The inaugural Buckeye Nationals marked the return of the Mission Foods CTR Flat Track Series, May 17-18. A visit to the Western Reserve Motorcycle Club in Salem, Ohio, saw riders from around the world make their own reservations in victory lane.
Story by Scotty Taylor | Photos: Klingsporn Media
With the Progressive American Flat Track Series taking a break until early June, the Buckeye Nationals presented an opportunity for top pro riders to scratch their competitive itch. Current Mission SuperTwins points leader Briar Bauman made the most of this chance. The two-time AFT Champion Bauman collected every honor available in the Expert classes, sweeping the Premier Expert and Open Expert main events and winning the Mission Challenge race. The perfect weekend would not come easily for the Rick Ware Racing rider, as Bauman had to outduel Turner Racing Honda rider Trevor Brunner on Friday in dramatic fashion. Saturday saw Bauman face off against 1st Impressions Racing rider Justin Jones and Ohio’s own Jarod VanDerKooi, but neither could fend off Bauman for the entirety of the main event.
Cruise Texter remained unbeaten on his 50cc machines in 2025, achieving four total wins over the weekend. Jackson Joiner would also maintain his perfect season in the 65cc class, but Saturday’s victory required a late-race pass in lap traffic for Joiner to best Odin Music.
Joiner faced additional rivals in Jayden Nickens and Lucy Heaton-New during the 85cc and Super Mini competitions. Joiner prevailed in both classes on the opening day, but day two saw Jayden Nickens make a last-corner pass on Heaton-New for the 85cc victory. The Australian, Heaton-New, redeemed herself later in the day, leaving no openings in the Super Mini class. Heaton-New led from start to finish for her first victory of the season.
Like Texter and Joiner, Davey Durelle also captured four victories over the weekend, sweeping both the 50+ and 60+ classes. Additional riders securing wins in the veteran divisions included Jay Maloney and Sam Lowe in the 30+ class. Sam Lowe achieved another win in the 40+ class on Saturday, but Friday’s main event for that division saw Ben Evans and Greg Boyle crash while racing for the lead on the final lap, which handed the victory to Jud Linder.
Braxton Ragan and Ryder Bitz-Hay once again split wins in the 250 Amateur class. Bitz-Hay’s victory on Saturday allowed him to maintain his points lead in the class. Cody Mishey, riding a bike borrowed from AFT Singles rider Ian Wolfe, won the 450 and Open Amateur class on Friday night; however, the main events on Saturday went to Aaden Savage (450 Amateur) and Jack Brucks (Open Amateur).
Other weekend winners included Brian DeMark in Friday’s Hooligan Main Event. Benjamin Miller and Jacob Beaber shared victories in the Open Vintage class. Kevin Smak and Gerry Ferrara earned top honors in the Open Novice division.
The series will embark on its second and final trip to the Buckeye State over Father’s Day Weekend, June 13-14, at the Triangle Motorcycle Club in Harpster, Ohio.
Expert Main (Top 5)
- Briar Bauman (KTM)
- Trevor Brunner (Hon)
- Justin Jones (Hus)
- Jarod VanDerKooi (KTM)
- Ian Wolfe (Hon)
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