Indian Motorcycle is setting up a major shift in its racing strategy as it moves toward 2026. The company has signed a multi-year agreement with Vance & Hines Motorsports to run its factory racing program in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series. The move comes as Indian prepares for a new leadership era and signals a clear plan to stay competitive on the track.
The partnership starts with a full factory effort, backed by a fresh roster of high-profile riders, the 2026 Indian Wrecking Crew. The team includes 2024 champion Troy Herfoss, 2023 champion Hayden Gillim, and rising rider Rocco Landers. All three will race aboard new Vance & Hines-built Indian Challenger machines powered by the PowerPlus engine. The team is targeting the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in early March 2026.
This agreement brings together long racing histories. Indian has been tied to racing since 1901, while Vance & Hines has spent decades running successful programs across road racing, flat track and drag racing. Together, they account for multiple King of the Baggers championships since the series began in 2020. The factory effort will also receive backing from J&P Cycles, MOTUL, Progressive Insurance, Drag Specialties and Performance Finance.
Focus on the 2026 King of the Baggers effort
The 2026 program centers on the Indian Challenger platform, which has already claimed three championships in six seasons. The PowerPlus V-Twin engine provides liquid-cooled performance aimed at competing with larger rivals in the series. With Vance & Hines handling development and preparation of the race bikes, Indian is positioning the Challenger as its primary tool for the new season and the push for another title.
Previous performance
Since the first King of the Baggers race in 2020, Indian and Vance & Hines have been tied to four of the six championships in the class. The new agreement marks the first time the two will operate as a combined factory effort, signaling a structured approach as Indian enters its 2026 racing phase.
Automobile Magazine-UK
