1) It’s the kick-off of the 2017 American Flat Track season.
The first reason why you don’t want to miss the DAYTONA TT is that it’s the season opener for the rebranded series – American Flat Track. This race will feature the all-new, fire breathing AFT Twins class where you’ll see reigning champ Bryan Smith sporting the No. 1 plate for the first time, while the superstars of tomorrow race in the AFT Singles class and pave their way to the top-level ranks.
2) Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle will faceoff.
Don’t act like you haven’t been waiting for this. Two titans will faceoff at the opening round in 2017. Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle will begin a season long battle of head-to-head and handlebar-to-handlebar racing at the DAYTONA TT. Indian charged in last season and proved that they were ready to compete, as Joe Kopp debuted the Scout FTR750 in Santa Rosa with a win in the Dash for Cash. All the while, Brad “the bullet” Baker closed out the season with a victory for the Factory Harley-Davidson team by sweeping the track by a margin of 10.5 seconds. Now, the Harley-Davidson XG750R and the Indian Scout FTR750 will wage war on the track. This is a battle that you do not want to miss.
3) It’ll be inside the world’s only motorsports stadium – Daytona International Speedway.
Not only is it the season opener, it’s also going to be inside the world’s only motorsports stadium. For the first time ever, American Flat Track will be moving inside the “World Center of Racing” and will be front-and-center on the renowned trioval. This time, it won’t be sprint cars making rounds in the grass, it will be your favorite Flat Track athletes kicking up dirt in-front of thousands of racing fanatics.
4) Brand-new circuit designed by seven-time Grand National Champion Chris Carr.
To make things even more enticing, seven-time Grand National Champion and fan-favorite Chris Carr has strategically designed this brand-new TT circuit. Having numerous years of experience in American Flat Track racing, Carr has turned his passion for the sport into track development and design. His new concept was designed to challenge the AFT Twins and Singles riders and will host an excellent racing performance for fans to enjoy.
5) It’s a TT!
For the first time since 1985, the American Flat Track series will open the year with a TT race. Spectators will witness twin-cylinder motorcycles soaring over the man-made jump. The event also marks the first time anyone has seen heavyweight twin motorcycles compete on a TT circuit since 1998. It’s going to be big, literally!
6) It’s during the 2017 Bike Week extravaganza.
There are a few times of the year where bikers from all over the world can come together to celebrate everything motorcycle; and this is one of them. The DAYTONA TT is smack dab in the middle of Daytona Bike Week festivities on Thursday, March 16 and is a great time to sit back, have a cold one and watch some racing.
7) It’s Spring Break in Daytona Beach!
Daytona Beach is the prime destination for Spring Break. You have the beach, babes and BBQ, so why not put them all together and make it extra special with motorcycle racing? You and your buddies can hit the waves early in the day and then make your way to the Speedway on Thursday night and listen to the engines roar.
8) Makes for a perfect family getaway.
Do you ever wonder what you do with the family during a week off from school? Do you take a trip to see grandma and grandpa? Do you stay home and watch TV all week? No. You swing by, grab the grandparents and take the wife and kids on a trip to the DAYTONA TT to watch the most intense motorcycle racing series on the planet! The Speedway will have a vendor area with family-friendly entertainment and to cap off the night, you’ll see who will be crowned victor at the opening round of the season. Oh, we forgot to mention … kids 13 and under get in for FREE!
9) You’re a motorcycle fan.
If you’re a motorcycle fan, then this is the place to be. Not only will you see an epic battle between Indian Motorcycle and Harley-Davidson, you will also see brands from around the world competing on the center stage. Brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Ducati, KTM, Triumph and Suzuki. Who will you be rooting for?
10) You will love American Flat Track racing.
American Flat Track racing is the premier form of dirt track racing and is the longest running motorcycle Championship in the world, and this is for a reason. This sport is fast, it’s intense and it’s fun to watch. When you sit in the grandstands at the DAYTONA TT, you’ll understand why as you’re gripping the edge of your seat to see who takes home the Round 1 victory on Thursday, March 16.
We’ll see you at the races.
Credits:
Brian Nitto, Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle and Google Images