Coming Full Circle
Estenson Racing was founded by Tim Estenson, whose lifelong passion for motorcycles and flat track racing shaped his path. As a young man, Tim was deeply involved in flat track racing but paused his ambitions to focus on building a successful logistics business. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he shared, “I started out in the transportation business when I was 19 and had to put aside my racing to pursue what many consider a ‘real job.’ My company, Estenson Logistics, grew into a significant success, but later in life, my wife helped me realize that there is more to life than work. This realization brought me back to my racing roots, leading to the creation of Estenson Racing.”
Racing History – A Fast Start
This insight led to the formation of Estenson Racing. Initially starting in 2016 as a small-scale operation supporting privateer racer Colt Chebultz in select races, the team quickly evolved. By 2017, it had expanded into a full-time, two-rider team and rapidly gained recognition as one of the top non-factory outfits in American Flat Track. Their debut season was a breakthrough, with Kolby Carlile winning the 2017 AFT Singles Championship and Sammy Halbert claiming a prestigious win at the X Games in the Twins class.
In 2018, Estenson Racing’s success continued to soar with its first AFT Twins victory, secured by Jake Johnson at the Buffalo Chip TT. Kolby Carlile remained dominant in AFT Singles, winning multiple Mile races that season.
By 2019, the team experienced significant growth, expanding to compete in all three American Flat Track classes—AFT Twins, AFT Production Twins, and AFT Singles. To manage the growing team, Estenson Racing brought on multi-time AMA road racing champion Tommy Hayden as Director of Racing Operations. This year also saw major partnerships form with brands like Monster Energy, Yamaha Motor Corp., Yamalube, and Dainese.
In a historic moment early in the 2019 season, JD Beach took the win at the team’s home race, the Super TT, marking the first Yamaha Twin victory in nearly four decades. Beach and Johnson went on to secure a 1-2 finish at the Buffalo Chip TT, continuing the team’s rise with numerous wins across various classes.
The Road to Recent Success (2020-2023)
Estenson Racing entered the 2020 season aiming to compete for titles in the newly formed SuperTwins Championship. JD Beach returned, joined by Kolby Carlile, while Mikey Rush and Dallas Daniels aimed for success in AFT Singles. Daniels continued to shine, becoming a two-time AFT Singles Champion in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, he made his SuperTwins debut and quickly became a championship contender, finishing third in points.
Heading into 2023, the team roster featured JD Beach, Daniels, Trevor Brunner, and newcomer Tom Drane. The team looked to build on their strong 2022 season, where Beach had four wins and Daniels solidified his status as a top competitor. Despite a few setbacks, both riders remained motivated, and the team continued to be a strong force in both the SuperTwins and AFT Singles categories.
2024 and Beyond: A New Chapter for Estenson Racing
As the 2024 season wrapped up, Estenson Racing made strategic changes, narrowing their focus to a two-rider team comprising Dallas Daniels and young Australian rider Tom Drane. Drane, a promising young talent, had an impressive rookie season in 2023, where he made waves in the AFT Singles class. With multiple podium finishes and a standout performance at the Lima Half-Mile, he proved himself as a future star in American Flat Track racing. Now, as an official part of Estenson Racing, Drane stepped up to the AFT SuperTwins class in 2024, completing his first full season at the highest level.
Team manager Tommy Hayden was optimistic about this streamlined approach, emphasizing that focusing on fewer riders would enhance performance and team dynamics. Daniels, after finishing second in the 2023 SuperTwins Championship, carried the momentum into the 2024 season, continuing to challenge for top honors in the premier class. Drane’s progress in SuperTwins has added fresh energy to the team, as he navigates his way through the highly competitive field, aiming for victories and podium finishes. Together, Daniels and Drane represent the new generation of talent, with Estenson Racing positioned for success in the upcoming seasons.