Geoff & Barb Nickless

The Road To AFT

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 19, 2026 | Industry & Racing |

This 2026 season, AFT has launched a new program to encourage and inspire young amateur flat trackers to look ahead to becoming professionals. The Road to AFT consists of seven races, the first of which was held on March 4th at Daytona Beach, FL. A partnership with CTR (Cory Texter Racing) showcases the seven events and young 450cc riders must qualify at a showcase event the day before the AFT race, to run the event, the next day. The young riders are given guidance on completing tech before and after races. Each rear wheel is taken off and weighed and must be 34 lbs. or less. Dismounting the wheel after a competitive race is exhausting. Tech photographs each bike and then riders are given permission to remove the wheel for inspection.

Through The Lens: Remembering Mert Lawwill

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 8, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

It began Wednesday night, after dinner here on the West Coast. The phone was ringing and both cell phones were pinging from texts and emails. “Did you hear that Mert Lawwill passed away?” were the messages. Stories from industry friends and old riders began to be shared about what a pleasure it was to have known Mert. As we have been reconnecting and reminiscing with our motorcycle family these past few days, our memories of Mert are pleasant ones. We thought we would share some of these through our photography of him over the decades.

Through The Lens: Jay Springsteen

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 13, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes |

While up on stage in the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame interview with Terry “Ike” Clanton, Jay quipped, “Me and Corky made Kenny Roberts famous at the 1975 Indy Mile!” His reference was to the fact that Kenny caught them on his Champion framed, Kel Carruthers tuned, TZ750 Miler on the exit of Turn 4 onto the front straight on the last lap, and won by a wheel length.

Through The Lens: Eddie Lawson

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 5, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes |

When Geoff first began photographing racing as a young adult, he would often go to races just to spectate and practice his new hobby of photography. He unknowingly captured Eddie as a 250-Novice road racer at Sears Point in Sonoma, California. While at a dinner for Kenny Roberts’ charity, he gave Eddie a copy of this photo. Eddie’s response was, “Where did you get that??” Geoff replied, “I shot it at Sears Point in 1977.” Eddie then shared that his wife knew nothing of this era of his racing and that he couldn’t wait to share it with her.

Through The Lens: The Fong Factor

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Sep 23, 2025 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

September 26th-28th in New Jersey, one of these three talented riders will wear the number 1 plate next season. As the points currently stand, after 27 races, Bobby is in the lead with 314, Cameron second with 306, and Josh third with 292. It’s anyone’s guess who will claim the 2025 championship, with only three 20-lap races to go and 75 points up for grabs. Currently, Bobby has five 1st place finishes, Cameron has five, and Josh six. If somehow there is a tie in points, these stats become very important in determining who will clinch the Superbike title. Will the “Fong Factor” come into play in New Jersey?

MotoAmerica Loves VIRginia

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Aug 8, 2025 | Industry & Racing |

Perhaps you have heard of the Virginia tourism slogan, Virginia is for Lovers®? Our weekend at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) had us fall in love with Virginia! Race weekend at VIR excited riders, fans, and photographers with its natural beauty. The last two days of July in the mid-Atlantic brought stifling heat and high humidity to this beautiful location. However, it didn’t slow down the work that had to be done setting up the course and the paddock. The anticipation of great racing action was in the air! Fans also began to arrive at VIR to spend a fun weekend camping and RVing. Everyone was excited for MotoAmerica’s return after a three-year absence.

Through the Lens: ARCH at Laguna Seca

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Jul 18, 2025 | Industry & Racing |

Race fans were all abuzz in the pits with everyone’s first up-close look at ARCH Motorcycle’s new 2S-R with it’s 1940cc v-twin engine, a beautifully custom designed race bike. Laguna Seca race fans were able to get their first look at the new ARCH ride for Jeremy McWilliams #99.

Rising AFT Star: Kage “The Rage” Tadman

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 13, 2025 | Industry & Racing |

On Saturday, May 3rd, Kage “The Rage” Tadman blew away the AFT Singles class at the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico over the race weekend. After a restart, Tadman led the pack and didn’t look back, taking his 2nd win as a new American Flat Track professional rider. This young man has everyone’s attention and yet is humble and friendly as always.

AFT Singles Stunner at Ventura

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Apr 29, 2025 | Industry & Racing |

You know that you’re a die-hard race fan when the first thing you do, upon waking up, is check the race results! This was the case this past Saturday for us with American Flat Track racing in Ventura, California. The southern part of the West Coast swing for flat track fans is done and dusted with some shocking results in the Singles class.