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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 7, 2026) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is pleased to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Caterpillar through the Cat RentalsSM brand, which will serve as the Official Heavy Equipment Provider of American Flat Track for the 2026 season.

Building upon a collaboration that began in 2019, Cat Rentals will remain a pillar to operational success of America's Original Extreme Sport. With a global independent dealer network, local expertise and a comprehensive fleet of earth-moving machinery, aerial lifts and power generation solutions, Cat Rentals helps ensure that every venue on the circuit meets the rigorous standards required for professional flat track racing.

The 2026 season will also feature a continued brand presence for Cat Rentals at events across the country. Local dealers will use the Progressive AFT platform to engage with customers through exclusive hospitality programs and behind-the-scenes experiences, demonstrating the durability and efficiency of Cat® equipment in a high-pressure, professional environment.

"Progressive AFT sets the stage for some of the most dynamic racing in the country, and we're proud to help make each event possible," said Tom Caldwell, Vice President – Rental at Caterpillar. "Cat Rentals equipment plays a key role in preparing and maintaining the venues throughout the season, and we're thrilled to extend our partnership as we debut our refreshed Cat Rentals brand."

For more information on Cat Rentals and its global independent dealer network, visit CatRentals.com.

Next Up
Progressive American Flat Track takes a trip to the West Coast for the Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway on April 25.

For tickets to the Ventura Short Track, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769.

For more event and series information, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch

FloRacing

For those that can't catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

FS1
FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events, featuring rider features and onboard cameras. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track's television premieres will be posted to https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

NHA TRANG, Vietnam, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organising Committee of the Asia-Pacific Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 recently held its second press conference in Khanh Hoa, announcing key updates and growing participation ahead of the highly anticipated festival.

Through initiatives such as Castrol Superbike Fest, Castrol continues to support, empower and inspire superbike communities across the region, reinforcing its role not just as a lubricant brand, but as a committed partner embedded in biking culture.

Co-organised by Khanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio & Television, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Khanh Hoa Province, and Ky Nguyen Group, the festival continues to gain strong traction following its inaugural announcement in January.

Motorcycle clubs and riders from across Asia-Pacific, including the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia, have confirmed participation, with registrations continuing to grow. The festival is expected to bring together over 2,000 bikers and more than 100 motorcycle clubs, positioning Nha Trang as a rising hub for regional motorsports tourism.

"We have observed an exceptionally strong response from the superbike community, reflected both in participation and engagement across platforms. Alongside anticipation, the community has also expressed curiosity and even a degree of scepticism. We see this as a positive signal of serious interest. This momentum reinforces the festival's emergence as a genuine regional gathering point for the biker community," said Mr. Doan Kieu Dzung, Chairman of Ky Nguyen Group and Co-organiser of Castrol Superbike Fest.

Taking place over three days and two nights from 29 to 31 May 2026, the festival will span key coastal locations including April 2 Square, Thanh Nien Park and the Hon Do area, creating a continuous event experience along Nha Trang's shoreline.

Highlights of the festival include large-displacement motorcycle showcases, custom bike exhibitions, interactive speed and performance experiences, community rides, cross-border biker exchanges, as well as tourism and cultural activations across the city.

The custom bike showcase has already drawn strong interest, with several uniquely modified motorcycles confirmed for display at the city's central square. Another highlight, the Miss Motor 2026 segment, has attracted more than 25 applicants to date, celebrating a new generation of female riders through skill, confidence and personal style.

"More than just a gathering of bikers from multiple countries, the event is a vivid expression of Vietnam's motorcycling culture. Clubs from across regions will come together openly and enthusiastically, creating a compelling and inspiring portrait of the community," said Mr. Pham Tuan Kiet, President of the Southern Goldwing Club & Riding Partners.

Beyond the festival, Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 aims to position Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa as a destination for international-scale events, supporting tourism growth and local economic development.

Supporting this spirit of performance and community is Castrol POWER1 Ultimate Superbike 10W50, engineered to deliver the confidence riders need to push boundaries and conquer every road. Whether riding solo or as part of a wider community, it serves as a trusted companion for those who demand both performance and reliability from their machines.

The festival is supported by Castrol BP Petco Co., Ltd. as Diamond Sponsor, alongside a range of regional, international and media partners across mobility, lifestyle and consumer sectors.

About Castrol
Castrol, one of the world's leading lubricant brands, has a proud heritage of innovation and fuelling the dreams of pioneers. Our passion for performance, combined with a philosophy of working in partnership, has enabled Castrol to develop lubricants and greases that have been at the heart of numerous technological feats on land, air, sea and space for over 125 years. 

Castrol is part of the bp group and serves customers and consumers in the automotive, marine, industrial and energy sectors. Our branded products are recognised globally for innovation and high performance through our commitment to premium quality and cutting-edge technology.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 3, 2026) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will honor the life and legacy of Chris Raschke at the upcoming Ventura Short Track with a special tribute, "Chris Raschke Day."



A record-holding land-speed racer, Raschke earned membership in both the 200 mph and 400 mph clubs, played a key role in the record-setting success of the Speed Demon team, and won the 2024 SCTA points championship at El Mirage. Beyond his accomplishments on the track, he was a respected figure within the American Flat Track community and a dedicated contributor to the sport through his work with ARP, leaving an impact that extended far beyond racing.



In recognition of his lasting influence, Raschke will be named Grand Marshal in Memoriam for the event. His wife, Connie Raschke, will participate in the ceremony.



As part of the tribute, Connie Raschke will be presented with a commemorative plaque during opening ceremonies. Created by Jostens, the plaque serves as a lasting symbol of Raschke's contributions and the respect he earned throughout the industry.



The event will honor Raschke's legacy and his impact on the sport.



