JD Beach and Tom Drane delivered standout performances in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Tuesday night, each making significant strides in their respective divisions of the Progressive American Flat Track season.
JD Beach’s Triumph
In his second race back from a hiatus, JD Beach, aboard the No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT, achieved a notable victory at the Black Hills Harley-Davidson Black Hills Half-Mile. This win, which took place during Round 12 of the Progressive American Flat Track series, was Beach’s first-ever Half-Mile triumph.
Beach took the lead right from the start of the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event at Black Hills Speedway, holding off fierce competition from reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees and other top contenders. Despite early challenges, Beach’s strategic switching between high and low lines allowed him to maintain the lead and secure the win.
Reflecting on his victory, Beach shared, “Achieving a Grand Slam has been a lifelong goal. With wins in Superbike, Short Track, TT, and now Half-Mile, I’m thrilled. The team worked incredibly hard, and I adjusted my approach during the race to stay in front. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Tom Drane’s Dominance
In the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER, Tom Drane showcased exceptional skill, capturing his fourth victory of the 2024 season. Riding the No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F, Drane moved from second to first early in the race, overtaking defending champion Kody Kopp.
Drane’s decisive move allowed him to build a significant lead, ultimately finishing with a 1.999-second advantage over second-place finisher Chase Saathoff. Drane’s strong performance underscores his growing prowess in the series.
Drane credited his team for the success, saying, “We worked hard all day to find the right setup. Thanks to my Estenson Racing Monster Energy team for their dedication. It’s fantastic to be back at the top.”