In the thrilling world of American Flat Track racing, the Lima Half-Mile presented by Drag Specialties recently witnessed a captivating showdown, with Briar Bauman emerging as the ultimate victor. This victory marks a significant milestone in Bauman's illustrious career, as he not only secured his fifth win at the Allen County Fairgrounds but also tied with the legendary Ricky Graham for fifth place in the all-time Grand National Championship standings. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Bauman, despite being the underdog, managed to outshine his competitors, including the reigning Grand National Champion, Dallas Daniels.
The Super.com LimaHalf-MileI, part of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, introduced the Mission Triple Challenge format, a unique twist to the racing experience. This format, first introduced at the same venue a year ago, determines the overall premier-class winner through three successive Main Events: a 10-lap sprint, a 15-lapper with double points, and a decisive 20-lap Main Event that concludes the night with triple points. It was in this challenging format that Bauman's prowess truly shone.
In the first Main Event, rookie phenom Kody Kopp set the pace, but Daniels took the lead at the green light, with Bauman and Kopp in hot pursuit. Kopp's aggressive moves to pass Daniels were met with counter-attacks, and he eventually claimed the first win of the night. Bauman, however, had to settle for second place.
The second Main Event saw Kopp maintain his dominance, but Bauman made a valiant effort to prevent a second escape. Despite his best efforts, Kopp once again pulled away, securing his second win of the night. Daniels, who was never truly in contention, finished third.
The final Main Event was where Bauman's true mettle was tested. He beat Kopp off the line, but soon found himself behind Fisher and Daniels. However, Bauman's determination paid off, and he never looked back. Daniels, despite a near-fall at the start, managed to push forward and finish second, but Bauman's lead was insurmountable. Bauman took the checkered flag with a commanding 2.611-second lead over Daniels, solidifying his overall win in the Mission Triple Challenge.
Bauman's victory is a testament to his resilience and skill, especially considering the mechanical issue that plagued Kopp. Bauman's team, Rick Ware Racing Super.com, worked tirelessly to make significant changes to the motorcycle, and their efforts paid off. Bauman's performance not only secured his position in the Grand National Championship standings but also set the stage for a potential six-straight win, mirroring Graham's premier-class record.
The Lima Half-Mile doubleheader will conclude on Saturday, June 27, with the excitement continuing. Fans can purchase tickets at https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/day-2-lima-2026-165651. For those who can't attend in person, FloRacing and FS1 will provide live streaming and television coverage, respectively, ensuring that the thrilling action of American Flat Track racing reaches a global audience.
In the KICKER AFT Singles category, Tom Drane equaled Kody Kopp's record for most victories in class history with his 23rd career win. Drane's dominance at the LimaHalf-Mile, where he has won four times in succession, is a testament to his skill and consistency. The AFT ProSport 450 Main Event, with its international flair, featured fast Canadians and talented Australians, adding to the excitement of the season.
As the season progresses, the competition intensifies, and the battle for the Grand National Championship title remains wide open. Bauman's victory at the Lima Half-Mile is a significant step towards his ultimate goal, and the racing community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this thrilling saga.
