The Rise of the Spectacular: How Briar Bauman is Redefining American Flat Track
There’s something undeniably thrilling about watching a sport evolve right before your eyes. American Flat Track, a discipline often overshadowed by its flashier motorsport cousins, is currently undergoing a seismic shift—and at the heart of it is Briar Bauman. Personally, I think Bauman’s recent dominance isn’t just about winning races; it’s about redefining what it means to be a champion in this sport.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Bauman’s rise contrasts with the rock-solid consistency of riders like Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp. Daniels, the reigning champion, has built his reputation on reliability—a rider who rarely falters, even when he doesn’t win. Kopp, the rookie sensation, started his premier-class career with a similar streak of consistency, finishing first or second in his first five races. But Bauman? He’s not here to be consistent. He’s here to be spectacular.
At Budds Creek, Bauman didn’t just win; he dominated. On a track where overtaking became increasingly difficult as the day progressed, he muscled his way past Daniels at the start and never looked back. What many people don’t realize is that this wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Bauman’s three consecutive wins aren’t just a streak; they’re a declaration that the era of rock-solid consistency might be over. Spectacular performances are now the benchmark.
From my perspective, this shift is about more than just racing lines or bike setups. It’s about mindset. Bauman’s willingness to take risks, to push his Harley-Davidson XG750R to the limit, is a stark contrast to the calculated approach of riders like Daniels. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a microcosm of a larger trend in sports: the rise of the bold over the reliable. In a world where fans crave highlight-reel moments, Bauman is delivering in spades.
But here’s the thing: Bauman’s success isn’t just about his riding style. It’s also about his team. After a slow start to the season, he openly admitted that the revamped crew led by Bryan Bigelow needed time to gel. Now that they have, the results are undeniable. A detail that I find especially interesting is Bauman’s post-race comment about not changing a single clicker on his bike for two races—until Budds Creek, where they ‘threw the toolbox at it.’ This willingness to experiment, to take risks even when things are working, is what separates good teams from great ones.
This raises a deeper question: Can Daniels and Kopp adapt to this new reality? Daniels, in particular, had the speed to challenge Bauman at Budds Creek but spent most of the race stuck behind Chad Cose. In my opinion, this isn’t just a tactical error—it’s a symptom of a broader issue. Daniels’ consistency has always been his strength, but in a sport that’s increasingly rewarding aggression, that might not be enough anymore.
Kopp, meanwhile, is in a tricky position. His fourth-place finish at Budds Creek was his worst result of the season, but let’s be honest—for a rookie, finishing two-tenths off the podium on an off day is still impressive. What this really suggests is that Kopp has the talent to compete, but he’ll need to find a way to match Bauman’s audacity if he wants to reclaim the championship lead.
One thing that immediately stands out is the psychological impact of Bauman’s recent wins. After narrowing the points gap to just nine points behind Kopp and two behind Daniels, he’s not just a contender—he’s the favorite. The pressure is now on his rivals to respond, and that’s a dangerous place to be.
Let’s not forget the broader implications here. American Flat Track has always been a sport of streaks and dynasties, but Bauman’s rise feels different. It’s not just about winning races; it’s about changing the culture of the sport. If Bauman continues to dominate, we could see a new generation of riders prioritizing spectacle over consistency—a shift that could redefine the sport for years to come.
In the AFT Singles class, Kage Tadman’s win was a masterclass in resilience. After two red flags and a chaotic start, Tadman finally secured his first win outside his home state. What makes this particularly interesting is how it contrasts with Chase Saathoff’s frustration. Saathoff, who twice lost the lead due to red flags, ended up in second place after a contentious pass on Walker Porter. This dynamic—one rider thriving under pressure, another crumbling—is a reminder of the mental toughness required to succeed at this level.
Tarren Santero’s comeback from a crash to finish second was nothing short of remarkable. His post-race comments about his team’s effort—‘There are still at least 10 to 15 bolts missing from it, but we just let it ride’—are a testament to the grit and ingenuity that define this sport.
As we look ahead, the championship battles in both SuperTwins and Singles are tighter than ever. Bauman’s momentum is undeniable, but Daniels and Kopp won’t go down without a fight. In Singles, Tom Drane still leads the standings, but Tadman, Saathoff, and Trevor Brunner are all within striking distance.
In my opinion, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about how they win. And right now, Briar Bauman is setting the bar higher than ever.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is more than just a season of racing. It’s a turning point. The question isn’t whether Bauman can keep this up—it’s whether anyone can stop him. And personally, I can’t wait to find out.
