Ever since the mid-1970s, the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship has pitted top amateur flat trackers against each other in friendly competition. As the premier amateur flat track event in the United States, it is the only race in the country where riders can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing.

Du Quoin, Illinois, State Fairgrounds hosted the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship from Sunday, June 30 to Friday, July 5.

Athens’ native Walker Porter missed only two podiums out of eight main events in the first two days of the tournament. In the next two days, Porter totaled five wins, including a second and two third placements.

Porter’s overall point results for the week were; first in the 450cc production, two seconds in the 450cc modified and open singles competition, as well as a third in the open heavyweight event.

The Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, the most prestigious racing award given out at the event, went to Porter after his successful week.

The award recognizes the top amateur racer in the country who is on the verge of a professional racing career. The award was first presented to Nicky Hayden in 1997. Many of the past riders who have won the award have gone on to win national championships.

Porter will put his sights on his professional career on his 16th birthday, in May 2025. He has already signed with the Turner Honda Race Team’s amateur program.

Porter will get the chance to travel around the country, competing at major events that will help prepare him for his professional debut, pursuing his dream of one day winning a national championship.