Two Main Classes and How They Differ

The AFT SuperTwins class is the premier level of American Flat Track. These motorcycles use 750cc V-twin engines—the same displacement as many street bikes—but are stripped down to racing weight and tuned for maximum power. SuperTwins races are typically 25 laps on a half-mile track or longer, and the competition is intense because these are the best flat track riders in North America.

The AFT Singles class uses 450cc single-cylinder engines and is designed as a stepping stone. Riders in this class are often younger, less experienced, or working their way up to the SuperTwins level. Singles races are usually shorter—often 15 to 20 laps—and the bikes are less powerful, which means the racing is slightly less aggressive and the learning curve is more manageable. Many successful AFT SuperTwins riders spent years in the Singles class first.

Both classes race on the same day at most events, so spectators see multiple races and multiple skill levels. This structure also means that a rider can move between classes as they develop, and some riders compete in both classes on the same race day.

Where AFT Races Take Place

American Flat Track events are held at fairgrounds, county fairs, and dedicated racing facilities across the United States. Many tracks are located in rural areas and have been hosting motorcycle racing for decades. Some are temporary setups built on fairground property specifically for the race weekend, while others are permanent dirt ovals that host multiple events throughout the year.

The AFT schedule typically runs from March or April through October, with races concentrated in spring and fall when weather is more predictable. Summer heat can make dirt tracks too hard and dusty, and winter weather makes racing difficult in most regions. The schedule includes races in the Midwest, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and other regions, so the series travels across the country rather than staying in one location.

Track sizes vary, but most AFT races happen on quarter-mile to half-mile ovals. A quarter-mile track means riders complete four laps per mile, while a half-mile track means two laps per mile. Longer tracks allow higher speeds and different racing strategies than shorter ones, so teams adjust their motorcycle setup and riding approach based on the specific track they are visiting.

What Makes Flat Track Different From Other Motorcycle Racing

Road racing, which takes place on closed courses with multiple turns in different directions, requires the motorcycle to lean into corners and demands precision line-holding. Flat track racing, by contrast, happens on an oval where every turn is the same and the bike is meant to slide. The skills are different: a flat track rider needs to manage a controlled slide, while a road racer needs to find the exact line and lean angle.

Supercross and motocross, which are off-road racing on dirt, use larger motorcycles and jump over obstacles. Flat track is done on a smooth (or relatively smooth) oval with no jumps, and the bikes are lighter and more nimble. The racing is also closer and more wheel-to-wheel because the track is smaller and riders are constantly jockeying for position.

Street racing and drag racing are not comparable to flat track because they happen on pavement or in a straight line. Flat track is unique in that it is the only major form of motorcycle racing in the United States where the surface is dirt and the course is an oval, which means the skills and equipment are specialized and not easily transferred to other racing disciplines.

The Role of Teams and Crew

A flat track motorcycle is maintained and tuned by a crew that typically includes a mechanic, a suspension specialist, and sometimes a dedicated engine builder. The mechanic handles day-to-day maintenance and repairs, while the suspension specialist adjusts geometry and spring rates based on track conditions and rider feedback. Engine builders are often brought in for major work or for riders competing at the highest level.

Between races, the crew tears down the motorcycle, inspects components for wear, and rebuilds it with fresh parts where needed. Tires are replaced regularly because flat track racing wears them quickly, and brake pads, chains, and other consumables are replaced on a schedule. The crew also reviews data from the previous race—lap times, throttle position, braking points—to identify areas where setup or riding technique can improve.

During a race weekend, the crew works in the pit area, making adjustments between practice sessions and races based on how the motorcycle is handling. If a rider crashes or has a mechanical problem, the crew has limited time to repair the bike before the next race, so efficiency and problem-solving are critical skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do flat track motorcycles go?

AFT SuperTwins motorcycles reach speeds of 100 to 120 mph on straightaways, depending on track length and setup. Shorter quarter-mile tracks produce lower top speeds than half-mile tracks. The tight oval layout and constant turning mean average speeds are lower than top speeds, and riders are braking and accelerating constantly rather than maintaining high speed for long stretches.

Can I watch an AFT race in person?

Yes. AFT races are held at public venues including fairgrounds and racing facilities, and spectators can attend. Ticket prices and seating vary by venue. You can find the current AFT schedule on the American Flat Track website, which lists dates, locations, and ticket information for upcoming races.

What happens if a rider crashes during a race?

If a rider crashes and the motorcycle is damaged, the race is over for that rider unless the crew can repair it quickly enough for a restart or later race. If the crash blocks the track or creates a hazard, race officials may throw a caution flag to slow the field while the track is cleared. Riders who crash are checked by medical staff before leaving the track.

How do flat track riders train for racing?

Most AFT riders train on flat track motorcycles at practice facilities or smaller local tracks during the off-season. They also work on fitness—core strength, leg strength, and cardiovascular endurance are all important because flat track racing is physically demanding. Many riders also study video of their own races and competitors' races to improve technique.

What is the difference between a flat track motorcycle and a street bike?

A flat track motorcycle is purpose-built for racing on dirt ovals and has a different frame geometry, suspension, and weight distribution than a street bike. Flat track bikes are lighter, have higher handlebars, and are set up to handle the unique forces of sliding through turns. Street bikes are designed for comfort, safety, and road use, so they handle very differently and are not suitable for flat track racing.