AFT Production Twins: Opportunity Knocks at Springfield Mile II

Not only do fans get to see more American Flat Track racing action, but up-and-coming AFT Singles riders get to practice racing twin-cylinder bikes in the AFT Production Twins class in preparation for moving up the the AFT Twins class without having all the class’ big dawgs breathing down their necks.

AFT:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 15, 2018) – The AFT’s Production Twins class, introduced at the Springfield Mile I in May and happening again at the Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile II on September 2, is all about opportunity.

Opportunity for up-and-coming AFT Singles riders looking for seat time and valuable experience on faster, more powerful AFT Twins motorcycles as they consider their future as full-time AFT Twins competitors. And secondarily, opportunity for AFT Singles-licensed riders that may have ridden AFT Twins in past years but hadn’t scored championship points.

The Production Twins class is a positive for competitors and flat track fans. For competitors it offers that valuable seat time that helps bridge the gap between professional AFT Singles competition and the crucible of the intense AFT Twins class.

For fans, the AFT Production Twins class will double the day’s racing action, adding excitement and drama to what’s already a top-shelf racing event at one of the most legendary venues in the country.

The Production Twins riders getting introduced to the Springfield fans back in May.

The class is designed around production-based, twin-cylinder machines with a displacement between 649-850cc. Eligible machines include BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha twin-cylinder street bike engines. Race-only engines from machines such as the Harley-Davidson XR750 and XG750 Revolution X, Honda RS750 and Indian Scout FTR750 are not allowed in AFT Production Twins.

“The jump from Singles to Twins is a big one,” said Chris Carr, AFT’s Chief Competition Officer. “The Production Twins class gives these talented up-and-coming riders an opportunity to hone their skills and gain experience in the most intense flat track environment there is.”

Close racing in Production Twins kept fans interested, especially with Inderbitzin’s (54) run to the front.

Longtime AFT team owner Dick Weirbach, who currently runs Kawasaki machinery in AFT Twins, agrees. “I’m excited about Production Twins,” he said. “The class has a lot of potential, as it gives younger riders and teams experience on the bigger, faster bikes. Hopefully we can get a few more races added next year.”

Michael Inderbitzin (#54, lead image), the come-from-behind Production Twins winner at Springfield Mile I in May on a Weirbach Kawasaki, is a huge fan of the class. “It’s really great for AFT Singles riders,” he said. “It allows us to ride a Twin, hone our skills and get experience on a reasonably safe racetrack without having to run against the top guys. It definitely helps us get ready for the next level.”

AFT Production Twins riders will vie for $7850 in purse money at the Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile event on September 2. Flag-to-flag coverage of every AFT Production Twins session will be live streamed on FansChoice.tv and highlights will be included in NBCSN’s coverage of the events.

To compete in the class, riders must have an active AFT Singles license, be at least 18 years of age, and have a minimum of one (1) season of AFT competition experience.

So… opportunity is knocking for a good-sized chunk of the American Flat Track paddock. Here’s hoping a handful of teams and riders will see the benefits of the Production Twins experience and register for the Springfield Mile II on September 2. If Inderbitzin’s come-from-behind excitement in the May Springfield Mile is any indication, round number two is likely to offer plenty of high-speed, Springfield draft-’n-pass action. And that’s good news for fans and riders alike.

Riders and teams interested in entering the AFT’s Production Twins class at the Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile II can download an entry form here. A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the class is available at http://www.amaproracing.com/faq/american-flat-track-production-twins

Fans who’d like to experience the 100th running of the spectacle that is the Springfield Mile are encouraged to visit Springfield Tix to secure their seats. With the AFT Springfield Short Track happening on Saturday and the Springfield Mile taking center stage on Sunday, it’s a weekend of racing you do not want to miss.

See you in Springfield in September!