Sturgis AFT Round Switched to Rapid City
AMA Pro Racing has announced that a Black Hills Half-Mile at the Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, SD. will replace the originally scheduled Buffalo Chip TT on Sunday August 6 as the alternate Round 15 of the 2023 Progressive AFT series.
Progressive American Flat Track said that "producing the unique, purpose-built TT circuit planned for the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds requires a considerable amount of construction work to ensure the racing circuit would provide a safe and entertaining experience for both racers and fans.
"Unfortunately, inclement weather during key construction windows has prevented the initiation of the intensive construction schedule required to deliver a professional track suitable for hosting an AFT national.
"Fortunately, the Black Hills Half-Mile will still give fans attending the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally an opportunity to catch Progressive AFT while on their annual trek to Sturgis. The half-mile track in nearby Rapid City is known for playing host to some of the most incredible racing all season, and has been a featured attraction on the AFT schedule 15 times since debuting on the series calendar in 1991.
"In the spirit of cooperation, this season's Black Hills Half-Mile will feature a twilight race schedule, starting earlier in the day and ending earlier in the evening, giving fans time to attend both the AFT race in Rapid City and still make it to Buffalo Chip Campground for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert.
"Progressive AFT is hopeful that the Buffalo Chip's much-awaited return to the schedule will take place as early as 2024."