(Chase Saathoff (88), Kage Tadman (228), Evan Renshaw (65), Tom Drane (59), and other Main Event riders round turn one in Ventura this past Saturday; Photo: American Flat Track/Tim Lester)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 30, 2025) – The AFT Singles presented by KICKER class arrives at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, this Saturday, May 3, for the Silver Dollar Short Track, Round 5 of the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, with a renewed sense of unpredictability. 

This past weekend’s Ventura Short Track not only saw the category’s first winner not named Kody Kopp (No. 1 Bob Lanphere/KTM/Fastrack Racing KTM 450 SX-F), Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) or Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) in more than 23 months, that winner was a rider making his professional debut. 

Encore! Encore!  

Kage Tadman (No. 228 Old Oak Ranch/Roof Systems KTM 450 SX-F) became just the fourth rider in AFT Singles history to win in his maiden attempt. Of those who did it before him, only future Grand National Champion Brad Baker finished better than 10th in his follow-up performance, finishing second in his next attempt. 

Tadman’s performance this weekend will be of keen interest to the paddock and the sport’s fans at large after he thoroughly outshined a talent-laden grid at Ventura Raceway. The 17-year-old Salinas, California, native was clearly more comfortable with a tricky surface than his new adversaries, both willing and able to exploit a higher line and push in a way no one else could. 

Just how much of that was down to his innate talent (which, as a six-time Amateur National Grand Champion is no doubt considerable) and how much was due to a familiar track perfectly suited to his skill set remains undetermined. This weekend in Chico will shed a great deal more light on that. 

Championship Focus 

While Tadman stole the spotlight last weekend, Saathoff and Drane continued to jockey for championship positioning.  

Saathoff continued his recent roll, bettering his Australian rival for the third consecutive race after failing to do so in the previous six races dating back to last season. Despite the shift, Drane continues to lead in the title fight, albeit by just two points (68-66) as they resume their fight at Silver Dollar Speedway. 

Speaking of 2024, the Silver Dollar Short Track was one of two critical races that saw Drane come out the worst of an incident involving Saathoff that ultimately cost him the #1 plate. That, combined with his rival’s momentum, the end of his record-setting nine-race podium streak, and a winless 2025 campaign to date, likely has Drane plenty motivated despite his position atop the standings. 

Incidentally, the Estenson Racing ace has not gone more than four races without a victory since the opening six races of his first full Progressive AFT season in 2023. 

Re-establishing the Established Order 

While Tadman was the one to finally succeed in toppling the pecking order – for one weekend at least – there have been hints that others are ready to join the party at the front. 

Last weekend, fellow Californian Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) joined Tadman in success – both by finishing on the podium and ahead of Drane. The third-place result was much needed after Santero struggled to find his footing in the opening three races of a ‘25 campaign saddled by lofty expectations. 

Senoia ST podium finisher Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) and fellow class sophomore Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F) have the requisite talent to push for wins as well. 

Meanwhile, it seems only a matter of time before Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) strikes considering he’s won races in all four of his previous seasons in the class. 

There’s More… 

If nothing else, Tadman reminded the dirt track world that anything can happen on any given weekend in AFT Singles competition. 

Among the other riders to track this weekend include Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R), who was consistently strong this past weekend en route to an eventual sixth, and Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), who not only featured near the top of the leaderboards at Ventura but whose four-wheeled background has served him well at iconic auto racing venues in the past. 

Fun for the Family 

The incredible race action won’t be the only attraction for fans. Along with the Fan Party, complete with a Rider Q&A session, that directly precedes Opening Ceremonies, attendees can also expect a multitude of vendors, big screen viewing, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options. 

Step Right Up… Get Your Tickets Here 

General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Silver Dollar Short Track are just $40 (kids 12 and under free) while Pit Grandstand tickets ($50, all ages), Reserved Grandstand tickets ($60, all ages), and Trackside Box tickets ($85, all ages) offer premium viewing experiences. And new for 2025, every level of ticket automatically includes paddock access. 

Also available for purchase is the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($105), which includes reserved seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photos opps included, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and a portion of the night’s race action. 

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/silver-dollar-short-track-123441 to reserve your seats today. 

Gates will open for fans at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. 

How to Watch 

FloRacing 

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

FS1 

FOX Sports coverage of the Silver Dollar Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, May 11, at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT). 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.