AMA Pro Flat Track Kicks off 2014 Season with DAYTONA Flat T

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AMA Pro Flat Track Kicks off 2014 Season with DAYTONA Flat Track Doubleheader



DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March, 12, 2014) - DAYTONA Flat Track will once again play host to the AMA Pro Flat Track season opener as the series kicks off the 2014 season with a doubleheader on the quarter-mile lime rock track located outside Daytona International Speedway's west banking on March 13-14, 2014. This season marks the fourth consecutive year that AMA Pro Flat Track begins the circuit at Daytona International Speedway, known as the "World Center of Racing."

So far, the Grand National Championship entry lists for both events contain over 40 pre-entered riders, while both AMA Pro Singles entry lists exceed 50 pre-entered riders with more riders from both classes expected to enter leading up to the day of the race.

At the 2013 season opener, fans witnessed four riders claim their first career victories at the professional level in dramatic fashion. Mike Rush and Brandon Robinson each earned close wins in Grand National Expert Singles competition while Kyle Johnson and Jake Constantine captured the first checkered flags of their careers at the Pro Singles level.

Going into 2014, fans can expect a strong talent pool for all classes. Brad Baker will look to defend his No. 1 plate aboard his Factory Harley-Davidson XR750 for all 12 AMA Pro Expert Twins events scheduled for 2014. The defending champ inked a deal with the heavily sought-after race team this offseason and will surely be a top candidate to make a run at the title again this season. However, for the season opening doubleheader at Daytona later this week, Baker will be mounted on his No. 1 FMC Dyno Center backed KTM 450 SX-F.

Female sensation Shayna Texter made waves this offseason as she elected to graduate to the Grand National Championship. Texter signed a deal with Latus Motors Racing this offseason for all 12 AMA Pro Expert Twins events but will ride a No. 25A DFW Honda CRF450R for both AMA Pro Expert Singles events at Daytona. The Willow Street, Penn. product won four total races last season and will look to carry over that momentum into 2014.

Brandon Robinson made his mark at DAYTONA Flat Track roughly a year ago when he earned his first victory at the professional level after an impressive Race 2 performance. The win catapulted him in the standings and he eventually finished third in the overall points. At just 23 years old, the Oxford, Penn. native is already considered one of the finest dirt track racing talents in the world and a clear-cut favorite to contend for the overall championship this season. Robinson will compete aboard a No. 44 USC Kawasaki KX450F later this week when the season kicks off at Daytona.

Another threat to go the distance later this week and contend throughout the duration of the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track season is Jared Mees. The 2012 Grand National Champion and Clio, Mich. product will ride a No. 9 Montgomeryville Cycle backed Honda CRF450R this Thursday and Friday as he intends to get back to his winning ways.

An injury-free Sammy Halbert will be amongst the front-end competitors this weekend when the lights go green at Daytona. Halbert battled through an injury-plagued 2013 season which left him unable to compete in several races. However, the Graham, Wash. native has declared himself healthy for the season opener and will surely be a competitor to keep an eye on. Halbert will ride a No. 7 Vans Yamaha YZ 450F this weekend.