AFT AdventureTrackers Racing Kicks Off At Sturgis

Several years ago, many motorcycle and racing fans scoffed at MotoAmerica’s idea to create a “King of the Baggers“ racing class. What emerged was a renewal of the age-old Harley-Davidson vs Indian Motorcycle rivalry, to the thrill of many. Now, it can be safely argued that the category has not only become one of the most popular races at each MotoAmerica round, but the class has certainly accelerated MotoAmerica’s growth, both with stateside and international audiences. Super Hooligan Racing has exploded and expanded as well, along with Royal Enfield’s “Build. Train. Race.” class, in MotoAmerica and other race series. Look those up for interesting competitive categories.

No one’s scoffing anymore.

Baggers in the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca; Tyler O’Hara dominating in Super Hooligans; One of Royal Enfield’s “Build. Train. Race.” fast girls. Photos by MotoAmerica, Nickless Photos.

So it’s not surprising that another new category has been introduced, this time in American Flat Track. The category, called AdventureTrackers, made its inaugural debut at Sturgis, SD recently with its first race conducted on a road/dirt course of the Sturgis TT.

Not only was it a successful race, but it appears a new rivalry has emerged as a result, between Harley-Davidson teams racing the Pan America 1250, and teams running Triumph’s Tiger 1200 GT and Rally Pro bikes. A Honda Africa Twin team ran as well, and some big-name racers piloted these ADV bikes in the race. It appears the trial run of the class was a crowd pleaser as well, with lots of social media buzz about the race from Sturgis attendees on hand for it.

Sturgis TT AdventureTrackers Main, on a mix of tarmac and dirt. Photos by Tim Lester Images.

The Triumph Racing and Harley-Davidson teams were factory supported, and the final podium comprised a pair of Triumphs taking first and second, with a Harley claiming the third podium spot. AFT superstar Sammy Halbert (#69 on a Triumph Racing Tiger 1200) battled AFT veteran Dan Bromley (#62 on a Sony Enterprises/Memphis Shades/Vinson Honda Africa Twin) for much of the race, but when Bromley had engine issues, Halbert ran away with the win. Five-time Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes rode his Triumph Racing Tiger 1200 to second place after an epic battle with legendary four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick on a Saddleman Race Dev. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, who took third on the podium.

Some big names duking it out on track in an entertaining new race class.

Through the streets of downtown Sturgis, and out on the technical dirt track; A Triumph (1-2) and Harley-Davidson (3) podium. Tim Lester Images.

Here’s what race winner Sammy Halbert had to say about it- “It was actually quite easy for me to ride that Triumph, it worked so well,” Halbert reflected. “I’m just a little guy, and that’s a big bike, but it’s so nice and easy to ride. I’m so stoked to get that win in the inaugural race for the class. It was a rad event.”

The AdventureTrackers class rules stipulated mostly stock motorcycles, with ABS, turn signals, brake lights, etc. all removed or unplugged. AFT has been running flat track races in Sturgis for years, but this all-new 2024 course snaked through the downtown streets then out onto technical dirt elements, making for even more exciting race action. Has a new race class been birthed? Time will tell, but gauging from the success of programs like MotoAmerica’s “King of the Baggers”, “Super Hooligans” and Royal Enfield’s “Build. Train. Race.” series, we think the future just might be bright for AdventureTrackers.

For more on the inaugural AFT AdventureTrackers race, click here:

AFT AdventureTrackers at Sturgis TT

*Photos by our friend Tim Lester Images