DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — OTB Racing is making a bold mid‑season move to keep its championship charge alive in the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, announcing Declan Bender will climb aboard the team’s Yamaha MT-07 for the remainder of the Mission AFT SuperTwins campaign.
The 23‑year‑old Bender — 2023 AFT Singles presented by KICKER Rookie of the Year and ninth‑place finisher in last year’s premier‑class standings — steps in for Brandon Price, who has been medically sidelined following a pair of heavy crashes at Daytona and Ventura.
“This isn’t what anyone wanted to hear,” stated Brandon Price on his social media channels. “With the crashes I’ve compiled over the years I’m no longer eligible to race motorcycles. All things considered, I still had a pretty good run in the sport – four SuperTwins podiums, four AFT Singles wins and a runner‑up in the Singles championship. I didn’t achieve any of this alone. Thanks to my family, friends, sponsors, fans and everyone who supported me throughout my career.”
OTB Team Owner Wayne Sody acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the change—but says the squad is ready to rally, “Losing your rider a third of the way into the season is tough, and we’re sending Brandon nothing but love and respect as he takes the next step in life. At the same time, we’re fired up to welcome Declan. He’s fearless, he’s hungry, and he’s already proven he can mix it up with the best in the Mission AFT SuperTwins class. Our entire crew is locked in on finishing ’25 with a flourish.”
Bender echoed the sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm: “I’m beyond excited to get brought on board with OTB Racing for the rest of the 2025 season. Wayne, Meg, Wyatt and Mike have an amazing program put together that I feel I can take us to the top of the box. I look forward to seeing what we can do the rest of the season.”
