10/01/2026
HARLEY-DAVIDSON EVOLVES RACING STRATEGY
Joining Premier Racing Together with Accessible Racing Programs
MILWAUKEE (October 1, 2026) – Harley-Davidson today announced the evolution of its racing program, creating two complementary programs beginning in 2027:
• Premier Racing: Building on the successful inaugural season and partnership with MotoGP, IRTA and FIM, Harley-Davidson will invest to grow the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup as the company’s premier racing platform.
• Grassroots Racing: Develop accessible racing opportunities for riders across a range of disciplines and experience levels.
“Our evolved racing strategy inspires all of us to ride by putting the fastest Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the biggest stage, while bringing the same competitive edge to a broader audience through our grassroots program,” said Artie Starrs, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Whether its bragging rights at the local drag strip, the podium at a flat track, or a dealership challenge – everyone has an opportunity to compete and win on a Harley-Davidson.”
Growing the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup
In 2027, Harley-Davidson will expand the championship with additional teams, riders, and races.
“What we accomplished in the inaugural season of the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup exceeded our expectations,” said Jeffrey Schuessler, Director – Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson. “We saw incredible racing, five different race winners, every team on the podium and a championship fight that went all the way to the final round. But what I’m most proud of is how our teams, riders, partners, dealers and the entire Harley-Davidson community got behind this championship and helped bring it to life around the world. This is only the starting line. We now have an incredible foundation to build from, and the opportunity ahead of us is enormous.”
The Bagger World Cup will continue to serve as a racing development and demonstration platform for Harley-Davidson performance, supporting future motorcycles and race-derived Screamin’ Eagle performance products. “Screamin’ Eagle is where Harley-Davidson engineering meets the relentless pursuit of performance,” said Bryan Niketh, Chief Operations Officer, Harley-Davidson. “Taking lessons learned on the track, and making related performance products available to our riders further underscores the importance of the evolved racing strategy.”
Further details on the expanded lineup and schedule will be available in the coming months.
An Update On Factory Racing
As part of this evolution, Harley-Davidson will conclude its Factory Racing participation and official team support in MotoAmerica King of the Baggers following the 2026 season. MotoAmerica’s partnership, including the efforts of Richard Varner, Chuck Aksland, Terry Karges, and Wayne Rainey, was instrumental in establishing the category.
The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team excelled on the track, pushing the brand to capture three of six national championships, and fielding the most successful rider in the history of the category, Kyle Wyman with 27 individual wins.
"Thank you to MotoAmerica for their partnership and commitment to King of the Baggers. Without their support, and the exciting racing in the series, we would not have the success we achieved," said Jason Kehl, Technical Director and Team Principal, Harley-Davidson Factory Racing. “I also want to recognize Indian Motorcycle Racing for their fierce competition in each of the six seasons. Having a rival that consistently pushed us to raise our level made our team better, helped elevate the entire category, and made the wins much more meaningful. We are extremely proud of what Harley-Davidson Factory Racing, our riders, employees, supported teams and partners have accomplished. That success was built on the commitment and technical capability of an incredible group of people, as well as the support of our fans. The passion of so many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts is a key reason why the bagger category continues to grow."
The technical capabilities built through Factory Racing - the engineering expertise, performance insights and competitive spirit developed on the track - will increasingly support the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, motorcycle development, as well as race-derived Screamin' Eagle and other performance parts.
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