The Ventura Short Track will take place at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California, on April 25, 2026. For tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769.



For more event and series information, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.



About AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships across multiple disciplines. The organization is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. More information is available at AMAProRacing.com.



About Progressive American Flat Track
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in motorsports history.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 31, 2026) — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, today announced Memphis Shades as the entitlement sponsor of the Ventura Short Track on April 25 and the presenting sponsor of Nashville Short Track on June 6.

The Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track brings flat track to Ventura Raceway on April 25, delivering the world's best motorcycle riders to the ocean front property. The Nashville Short Track presented by Memphis Shades will take the series to Sons of Speed Nashville Short Track on June 6, bringing bar-to-bar racing to one of the series' most vibrant markets.

"Memphis Shades is excited to be part of American Flat Track. From supporting riders to being trackside, we believe in the impact racing has on the motorcycle community," said Hillary Combest, Director of Sales and Marketing. "We're proud to return as a sponsor of the Ventura Short Track and to be part of the Nashville Short Track in our home state of Tennessee this summer. We're looking forward to both events and continuing to support the sport and its riders."

Memphis Shades is known for its American-made motorcycle windshields and fairings, with a reputation built on quality craftsmanship and rider-focused design. Its continued investment in Progressive American Flat Track reflects a shared commitment to performance and the motorcycling community.

For more information about Memphis Shades, visit https://memphisshades.com/aft.

Next Up

The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season continues with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway on April 25.

For tickets to Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769.

For more event and series information, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

How to Watch

FloRacing
For those that can't catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

FS1
FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events, featuring rider features and onboard cameras. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track's television premieres will be posted to https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

AMA Pro Racing Media Contact:

AMA Pro Racing

(386) 492-1014
communications@amaproracing.com

About AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines from its headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. Learn more at www.amaproracing.com.

April 5

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from Nationwide finds that driving in America is becoming less predictable and less trusted. While most drivers rate their own driving highly, many say the behavior from others on the road is getting worse. Distraction, aggression and recklessness are rising, making everyday driving more stressful and harder to anticipate.

Nearly 9 in 10 drivers say phone use behind the wheel has increased in the past year, alongside similar spikes in aggressive and reckless driving. As a result, 40% say they experience stress while driving, and more than two-thirds frequently witness road rage.

That erosion of trust is reshaping how families think about safety. In fact, 4 in 10 parents say they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen driver in certain situations, despite ongoing skepticism about the technology.

Even the most experienced drivers are seeing the same shift. Company drivers, who operate a vehicle as one of their core job responsibilities and spend more time on the road than most, report worsening behaviors across the board, including increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles.

Parents are weighing two imperfect options

Parents are choosing between two risks they don't fully trust. Anxiety is widespread among families with teen drivers: 91% of parents say they are at least somewhat anxious about their teen's driving, and nearly half (49%) say driving is stressful for their teen.

At the same time, confidence in young drivers remains low. More than 8 in 10 consumers (84%) and parents (85%) believe teens are more distracted than other age groups. Just 12% rate teen drivers as very good or excellent. Nearly nine in 10 also say teens need more behind-the-wheel training.

As that anxiety builds, many parents are rethinking what safety looks like. In fact, 40% of parents with teen drivers believe that autonomous vehicles may be a safer option than their teens learning to drive.

Company drivers reinforce the trend

Company drivers who operate a vehicle daily as part of their job responsibilities see this shift every day on the road.

Spending more time behind the wheel than most, they offer a clear view into how driving behavior is changing. They report noticeable increases in risky driving behaviors when compared to results from the 2025 Driving Behaviors study, including a 10-point rise in distraction (77%) and recklessness (73%) and a 15-point increase (74%) in unsafe driving around commercial vehicles.

That behavior is making an already demanding job more stressful. Nearly half of commercial drivers (47%) say they feel stressed, exhausted and frustrated while driving for work, and 60% worry that aggressive drivers could cause an accident.

"Driving no longer feels as predictable or routine as it once did," said Mark McGhiey, Commercial Risk Management Leader at Nationwide. "Many describe a road environment with more distractions, more tension and less trust in the people around them. These conditions are particularly concerning for company drivers as many worry about the threat of accidents, injuries and the ripple effects on future employment opportunities."

It's not just regular drivers causing friction; company drivers are noticing the same trends of faster and more reckless driving among their peers as well. One quarter admits they are at least sometimes distracted behind the wheel, showing no group is immune to risky behavior.

What drivers can still control

While drivers can't control the behavior of others, they can take steps to help reduce their own risk in an environment that feels increasingly unpredictable.

"Drivers are noticing changes in driving behavior on the road, and that awareness is an important first step toward improving road safety," said Chris Lee, VP of Personal Lines Auto at Nationwide. "While we can't control every driver around us, we can control how we drive. Reducing distractions, staying alert, and giving other vehicles more space are simple actions that can make a real difference. Programs like Nationwide's Focused Driving Rewards® are designed to help drivers build those safer habits and keep their attention where it belongs—on the road."

Nationwide's Focused Driving Rewards is designed to help drivers put those habits into practice. The program encourages reduced phone handling behind the wheel by tracking behaviors like handheld calls or screen taps, and rewards focused driving with gift cards. It is open to both Nationwide members and non-customers.

Businesses can also leverage insurance carrier-provided resources, like guides for safely handling aggressive or distracted drivers. They can also lean into tech solutions like dashcams that capture critical evidence in the event of an accident caused by another vehicle, as well as GPS telematics, which can help proactively reduce risk through driver monitoring, coaching and route optimization.

Methodology

Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 1,005 general consumers, 400 parents of teen drivers, and 400 commercial drivers from January 14-28, 2026.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

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