Neiko Donovan 177

DuQuoin Short Track – Race Update

Day 5 at the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championships on the undercover short track was brutal. I went over the bars five times and hit the deck hard, so I’m carrying a few bruises today.

I managed to snag a heat race win and a second in the LCQ, but that was about as good as it got — I was buried at the back in the mains. I really struggled to come to terms with the track and just wasn’t good enough on the day.

Huge respect to the riders who found success this series.

For me, this whole championship has been a massive learning experience and I genuinely appreciate all the support and help I’ve had along the way.

Next up: Peoria TT tomorrow morning — and I’m excited to get out there and have another crack.

I’ll post more photos when I get a chance 😎👍

🔥 Race Update – 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championships
Day 3 was completely washed out, so the schedule was flipped and we rolled into Day 4 with a double‑header on the Half Mile after the TT track was ruled too wet to run.

We entered four classes, which meant with the revised formatting we were basically out every second race. The bike was running extremely hot and we had almost no turnaround time to make changes between races.

Round 1 – Half Mile
We really struggled on a track we expected to suit us. Couldn’t find a setup that worked and finished with:
🇺🇸7th 450cc Production (Heat place 5th)
🇺🇸7th 505cc (Heat place 3rd)
🇺🇸8th 250cc Open Singles (Heat place 5th, LCQ1)
🇺🇸 8th 450cc Open Singles (Heat place 5th, LCQ1st)

With the bike fighting us, we knew Round 2 needed a full reset.

Round 2 – Half Mile
They combined the youth and veteran classes with our group, so we had 4–5 races between each of our runs — just enough time to gamble on a big setup change.

We dropped 3–4 teeth off the rear for more top‑end speed, stretched the bike out, and adjusted the suspension. The bike instantly felt more racey and we were much closer to the pace we needed.

We wrapped up Round 2 with:
🇺🇸 3rd 450cc Open Singles (Heat 3rd)
🇺🇸 5th 505cc (Heat 7th)
🇺🇸 7th 450cc Production (Heat 2nd)
🇺🇸 8th 250cc Open Singles (Heat 5th)

Plenty learned, plenty gained — and we’re already looking ahead to the next one. 💪🏁

Photo credits to: Rick Byrnes

Last night Neiko lined up for his first ever Roof Systems AMA Flat Track National – Mile event — and what a massive experience it was.

With only one practice session (which doubled as qualifying), one heat race, and no finals due to time constraints and a tragic accident, the night was tough on everyone. Our thoughts are with Alyssa’s family during this heartbreaking time.

Despite the circumstances, Neiko settled into the mile beautifully. The top speeds were of about 185 km/h.

It was chaos in the pits swapping between Modified and Production setups — red hot exhaust, ECU, airbox cover — all while sprinting back to the stands to film his races. A huge thank you to Sam Heaton, Max Whale, and Matt Gunther for jumping in to help. Couldn’t have done it without you.

In the 250cc Open class, Neiko was mistakenly relegated to the back of the grid after officials couldn’t locate his registration. He didn’t let it rattle him — he charged through the field and finished 3rd, proving once again why he loves this sport.

Today’s meeting has been cancelled out of respect for Alyssa’s family. It’s a brutal reminder of how dangerous our sport is.

Racing will resume tomorrow with the Half Mile event. Proud of the way Neiko handled himself, proud of the way he rode, and grateful for the support around him. ❤️🏁

Thank you again to Neiko’s sponsors
The Meat Barn Currajong
Van Eerde Airconditioning & Refrigeration
Jr's Motorcycles & Suspension Specialists
HFD Performance
Cohen Constructions
Inspired Financial Advice

Lambie family, Moody family, Dale Borlase and Luke Burgess

We have nearly completed one week in America We are off to a great start. We started off at Duquoin short track resulting in a 1st, 2nd and a 4th. My second day racing at Duquoin half mile my results improved and I was able to bring home 1st 450 Amateur, 1st open amateur, and a 3rd in pro singles outlaw.

There wasn’t many riders this time round but was still good to get track time to settle in and be on the track with both Drane boys, Whales, and Heaton-New girls.

Thanks to Rpm Promotions LLC for putting on a good meeting

Next meeting is 25th June (26th Aust) Lima Half Mile in Ohio. (Racing starts about 4am Aust time)

Thanks again to my sponsors, friends and supporters

Heaton-New Family
Max Whales
Mum and Dad
Van Eerde Airconditioning & Refrigeration
The Meat Barn Currajong
Inspired Financial Advice
HFD Performance
Cohen Constructions
Jr's Motorcycles & Suspension Specialists
Dale Borlase, Lambie family, Moody family, and Luke Burgess