Smith wins AMA Flat Track

Bryan Smith of Flint, Michigan, won his first AMA Grand National Singles event Wednesday night. The first leg of the doubleheader short track races at Municipal Stadium kicked off the 2006 AMA Ford Quality Checked AMA Flat Track Championship.

The 22-year-old Smith, riding a Honda, took over the lead on lap 11 of the 25-lap national. Early leader Kevin Varnes slowed when his motor stalled. JR Schnabel then held the lead briefly before the motor blew in his Yamaha. That left Smith clear and he went on to win by 1.009-seconds over Rotax mounted Sam Halbert of Graham, Wash.

Former AMA Grand National Champion Joe Kopp finished third on a Honda.

Defending AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr had a rare off night and did not qualify for the main. Former AMA Motocross Champion Travis Pastrana attempted to qualify, but was not able to put his Suzuki in the night program.

"I followed the other guys until they had problems," said Smith, a former AMA amateur champion. "Then I just rode my own race. My team has our bike ready to do business. Winning at Daytona is the best feeling in the world."

The second of the doubleheader AMA Grand National Championship race takes place at Municipal Stadium Thursday night.

Results Wednesday of the AMA Grand National Singles Series from Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium with rider, make of motorcycle and laps completed:

1. Bryan Smith, Honda, 25 laps.
2. Sam Halbert, Rotax, 25.
3. Joe Kopp, Honda, 25.
4. Jacob Johnson, Suzuki, 25.
5. Johnny Murphree, Honda, 25.
6. Ken Coolbeth, Honda, 25.
7. Shaun Russell, Honda, 25.
8. Greg Tysor, Rotax, 25.
9. John Raun Wood, Honda, 25.
10. Jim Wood, Honda, 25.
11. Ricky Marshall, Honda, 25.
12. Kevin Varnes, Suzuki, 23.
13. Bryan Bigelow, Honda, 22.
14. Rich King, KTM, 13.
15. JR Schnabel, Yamaha, 10.
16. Jared Mees, Honda, Honda, 0.

© 2006, American Motorcyclist Association