- Multi-year partnership between Indian Motorcycle and Vance & Hines
- New factory team with Troy Herfoss, Hayden Gillim, and Rocco Landers
- New Vance & Hines-built Indian Challenger race bikes to be used
Indian Motorcycle is realigning its racing activities and will be working closely with Vance & Hines Motorsports starting in 2026. The agreement covers a multi-year commitment in which the American accessories specialist will be responsible for the entire factory team in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers competition. The brand describes this as a significant step within a new strategic direction.
Factory team reorganized for 2026
A new Indian Motorcycle Vance & Hines factory team is being formed for the 2026 season. The core of the team is a group of riders who already have numerous successes to their name. These include the 2024 King of the Baggers champion, Troy Herfoss, the 2023 title holder, Hayden Gillim, and young rider Rocco Landers. The three will compete on newly built racing versions of the Indian Challenger, which are being designed and developed by Vance & Hines.
Technical basis and shared racing history
The Indian Challenger with the liquid-cooled PowerPlus V2 serves as the basis. The engine has 112 cubic inches and is designed to provide a powerful and robust foundation for racing. The Challenger has proven itself competitive on multiple occasions in recent years, winning a total of three championships in six years.
Indian Motorcycle and Vance & Hines together look back on nearly 150 years of racing tradition. While Indian has emphasized its roots in motorsports since 1901, Vance & Hines has enjoyed numerous successes in road racing, flat track, and drag racing since 1979. According to those involved, this partnership will now be consolidated into a closed factory team in order to further advance the development of the racing machines.
The new team structure is supported by various sponsors, including J&P Cycles, MOTUL, Progressive Insurance, Drag Specialties, and Performance Finance. The first race is scheduled for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway from March 5 to 7, 2026.
Comments on the new direction
Indian Motorcycle CEO Mike Kennedy emphasizes the importance of motorsports activities in the company’s realignment. Kennedy said, “Indian Motorcycle is entering a new era in its historic journey in 2026, and the first place we plan to prove it is on the racetrack. This partnership is a reminder of what American performance looks like when you refuse to back down.”
Vance & Hines co-founder Terry Vance also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He said: “Right out of the box, the Indian Challenger and its PowerPlus engine deliver a high-performance, reliable machine that’s capable of winning every time it lines up on the grid. We’re thrilled to continue its development as we push for another King of the Baggers championship in 2026.”
Integration into the current corporate context
The racing program is being reorganized against the backdrop of a change in ownership structure. It was recently announced that Polaris has sold a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP. Following this decision, Mike Kennedy was introduced as the new CEO in mid-October 2025.
With this new partnership, Indian Motorcycle is underlining its ambition to continue playing a leading role in the King of the Baggers competition in the future. The combination of a revamped factory team, the technical expertise of Vance & Hines, and a title-proven machine base is set to form the foundation for a strong 2026 season.
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