Team Roberts’ Matsudaira Impresses with 5th in Qual 1, 6th in Qual 2 at Ventura AFT Debut

Kensei Matsudaira of Team Roberts made his AFT ProSport 450 debut Saturday at Ventura Raceway, finishing fifth in the main event after placing fifth and sixth in qualifying sessions. Officials said his strong qualifying positions helped secure a top-five finish in the sold-out event, marking an impressive start to his transition from MotoAmerica road racing.

Matsudaira secured fifth place in the main event behind Adam Costan-Wood, who finished fourth, according to American Flat Track officials and event reports. The race took place Saturday, April 26, 2026, at Ventura Raceway before a sold-out crowd, sources confirmed.

Jett Katarzy claimed the AFT ProSport 450 main event victory with a wire-to-wire performance, while Ryder Bitz-Hay took third, maintaining a perfect podium record for the season, records show.

During qualifying, Matsudaira posted strong times, finishing fifth in Qualifying 1 and sixth in Qualifying 2, according to timing sheets published by the American Flat Track official site. These results positioned him well for the main event, where he rode the No. 74 Team Roberts Husqvarna FC 450 to a top-five finish. Team Roberts supported Matsudaira’s transition from MotoAmerica road racing, sources noted, highlighting the significance of his debut performance in the AFT ProSport 450 (Road To AFT) class.

The event also featured notable performances in other classes. In the SuperTwins main event, multiple-time champion Bauman secured his third consecutive win at Ventura Raceway, edging out Drane by a mere 0.034 seconds, according to MCNews coverage. The race was held in front of a predominantly Californian fan base, who witnessed several local riders perform strongly.

Matsudaira’s background includes recent success in MotoAmerica Talent Cup races, where he demonstrated competitive road racing skills before switching disciplines. His debut at Ventura Raceway marked his first appearance in American Flat Track competition, and his immediate impact was documented by Road Racing World and other motorsports media outlets. The Husqvarna FC 450 machine he piloted is a key component of Team Roberts’ efforts to establish a competitive presence in the AFT ProSport 450 series.

The April 26 event at Ventura Raceway was part of the 2026 AFT ProSport 450 calendar, attracting a sold-out crowd eager to see emerging talents and established riders compete on the short track. Officials emphasized that Matsudaira’s qualifying performance was instrumental in securing his top-five finish, underscoring the importance of consistent lap times in the series.

Following this debut, Matsudaira and Team Roberts are expected to continue their campaign in the AFT ProSport 450 class, with future events scheduled across various venues in the United States. Observers note that his transition from MotoAmerica road racing to flat track competition will be closely watched as the season progresses, with his initial results providing a benchmark for development.