During Friday's livestream build-up to the AFT Singles Springfield Short Track races, commentator Scottie Deubler explained that Henry Wiles was a no-show for the race, and was also disqualified from the Peoria TT, a race he won in the Singles class. No further explanation was given at the time. We contacted paddock insiders and were told he failed a drugs test, after being tested at the New York Short Track (NY ST), at (ironically?) Weedsport on 14 August. Without official w

I've kept an eye out for Cameron Smith since I first noticed a young black man racing in the GNC, the only black rider I've ever seen race in pro flat track. I've been meaning to interview him for some time and finally caught up with him last week, to discuss his racing, background and plans. Here is Cameron Smith #44 - AFT Singles Class racer. GI SB: Tell us a bit about yourself. CS: I’m 21, my birthday is in June. I’ve been riding dirt bikes for 17 years now. I currently li

I'm not sure how long I can keep this up. I watched all the practice, qualifying, heats and semis, then fell asleep for an hour after setting my alarm for 2am. Ugh. There were no Production Twins at the NY ST, so the extra class was the Bultaco Invitational. It was won by Charlie Roberts, one of the main men behind the Rookies Class of 79 charity, that raises funds for injured flat trackers. The 40-odd year-old Bultacos were only about 1s a lap slower that the latest, tuned 4

This is a little bit later than usual for a couple of reasons, but I saw this race live in the flesh, having flown out to the Midwest and driven for hours on end to follow the fortunes of Red Torpedo-sponsored riders, Jared Mees and Shayna Texter. And it was a great experience. My full story will be in the next issue of Sideburn with photos by Ed Subias, but here are some thoughts. The race is promoted by Jared and Nichole Mees. That means they put up the money to bring the A