News

AMA Pro Racing Suspends American Flat Track Racer Dalton Gauthier

An indefinite suspension is in place for the 2017 season.

April 13, 2017

Dalton Gauthier has been on quite the winning streak in the 2017 American Flat Track Pro Singles class, taking the number 1 podium spot in every race so far.Photo: Andrea Wilson

Dalton Gauthier, rider of the No. 22 motorcycle in the American Flat Track Single class, has been disqualified from the Charlotte Half-Mile and suspended indefinitely from AMA Pro Racing for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. On April 1, 2017, Gauthier was found to have violated Section B (AMA Pro Racing substance abuse policy) of the 2017 American Flat Track rule book. Gauthier's AMA Pro Racing competition license will remain suspended indefinitely, pending successful completion of the Road to Recovery Program as outlined in the 2017 American Flat Track rule book.

In a statement on his public facebook page, Gauthier had this to say:

"I had marijuana in my system when I was tested at the Charlotte Half-Mile. I’m 18 years old and made a rookie mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions; it was nobody’s fault but my own. The rules are clear, and I violated them. My season is off to such an incredible start, a distraction like this is not what anyone wanted to see. I apologize to my sponsors, my fans, and everyone involved with American Flat Track. I am disappointed in myself, learned a big lesson, and promise this will never happen again. I plan to complete the Road to Recovery Program as soon as possible so I can get back to racing. When I’m back, I’ll be gunning for the championship like always."

Dalton Gauthier rocks the vintage-inspired Yamaha look, complete with signature Kenny Roberts Sr. helmet.Photo: Andrea Wilson