American Flat Track Twins Racing has named Harley-Davidson as Official Motorcycle of AFT Twins as part of an expanded, multi-year partnership renewal.
Described by the AMA as “the most historic form of American motorcycle racing” AFT is now in its 64th year with 18 rounds slated for 2017, and that the “iconic American motorcycle manufacturer has been synonymous with the sport since its formation in 1954.”
“American Flat Track and Harley-Davidson share a common vision for the future of our truly American sport,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “2017 marks a new era, with a re-imagined class and event structure, broadcast coverage to 90 million homes through NBCSN and a renewed partnership with one of America’s most iconic brands. Now is the time for a whole new generation to fall in love with this great American tradition.”
AFT Twins headlines the American Flat Track events, and the AMA says that Harley has “made a strategic commitment to the continued growth of all aspects of the sport. As the entitlement sponsor for eight rounds on the calendar, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer plans to activate the largest dealer network in the industry to drive consumer engagement through activation at and around American Flat Track races.
“For more than 100 years, Harley-Davidson has been racing to entertain fans, build enthusiasm for the sport of motorcycling and prove the capability of the motorcycles we sell,” said Scott Beck, Harley-Davidson Director of Global Brand Marketing. “Most of that history has been built around Flat Track Racing in America – where racing is at its most accessible and exhilarating form. We are racing to inspire Harley-Davidson ownership among the next generations of young riders. It will be an amazing AFT season this year.”
In a clear effort to exploit the good work that has been done independently by Roland Sands Design’s development of their ‘Hooligan Racing’ series, the AMA says that Harley-Davidson will also integrate a new racing element into the AFT event schedule at select rounds: the Harley Hooligans. “The Harley Hooligans represent a perfect marriage of flat track and grassroots racing, giving amateurs the chance of a lifetime, sharing the stage with the world’s best dirt track motorcycle racers.” Yeah, right, “not made here” strikes again.