MotoGP and US motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson will establish a global support series from next season.
Confirmed:
- Series will feature 12 races at six MotoGP events in Europe and North America in 2026
- The grid is expected to comprise six to eight teams with each fielding two riders
- All riders will compete on Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles
Context:
This agreement represents an expansion of the promotional collaboration that MotoGP and Harley-Davidson signed in November 2024. This symbiotic relationship was seen as good way of promoting MotoGP within the US, especially ahead of the anticipated completion of Liberty Media’s acquisition of the series towards the end of June.
Harley-Davidson will also benefit from MotoGP’s global footprint given that its racing interests were previously focused on the US-based King of the Baggers series, which is attached to MotoAmerica.
The new Harley-Davidson championship will join MotoGP’s line-up of other support series, including the MotoE electric series.
Comment:
“This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports.
“We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand their global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly placed to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences as we team up with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the US.
This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavour to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete.”
Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and chief executive of Harley-Davidson, added: “With this new series, we’re excited to bring a new form of racing to the world stage.
“Not only is this a bold and new chapter for our brand, celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future, but it will add an amazing spectacle to the greatest motorcycle show in the world.”
Coming next
The new championship will begin in 2026, with more details around the calendar and how fans will be able to watch expected soon.
Go deeper:
- What’s the state of MotoGP’s sponsorship portfolio ahead of Liberty Media’s takeover?
- MotoGP 2024 season review: What is Liberty Media acquiring?
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