| DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2018) – American Flat Track and Harley-Davidson® Motor Company are excited to announce details of their 2018 sponsorship and enhancements to their coordinated marketing efforts. Through the strategic alliance, the companies will drive interest in motorcycling through experiential marketing activations around American Flat Track events while continuing to attract a new, younger demographic through broadcast and digital media initiatives.
American Flat Track is one of the country’s most historic forms of motorcycle racing, and the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been synonymous with the sport since the early 1900s. Following a successful inaugural season as the “Official Motorcycle of AFT Twins,” Harley-Davidson’s renewed support solidifies its leadership position within the sport and serves as a vote of confidence in AFT’s strategic direction.
“Harley-Davidson’s commitment has been a driving force in the resurgence of American Flat Track,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “The company’s promotion of the sport, both on and off the track and the huge fan base they bring, has helped to make American Flat Track the fastest-growing series in professional motorcycle racing.”
American Flat Track’s AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines class represents the pinnacle of the sport and sits at the cutting edges of technology, speed and rider skill. At each of the 18 rounds during the 2018 season, fans will have the chance to see, hear and get up-close-and-personal with AFT’s skilled athletes as well as the class’s exotic and very powerful twin-cylinder motorcycles – which reach speeds of 130 mph on the straights and nearly 90 mph in corners. As American Flat Track enters its 65th consecutive year of competition, Harley-Davidson looks to build on its staggering 680 victories in the class.
“As the only American manufacturer to sell motorcycles for 115 consecutive years, Harley-Davidson is celebrating more than 10 decades of going racing,” said Scott Beck, Harley-Davidson director of global brand marketing. “Harley-Davidson and our dealers around the world race to entertain fans, grow the sport we love and inspire future generations of Harley-Davidson riders. 2018 will be an amazing year for AFT and Harley-Davidson, as well as our racers, fans and riders.”
Harley-Davidson’s sponorship of eight rounds on the 2018 American Flat Track calendar will give the Milwaukee-based manufacturer prime opportunities to create experiences for motorcyclists while introducing one of the world’s fastest growing motorsports to new fans. By working closely with its passionare dealer network, Harley-Davidson will drive consumer engagement through activations such as rides to the races, exclusive H-D parking corrals, special discount packages and more.
The 2018 Harley-Davidson® Factory Flat Track Racing Team will combine veteran savvy with youthful potential in a three-rider effort on all-new Harley-Davidson XG750R competition motorcycles. Returning rider Brandon Robinson will be joined by seasoned pro Sammy Halbert and rising star Jared Vanderkooi on the Harley Factory squad for the coming season. Preparing for what promises to be one of the most competitive flat-track seasons ever, Harley-Davidson and its Factory Team partner, Vance & Hines Motorsports, devoted this off-season to extracting more performance from the team’s Harley XG750R race bikes.
Throughout the season, camera crews for American Flat Track’s coverage on NBCSN will capture the successes of the Harley-Davidson Factory riders both on and off the track. The 2018 season will begin on March 15 at Daytona International Speedway, as American Flat Track returns to a one-of-a-kind race course built on the famous tri-oval at the “World Center of Racing.” This year’s Harley-Davidson TT presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys will see faster and more furious racing action thanks to a fresh track redesign featuring wider corners, a faster straightaway and the biggest jump on the calendar. General Admission tickets start at just $30 and are on sale now.
At select American Flat Track events starting in Daytona, Harley-Davidson will entertain fans with the addition of the Harley Hooligans. The Harley Hooligans represent a perfect marriage of flat track and grassroots racing, giving amateurs the opportunity of a lifetime as they share the stage with the world’s best flat track motorcycle racers.
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