MotoAmerica has added a new path for young flat track racers aiming to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Finals, announcing that the Mission Foods Winter Throwdown will now award qualifying points for the 2026 championship.
The Throwdown, set for January 15-17 at Callahan Speedway in Florida, is billed as the world’s largest amateur flat track event and regularly draws international talent.
Youth riders who compete in any of the Throwdown’s classes will earn 10 championship qualifying points toward the Mini Cup National Finals, scheduled for August 7-9, 2026, at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The move gives flat-track racers a chance to transition to road racing without starting the season at a points disadvantage.
The Winter Throwdown has become a cross-discipline gathering point, attracting MotoAmerica names like Brandon Paasch, JD Beach, Hayden Gillim, Tyler Scott, and a deep roster of emerging Mini Cup racers.
“History has proven that flat track racers generally make good road racers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With the Winter Throwdown now an official qualifier, riders can enter the National Finals on equal footing. We’re excited to see the continued growth of the Mission Mini Cup.” CN
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