RAPID CITY, S.D. (8 July 2018) – ST52 Racing rider Shayna Texter scored the second victory of the American Flat Track Singles season for Husqvarna, sweeping the competition in Tuesday evening’s Harley-Davidson Black Hills Half-Mile.
It was the 15th Grand National Championship main event triumph for the 27-year-old rider from Lancaster, Pa., and her second since forming ST52 Racing for 2018 competition to give Husqvarna its first full-time assault on American Flat Track competition.
The convincing victory came two days after disappointment at Sturgis, where she missed out on the main event in the Buffalo Chip TT during the 78th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
“The Buffalo Chip was a struggle for me, but I came out swinging today,” Texter said. “It was a solid effort for my team and Husqvarna, and I want to thank all the people who came out and supported us.”
Texter started the 15-lap main event on the pole aboard the No. 52 Husqvarna FC 450. Competitor Ryan Wells got the hole shot and led the early laps, with Texter pulling alongside several times beginning on lap six.
She made the Motul Move of the Race on lap 10. Diving to the inside entering Turn 3, she emerged with the lead at the exit of Turn 4 and pulled away from Wells, eventually beating him to the checkered flag by 0.994 seconds. She regained third in the AFT Singles standings, trailing second-place Wells by 17 points.
Fourth fastest in the second round of qualifying, Texter shot to the lead in her heat race and led all the way, winning by 0.188 seconds. Starting her semi on the pole, she went to the outside at the green light and swept to the lead in Turn 2. Texter led the rest of the way, winning the eight-lap event by 0.260 seconds.
“It feels awesome to win with Husqvarna again,” said Texter. “This was a race that we were all hoping was going to be a good one for us, so it feels great to have such a strong run tonight. We’ve learned a lot with this new bike and ST52 Racing keeps getting stronger, so I’m thrilled with this win!”
Next up for the AFT competitors is the world’s longest consecutive running dirt track event, the 72nd Annual Peoria TT presented by the Peoria Motorcycle Club, set for Saturday, August 18.
You are invited to watch Shayna and follow all of the AFT on-track activity at www.fanschoice.tv.