Industry & Racing

Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Kickoff: Observations

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Mar 31, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 0 |

Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Kickoff: Observations

by Road Dirt Crew | Mar 31, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 0 |

Time will tell whether or not the new racing class of Harley competition baggers will take off like it has here in the States, but already the series produced a decent grid of teams for the opening round at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas over the weekend. The paddock and grid saw teams from Australia, Spain, Italy, Brazil and Indonesia as well as USA line up to race. The races both days delivered KotB level action, with races coming down to the final laps and final sprints to the checkered flag.

Making History at the Daytona 200

by Road Dirt Crew | Mar 8, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 0 |

At the 84th running of the legendary Daytona 200, the history books got a rewrite thanks to a trio of factors- Herrin, Yaakov, and Ducati. Tim Lester was there to capture the history-making moments for us.

Indian’s New CEO Mike Kennedy: A True Biker

by Rob Brooks | Mar 6, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life | 0 |

Following Indian Motorcycle’s recent split with Polaris, becoming a completely standalone motorcycle manufacturer again, the 125 year old legacy brand brought on Mike Kennedy as CEO to oversee operations. It’s refreshing to see a true motorcycle guy take the helm at Indian, especially given other manufacturer’s hiring of European shoe guys and pizza guys to run their operations. Kennedy is a true biker, a lifelong motorcycle rider, and a veteran in the powersports industry.

National Cycle- Motorcycle Windshield Leaders

by Road Dirt Crew | Mar 2, 2026 | Bikes & Gear, Industry & Racing | 0 |

Willey came of age in the early 1900s, amidst World War I, the international flu pandemic of 1918, and the Great Depression. An avid pilot and motorcycle rider (clearly the adventurous type for his times), Willey saw a need among riders for quality accessories. He decided to start a company that would apply expert craftsmanship in manufacturing parts for use on motorbikes, and in 1937 he launched Nation’s Cycle Center in Maywood, Illinois, near metro Chicago.

Through The Lens: Jay Springsteen

by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 13, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes | 0 |

While up on stage in the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame interview with Terry “Ike” Clanton, Jay quipped, “Me and Corky made Kenny Roberts famous at the 1975 Indy Mile!” His reference was to the fact that Kenny caught them on his Champion framed, Kel Carruthers tuned, TZ750 Miler on the exit of Turn 4 onto the front straight on the last lap, and won by a wheel length.

Through The Lens: Eddie Lawson

by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 5, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes | 4 |

When Geoff first began photographing racing as a young adult, he would often go to races just to spectate and practice his new hobby of photography. He unknowingly captured Eddie as a 250-Novice road racer at Sears Point in Sonoma, California. While at a dinner for Kenny Roberts’ charity, he gave Eddie a copy of this photo. Eddie’s response was, “Where did you get that??” Geoff replied, “I shot it at Sears Point in 1977.” Eddie then shared that his wife knew nothing of this era of his racing and that he couldn’t wait to share it with her.

A Day At The Ducati Museum

by Ryan Nolan | Jan 15, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes | 4 |

My wife and I took a trip to Italy and Spain recently, our first trip to either country, and being a long time MotoGP and motorcycle racing enthusiast I had to take advantage of being in an area full of motorcycle racing talent, tracks and experiences. Our trip was over Christmas and New Years so with no races going on, I knew the one place I wanted to visit- the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy.

Ducati Enters Supercross

by Road Dirt Crew | Jan 9, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 0 |

It’s early in the new year, and motorcycle racing is already beginning. The annual Dakar Rally is now several days in, and here in the states, the Monster Energy Supercross World Championship series kicks off in Anaheim, CA this weekend. Among the contenders lining up at the starting gates will be another internationally known and respected brand in Ducati. Partnering with Red Bull and Troy Lee Designs, Ducati is betting the farm on having success in the dirt like they do in MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and other race series.

Indian Motorcycle Breaks With Polaris

by Phil Gauthier | Oct 13, 2025 | Industry & Racing | 2 |

When the news broke that Polaris Industries would be selling a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to private-equity firm Carolwood LP, the sound that followed wasn’t just the click of a press release hitting inboxes. It was a collective double-take across the motorcycle world.
For over a decade, Polaris has been the guiding hand behind Indian’s comeback story — resurrecting the century-old American brand from dormancy and turning it into Harley-Davidson’s most credible rival in modern times. But with this new deal, expected to close in early 2026, Indian Motorcycle is about to chart its own course as a standalone company.