STURGIS, S.D. — Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) put himself in prime position to defend that title with a commanding ride in Saturday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, Round 12 of the Progressive American Flat Track season.
It was the second successive season in which Daniels registered a clutch performance during a critical junction at the legendary Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club.
Daniels left little doubt in the first of two Mission AFT SuperTwins Mains to be waged during this year’s 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, streaking out to the lead from the start and opening a second-plus advantage before the race had truly fallen into shape.
The only moment the result seemed in question happened two minutes in when Daniels caught his boot in the dirt and was at risk of being tossed from his machine. But he wasn’t, and the fact he’d already assembled a 1.665-second lead allowed him to safely settle back in and resume an otherwise master-class performance.
By the end, the Estenson Racing superstar stacked up a 6.784-second margin of victory. While jubilant in its wake, his TT expertise is no secret, and he made clear the week’s bigger test is yet to come.
He said, “I knew I was strong coming in here. I knew this was probably my strongest track on the schedule, just because this is what I grew up on. There is a certain thing when you come with confidence. Things just come a little bit easier.
“But it’s been a long year. It’s been tough. I’m tired of getting beat. I want to turn this thing around. I feel like I want to be the guy. I am the guy. I have the No. 1 on my bike for a reason, and we just haven’t been delivering. Not really me or the team – but us as a group. We came together and did some testing. It doesn’t really apply to tonight; Monday will be the telltale for us. But regardless, I knew this back half of the season was going to be good for me.”
Two-time series king Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) looked to be a match (or nearly so) for Daniels heading into the contest. However, an early challenge from Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) forced him to focus behind rather than ahead, allowing Daniels to pull off his escape.
Bauman freed himself from Gauthier’s grasp in relatively short order. But even when fully focused on the task, he was unable to do anything about Daniels’ gap other than watch it grow.
Gauthier, meanwhile, remained in third to the end, handing Royal Enfield its second premier-class podium, adding to the one he claimed for the marque at the Orange County Half-Mile back in 2024.
Fourth was taken by former points leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R). He actually posted the fastest time in qualifying but struggled to find the necessary space to overtake in both his heat and the main.
Daniels now leads with 226 points, while Kopp (220) and Bauman (214) remain close enough to pounce as early as Monday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.
Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) scored a breakthrough victory in a drama-soaked KICKER AFT Singles Main Event.
While Kelleher leapt out to the lead on the opening lap, there would be a litany of happenings before he could take the checkered flag back from that position. Initially it appeared he would just prove a temporary obstacle for AFT Singles title fighters Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).
The championship contenders worked their way past Kelleher on successive laps and then opened up a gap on third – a gap which they used to further their long-running feud. Saathoff, who was hunting his first win of ‘26, closed in on Drane and attempted an ambitious strike with a minute-and-a-half remaining.
Saathoff collided with Drane while angling for an inside move in the tight transition to the pavement section. The two went down locked together, adding yet another chapter to their high-profile rivalry (after crashing together earlier in the day as well).
Kelleher sped past as Drane and Saathoff attempted to pick up their bikes but wasn’t in the clear just yet. He came under fire from an equally hungry Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R), who also hoped to seize upon this golden opportunity to claim a maiden Progressive AFT victory.
Despite a number of heart-stopping moments, Kelleher ultimately held strong by 0.529 seconds.
The result was not just the Schaeffer’s Motorsports runner’s first-career win, it was also his first series podium full stop.
He said, “I’ve worked a long time for this. It’s relieving more than anything. All the hard work, the money, the travel, so much sacrifice my family did for me. You start to wonder if it’s all worth it… And it’s worth it.”
Third went to Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F), who blitzed his way to the box despite being forced to do so from the back of the grid. Pfanders showcased the pace to contend for the win all day, but a heat race run-in with Trevor Brunner (No. 21 JMC Motorsports/Fairway GMC KTM 450 SX-F) forced both into the LCQ.
Brunner made out nearly as well, finishing fifth with Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) splitting them up in fourth.
