ALL AFT CLASSES SLATED FOR SPRINGFIELD MILE DOUBLEHEADER
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 11, 2022) – Progressive American Flat Track is excited to announce that, for the first time in nearly a decade, Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER will compete alongside the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S and Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines classes at the “World’s Fastest Mile” when the series arrives at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Springfield Mile I & II on September 3-4.
The Springfield Mile represents the crown jewel of the annual Progressive AFT calendar. That distinction has been earned not just by its long history and packed grandstands, but also by the incredible nature of the racing it reliably produces. Many of the most memorable races in series history have taken place at the Springfield Mile since the historic race was first held in 1937, including strategic showdowns, come-from-behind shockers, and underdog upsets. The return of the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles class, which is renowned for its spectacular action, should only add to that record.
This year marks the start of a new era for another reason as well, as Kiesow Racing and the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) have passed the torch to Mees Promotions following four successful decades promoting the legendary race.
MEES DOES THE DOUBLE IN 2021
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 6, 2021) – Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) left the field in his wake -- twice -- on Monday to complete the Progressive American Flat Track Labor Day Weekend sweep in a one-sided Memphis Shades Springfield Mile II presented by Law Tigers at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. After being accused of closing down the lines of his rivals during Sunday’s victory, Mees responded by making any such allegations irrelevant on Monday. He immediately shot out into the lead and drove away from a five-rider pack of would-be pursuers, building up an eight-plus-second advantage with just two minutes remaining. Mees’ sixth- and seventh-career Springfield Mile wins worked to tighten up the title fight considerably.
Bauman continues to lead, but a once healthy 25-point gap has been reduced to just 12 (254-242) with two more Mees’ friendly Miles directly ahead. Afterward, Mees said, “After the chatter that Briar had up on the podium last night, I just figured today I’d drop the hammer and really put some distance on them to where I could do whatever I wanted out there. Right before the Main Event, we made a few small changes that ended up being a huge difference. I’ve got the best team out there, and we got the thing hooked up better, running faster, and just smoothed out. It was an incredible weekend for us.”