This weekend, from Friday through Sunday, the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup completed the first test in the history of the championship at the Circuit of the Americas, just days ahead of its inaugural race weekend at the same venue during the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of the Americas.
The series officially kicked off with the bike lottery ceremony, where each rider received the race machine that will accompany them throughout the season. Over the following two intense days of adrenaline-filled track action, all nine confirmed riders experienced for the first time the unmistakable sound and character of the Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin powered Road Glide race machines. Eric Granado (Joe Rascal Team) set the fastest lap of the test with a best time of 2’13.413, finishing half a second ahead of his teammate Archie McDonald, with Oscar Gutierrez (Niti Racing) completing the top three.
Sunday’s schedule also included a shortened race simulation, allowing teams and riders to rehearse the distinctive start procedure that will define race weekends, with garages located inside the fan zone to bring spectators directly into the racing environment.
Jeffrey Schuessler, Director of Global Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson:
“This first test represented an important milestone for the championship and for everyone involved in the series. Across the weekend the riders completed 578 timed laps, which gave us very positive feedback in terms of reliability and overall performance. It was also exciting to see the riders experience for the first time the sound, torque and unique performance of these race bikes.”
Eric Granado – Joe Rascal Racing
“This test was amazing. We completed a lot of laps and spent a lot of time working on the bike to understand it better. Everything was new for me, a new machine, a new team, and a different way of working, and the bike is very different from what I was used to. The riding position is quite unique and you need some time to adapt, but after a few laps you start to feel comfortable and build confidence. The bike behaves very well and you can really push it to the limit, which I enjoyed a lot. You can clearly feel that it is built as a true race machine. The sound of the engine is incredible, honestly one of the best I have ever heard. For a rider it is very special to feel that kind of character. I also had a very good feeling from the front, which helps you carry a lot of corner speed on entry. The torque is very impressive. Every time you open the throttle, in any gear, you feel strong power that pushes you out of the corners very quickly. You need to adapt your riding style a bit, but once you understand how to use it, you can really push and enjoy it.”
Attention now turns to the opening round of the championship, which will take place next weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with practice and qualifying on Friday, March 27th, followed by Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 on Sunday.
COTA TEST 21st – 22nd March
Event Best Time Combined Classification
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About the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will be the world’s first global racing series dedicated exclusively to high-performance Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles, competing as a premier support championship on select MotoGP™ weekends across North America and Europe.
Bagger World Cup race bikes are built on Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring platform, transformed by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing into purpose-built competition machines.
Each motorcycle features:
- A race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles featuring a Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin 131R race-modified motor
- Purpose-built chassis, suspension, braking, and electronics packages
- Extensive weight reduction and aerodynamic development
- Performance levels exceeding 200 horsepower, with top speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph)
The result is a visually striking and technically sophisticated race bike that delivers a unique blend of American V-twin character, global-level performance, and unmistakable on-track presence, unlike anything currently competing on the MotoGP™ calendar.
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
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