AMA Pro Racing joins the motorcycle racing community in mourning the passing of Fort Worth, Texas native Mike Kidd, the 1981 AMA Grand National Champion, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer, race promoter, series builder, and former AMA Pro Racing executive. Kidd was 72.
At the NPDA (National Powersports Dealer Association) Membership and Marketing Director Tigra Tsujikawa, is to take a new role as Events Director, specifically overseeing DealerConnect - the association's rapidly growing annual industry event. As a result, NPDA is looking for a new Membership and Marketing Director - anyone
More on the KKR/Pimco HDFS deal: completed in late 2025, the transaction included the sale of roughly $6bn in retail loan assets and the sale of a 9.8% equity stake in HDFS, generating approximately $50m in proceeds and about $1bn in dividends to the parent company. Dealer-facing operations such as floorplan financing and working capital support are unchanged. HDFS operations flow through HD Credit Corp (HDCC), an HDFS wholly owned subsidiary, and its owned brands Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and HDIS (HD Insurance Services). ESB began originating retail motorcycle loans in 2002, underwriting and funding all retail loan transactions for HDCC in return for an origination fee. HDIS is a commission-based independent representative for various insurance companies, offering motorcycle and rider protection products since 1993; it also offers business insurance coverages and services to dealership owners and operates Eaglemark Insurance, a 2023 founded wholly owned HDI subsidiary. HDFS continues to provide approximately $1bn in wholesale financing annually to its approx. 600 strong North American dealer networks. HDFS has been a high-return business for Harley-Davidson, generating an 18% return on equity in 2024 and averaging 21% over the past five years. The division financed about 139,000 motorcycles in 2024, totaling roughly $3bn in originations. See also Page 18.
Pennsylvania - White's H-D (1953) and Iron Valley H-D (2003) have been merged into a newly branded outlet - White's Iron Valley Harley-Davidson - under new ownership. At the former White's H-D location in Lebanon, Pa. All existing staff of both stores are expected to remain in post.
Royal Enfield has been recognized as the World's third strongest auto brand. The global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250 cc-750 cc), has been ranked the 3rd strongest auto brand in the world by Brand Finance, in its Automotive Industry 2026 report. Royal Enfield achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.9/100 with an AAA rating, while recording a remarkable 30% surge in brand value to $1.2bn.
Columbus, Ohio based insurer Nationwide says U.S. roads feel less predictable as driving behavior worsens, according to a new survey. "With phone use, reckless driving and aggression on the rise, 40% of parents say they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen behind the wheel." Nearly 9 in 10 drivers say phone use behind the wheel has increased in the past year, alongside similar spikes in aggressive and reckless driving. As a result, 40% say they experience stress while driving, and more than two-thirds frequently witness road rage.
USA - Triumph is sponsor of the AMA's National Adventure Riding Series, with a 12 ADV-based riding events schedule planned to take place across the US. Aimed at experienced ADV riders, Triumph says the annual event "creates opportunities for ADV riders to push their limits, discover new terrain, and build connections". Running from March to November 2026, the series includes event destinations in ten different states (two each in Wisconsin and California).
Spain - Electric motorcycle manufacturer Stark Future is to enter the FIM EnduroGP World Championship. The Stark OxMoto EnduroGP Team is to race the Stark VARG in E2 and E3 classes of the 2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship. "EnduroGP is not just another championship. It is one of the purest tests of rider, machine, consistency, and endurance in the world of off-road motorsport," said founder Anton Vass. The news comes just weeks after Stark claimed the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro Manufacturers' World Championship title - the first time an electric motorcycle manufacturer has won the title in the series". www.starkfuture.com
