Australian Tom Drane won the AFT Singles presented by KICKER title with a resounding victory on Saturday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, becoming him the first non-American to win a Progressive American Flat Track title. In the pivotal Main Event 3, Drane, who needed just a ninth-place finish to secure the title, left no room for doubt by easily defeating Trevor Brunner and Kage Tadman in a three-way battle that went right down to the wire. The 17-year-old Estenson Racing Yamaha rider secured his sixth victory of the year to secure the championship with two rounds left, demonstrating the calmness and consistency that have characterized his season.
“This is just amazing,” Drane remarked after claiming the title. “Without my family and amazing team, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Making history like this is something I will always remember, and we have worked so hard for it. Now that he owns the #1 plate, Drane has an opportunity to finish the season pursuing records, possibly tying Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp for the most AFT Singles victories in a season and climbing the all-time victory list.
While Drane celebrated his milestone, fellow Australian Max Whale showed resilience in the Mission AFT SuperTwins class. Whale, riding with Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield, faced an uphill battle from the Last Chance Qualifier but fought courageously against some of the series’ most experienced riders. Progress is just barely missed.