Estenson Racing heads to Northern California for the legendary Sacramento Mile, the second Mile race this season in American Flat Track, Saturday, August 10. On the heels of the Sturgis Rally doubleheader – the Buffalo Chip TT and Black Hills Half-Mile – Jake Johnson, Roger Hayden and Kolby Carlile are looking forward to switching pace to a Mile track to see what their fast flat-track racer can do.
Johnson has had success in the past at the Cal Expo, scoring a pair of runner-up finishes back in 2012 and 2014. The two-time Grand National Champion is hoping to return to the podium this year aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT.
As for Roger Hayden, Saturday’s race will mark the retired road racer’s Sacramento Mile debut. Earlier in June, Hayden made his big return to American Flat Track racing at his home race – the Red Mile. Now with five races under his belt, including the recent string of races that will amount to three in six days – the Kentuckian is hoping to keep his forward progress rolling.
While the other two prepare to battle in the AFT Twins class, Kolby Carlile will lead the campaign for the team in the AFT Production class. The 2017 AFT Singles champ is fond of the Sacramento Mile, scoring a thrilling victory last season aboard the Yamaha YZ450F. Sitting fourth in the standings in the all-new American Flat Track Championship, Carlile looks to return to the top of the podium this year aboard the Twin.
Jake Johnson – AFT Twins #5:
“I’ve always liked Sacramento. It’s been a fairly good track for me. I have finished on the podium there a few times in the past. It’s always been a fun track to ride. Kentucky has been the only mile so far this year, and that track is kind of a big Half-Mile. So we really haven’t had a true Mile test yet. It will be interesting to see where we stack up there. We’ve got some good horsepower. If we can get those things hooked up, I think we should be good.”
Roger Hayden – AFT Twins #95:
“I’m really looking forward to the Sacramento Mile because I’ve heard so many great things about the track. I know the Yamaha has got a lot of legs, so I’m really looking forward to getting there. It’s just nice for me to be able to keep doing race after race instead of having these long breaks in between. It helps me to keep getting better and gaining more confidence in the bike.”
Kolby Carlile – AFT Twins #136:
“Sacramento is one of my favorite tracks. I won there last year on a 450. So we’ll see how we go on a Twin. I feel mentally and physically prepared. We had a good result at the Red Mile, the last Mile that we have raced this year. I was able to get second. Hopefully we can get another podium or on top of the box.”
The Sacramento Mile will be streamed live, Saturday, August 10, on FansChoice.TV /) starting with practice at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Heat races at 7:15 p.m. ET. Opening Ceremonies kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET, with the Main Events at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Catch the race on NBCSN, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. ET. For tickets and additional information about the event: http://www.americanflattrack.com/events/ .
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