AMD261 April 2021 American Motorcycle Dealer 261 April 2021 | Page 20

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RACE

NEWS

' Sideburn ' is to continue as the official magazine of American Flat Track ( AFT ) racing for the 2021 season . " The UK-based publication has continued to grow and evolve since first launching back in 2008 with a fanzine approach . While its ambition has continually expanded and its release frequency increased , it has maintained the original grassroots attitude , depth of knowledge and arresting style that instantly separated ' Sideburn ' from mainstream motorcycle media ," said Progressive AFT CEO Michael Lock .
AFT has announced that Whelen Engineering will continue to serve as the Official Safety Lights of Progressive AFT for a fifth consecutive season in 2021 . " In that capacity , Whelen ( founded in 1952 ) will continue to deploy its superior safety light technology at all series ' events . As part of its original agreement with AFT , Whelen developed a next-generation start-line solution specifically for the series to signal the opening of each race ."
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has extended its official tire support for AFT racing and is continuing the successful Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track program to support amateur racers . In addition to being the Official Tire of AFT for the fifth year , Dunlop will continue to expand its Elite MX program into flat track racing , with select amateur racers receiving unique benefits and support on and off the track . All amateur flat track racers can secure discounts on their Dunlop tires .
AFT has announced that Colorado based craft ale specialist New Belgium Brewing ' s Voodoo Ranger will continue as the series ' Official Beer in 2021 after a successful first year partnership in 2020 . New Belgium Brewing was originally conceived of on two wheels , dreamed up by cofounders Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch during what must have been a most enjoyable bicycle tour across Belgium in 1988 ! " With its core mission to make world-class beer for everyone , do right by people , inspire positive change and have a ton of fun along the way , New Belgium Brewing and Progressive AFT make for ideal partners ," according to AFT CEO Michael Lock .

Vance & Hines - Presenting Sponsor of AFT Production Twins

Progressive American Flat Track and Vance & Hines have agreed an expanded support program for riders in AFT ' s Production Twins Class . Vance & Hines will take the role of presenting sponsor and significantly increase its contingency payments in what will now be branded AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines . With the combined efforts of Harley- Davidson and Vance & Hines , competitors riding an XG750R in the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class are now eligible for their piece of a $ 7,125 per-race contingency package , tallying an impressive $ 138,625 in total awards for 2021 . Race winners will score $ 4,000 , with
Memphis Shades has signed a multiyear partnership that will see the brand serve as the Official Windshield of Progressive AFT . The new agreement furthers Memphis Shades ' already substantial involvement in the sport , most notably as the longest running sponsor ( 20 years ) of the series ' crown jewel , the Springfield Mile . " Memphis Shades has supported the sport of flat track for many years and we are grateful for its partnership with Progressive American Flat Track for the 2021 cash prizing through 5th place at all 17 races . Additionally , the combined championship bonus that is available for XG750R riders now totals $ 17,500 for the 2021 AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines season . " This partnership creates an even deeper connection for Vance & Hines with both Harley-Davidson and AFT ," said Vance & Hines President Mike Kennedy . " Most importantly , it ' s an expansion of our support for Production Twins class riders . We ' ll be at every race with technical support and are happy that this program helps riders meet the financial demands of racing ." To qualify for the full amount of available Harley-Davidson and Vance
season ," said Michael Lock , CEO of Progressive AFT . " The company is an integral part of the US motorcycle industry , with its Made in the USA product line and its support for the famous Springfield Mile ."
& Hines contingency awards , riders must compete aboard a Harley- Davidson XG750R , run an eligible Vance & Hines exhaust system , a Vance & Hines decal on their race bike and have a Vance & Hines patch on their racing leathers . www . vanceandhines . com

Memphis Shades Signs Multiyear AFT Partnership

Harley-Davidson ' s restructured 2021 AFT contingency program includes the Progressive AFT Mission SuperTwins class . Following " a near-flawless season " that brought Harley an AFT Production Twins championship in 2020 , the company has posted a package totaling over $ 250,000 of support distributed among both twin-cylinder classes of Progressive AFT . " Harley-Davidson ' s rider support contingency program is a real boost for all teams planning to campaign on XG750Rs this year ," said Michael Lock , CEO of Progressive AFT . " We welcome Harley-Davidson ' s continued support for Progressive AFT and we are proud
of our association with this famous brand across many decades . 2021 represents new opportunities for XG750R mounted riders in both Twins classes and we are anticipating exciting stories throughout the season ." " We look forward to the 2021 AFT racing season and we ' re proud to continue the tradition and legacy of Harley-Davidson supporting Flat Track racing and our dealers ' efforts in the sport ," said Jon Bekefy , H-D GM Brand Marketing . Riders mounted on the Harley- Davidson XG750R in the Mission SuperTwins class are eligible for their piece of a $ 200,500 total contingency package for Progressive AFT ' s premier
Allen Mueller , founder and President of Memphis Shades , said : " AFT has taken the sport to new heights . We couldn ' t be more excited - the live streaming and TV coverage are outstanding ." Memphis Shades designs and builds all its fairings and windshields from start to finish in its 84,000 sq ft Tennessee factory - raw materials in , finished goods out . " Memphis Shades ' windshields offer the comfort , protection and the stunning good looks that riders desire ." www . memphisshades . com

Harley-Davidson Announces Contingency Support for Mission SuperTwins

class . Winners of each event will be awarded $ 4,000 , with bonuses being awarded through tenth place . " Add to that a championship bonus of $ 25,000 , and pilots of the XG750R can be looking at some massive perks in 2021 ." In the AFT Production Twins class , a total of $ 53,450 will be up for grabs . Riders will score $ 1,000 for each race win , plus a $ 12,500 championship bonus is on the line .
20 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - APRIL 2021 www . AMDchampionship . com