Harley-Davidson has launched its factory team for the 2023 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series, with Travis and Kyle Wyman leading the Milwaukee brand’s charge.
MotoAmerica kicks off this weekend in Daytona - at the back end of a Daytona Bike Week which itself kicked off with a record seventh Daytona Supercross win for Eli Tomac - and after an unforgettable weekend at Daytona last year in the ‘Baggers class (as well as a photo finish in the Daytona 200 itself, which was won by Brandon Paasch), Harley-Davidson will be hoping to get back on top following what was a successful year for their main rivals, Indian, in 2022.
Certainly, it will not be a straightforward task for the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagles Factory Team, with Indian returning for 2023 with the same line-up which brought them success last year, but Harley’s own pairing of the Wyman brothers - Travis and Kyle - each have the capabilities to be fighting at the front.
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson, said: “In our 120th Anniversary year, we’re coming at it bigger and better than ever before, as we compete to win the championship and bring back the #1 plate to Milwaukee where it belongs.
“Our Screamin’ Eagle factory racing team is ready for the season – and with Kyle and Travis on the track, I’m excited for what is set to be a great season of racing for our community of racers and fans alike.”
Travis Wyman said: “I am excited about my second season on the factory H-D team and ready for the expanded schedule this year.
“My consistent finishes last year put me in contention for the title going into the last round. With the two-race format, if Saturday does not go well, you get another shot on Sunday rather than waiting for the next race weekend. As other teams get these bikes figured out, I expect the level of competition to be tougher this season. Our Harley team is going to need to be on its game at every race.”
Kyle Wyman said: “It will be an honour to represent the Harley-Davidson brand during this 120th Anniversary season.
“It is incredible to be a part of the enduring history of Harley-Davidson. I’ve spent much of the off season working with the team to further develop our Road Glide race bikes, and I have a lot of confidence going into 2023. We will continue to see lap records fall this season, and everyone on the grid will be quicker.”
In addition to the factory race team, Harley-Davidson has made available performance parts from its own 2022 factory King of the Baggers bikes for Harley-Davidson-mounted privateers in 2023, as well as over $185,000 in contingency for the King of the Baggers class.
