Two Major Bagger Racing Programs Are Moving to the World Stage

ANAHEIM, Calif. — October 2, 2026 — Bagger racing is entering a major transition.

Harley-Davidson Factory Racing is ending its participation and official team support in MotoAmerica King of the Baggers after the 2026 season, while Saddlemen Race Development has announced it will direct its full racing focus toward the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.

That immediately raises a few big questions: What happens to King of the Baggers? Is the future of bagger racing going global? And will more teams follow?

Harley-Davidson says the Bagger World Cup will become its premier racing platform in 2027, with plans to add more teams, riders and races.

“This is only the starting line. We now have an incredible foundation to build from, and the opportunity ahead of us is enormous.”
— Jeffrey Schuessler, Director – Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson

Saddlemen, which has competed in King of the Baggers since the series’ first race in 2020, is making the same move toward the world stage.

“The Bagger World Cup puts bagger racing on the world stage, alongside MotoGP and in front of a global audience.”
— David Echert, CEO, Saddlemen Corporation

The move does not mean King of the Baggers is ending, but it does mean the series is entering a new chapter without two major Harley-Davidson programs that helped shape the category.

At the same time, Harley-Davidson says it plans to expand grassroots racing opportunities, including areas such as drag racing, flat track and dealership competition.

For racers, builders and fans, 2027 now comes with a much bigger question:

Is bagger racing’s next chapter global, grassroots, or both?

Lifestyle Cycles
Anaheim, California
26+ Years in V-Twin