DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Progressive American Flat Track officials announced Tuesday the addition of Bryan Smith to its management team in the newly created role of Director of Industry Relations.
A primary charge for Smith will be serving as a liaison within the Progressive AFT community. This key appointment will more closely connect Progressive AFT with its various stakeholders – riders, teams, manufacturers, sponsors, racetracks, broadcasters and fans – in order to help deliver long-term and sustainable growth for the sport.
Smith joins AMA Pro Racing with an expansive knowledge about flat track gained from decades of experience as a top competitor in the sport. As Director of Industry Relations, he’ll support all aspects of the Competition department, including managing rider and team relationships, new rider evaluation, track prep, safety and rules development. Smith will also be available for the series to call on as an elite-caliber test rider, whether to fine-tune the rulebook or assess the viability of potential new venues.
“Bryan is one of the most well-respected and knowledgeable riders of his generation,” said Gene Crouch, COO of Progressive American Flat Track. “His experience as a factory rider and a championship-winning privateer, combined with his strong relationships within the community make him perfectly suited for this position. We’re delighted to welcome him as a valued and trusted addition to the team.”
Smith’s credentials as a racer are well known. The 2016 Grand National Champion and 2012 and 2013 GNC1 Twins Champion, Smith won 33 races during his career and is tied for eighth on the all-time win list. Underlining his wide-ranging experience, Smith boasts many trips to the premier-class podium aboard factory machines from Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle in addition to his ‘16 championship campaign aboard a privateer Kawasaki with tuner Ricky Howerton.
A highly tactical competitor, Smith earned the nickname “the Mile Master” due to his unrivaled ability to see the chessboard and execute winning strategies on the big Miles. That sort of clear thinking under pressure is expected to directly translate in his new position.
“There are two things I want to do in this position: see the sport grow and give back to the sport for all it did for me,” said Bryan Smith, Director of Industry Relations. “With the knowledge and success I’ve had on the race track, I’m ready to help build it up bigger and better than ever before.”