Estenson Racing’s Jake Johnson and Kolby Carlile head to the Minnesota Mile looking to return to the top at the penultimate American Flat Track round in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 21.
American Flat Track returned to Canterbury Park last season for the first time in eight years. So, while it was not an all-new venue for the series and Johnson had raced it before, it was not the same track. Going into it this year, there is a lot of anticipation as to what the track will be like in 2019. So far this season, the two-time Grand National Champion has three podiums to his credit – two TTs and a Short Track. Although the TTs and Short Tracks have been his specialty in recent years, Johnson is one of only two riders currently racing that can claim a dirt track Grand Slam. He is hoping for a favorable track in Minnesota to add another top result this year and on the Mile.
While Johnson leads the campaign in the AFT Twins class, 2017 AFT Singles Champion Carlile hopes to make strides forward in the AFT Production Twins title chase. The 22-year-old has had to overcome a lot of adversity in his debut Twins season, but he made big strides forward in the all-new Production Twins Championship with a stellar weekend at the Springfield Mile doubleheader. With two rounds remaining, the “Flying Tomato” is focused on getting “W’s” and brings extra confidence with his win record on the Mile tracks these past two seasons.
Jake Johnson – AFT Twins #5:
“I’m curious to see what the track will be like this weekend. I’ve only raced there twice, once last year and once in 2010, and the track surface was quite a bit different each time. Hopefully we get some deep dirt with some traction, and I think we’ll be in good shape.”
Kolby Carlile – AFT Production Twins #136:
“Coming off a win at Minnesota last year, I am confident of a good result. We also won the last Mile we were at this year so that gives us extra confidence. My team is giving me a great motor package on the Miles, and I look forward to using it to my advantage. There are two rounds left this year with one goal in mind, and that is to win both races.”
The Minnesota Mile will be streamed live, Saturday, September 21, on FansChoice.TV starting with practice at 12:30 a.m. ET, followed by AFT Singles Heats at 5:15 p.m. ET. Opening Ceremonies kick off at 6:00 p.m. ET with racing action resuming shortly after and the Main Events starting at 8:40 p.m. ET.
Catch the race on NBCSN, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information about the event: http://www.americanflattrack.com/events/ .