Kiwi Rider September 2024 Vol.1 | Page 101

DIRT NEWS

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE FAREWELLS DOMINANT FTR750 FLAT TRACKER

With changes to the AMA ’ s flat track rules bringing in a production engine clause , Indian Motorcycle ’ s dominant FTR750 flat tracker is set to be retired after a stellar career . Indian Motorcycle ’ s championship-winning race bike leaves behind an unprecedented legacy , securing seven SuperTwins titles and more than 100 race wins in 135 races . In 2016 , Indian Motorcycle introduced the FTR750 , a flat track race machine designed to

propel the brand back into professional racing following a 60-year hiatus . Amid its eighth season of competition , the Indian FTR750 has established itself as the most dominant race bike in the sport ’ s history . “ Since 1901 , racing has been core to the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA ,” said Gary Gray , Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle . “ From our founders , Hendee and Hedstrom , competing in endurance races in the early 1900s , to the dominant Wrecking Crew of the late 1940s , Indian Motorcycle has been winning races . The FTR750 was the vehicle that re-established Indian Motorcycle Racing and returned the brand to a place of competitive dominance .” Since its debut , the FTR750 has not only revived the storied tradition of the original Indian Wrecking Crew , but it revolutionised the landscape of flat track racing – quickly earning a reputation as the most dominant machine in the AFT paddock . With three races remaining in the 2024 season , the FTR750 has a 75 % - win ratio , winning 101 of the 135 races . It has secured 286 total podiums at 129 races , earning a 96 % -podium ratio . The FTR750 has a perfect championship record , winning all premier class titles since 2017 . “ I ’ ve been fortunate enough to be on this journey with Indian Motorcycle since day one ,” said Reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees . “ Racing the FTR750 has been an incredible experience , as I ’ ve never experienced a bike like the FTR750 in all my years competing . We ’ ve had immense success over the past eight years , and it ’ s been a true honor to be a part of the Indian Wrecking Crew .” Mees has been an instrumental piece to the FTR750 ’ s success . In addition to being Indian Motorcycle ’ s hero factory rider since 2017 , Mees played an invaluable role in developing the FTR750 – providing expert-level feedback and insights to Indian Motorcycle engineers and S & S Cycle , who developed the FTR750 ’ s chassis . Piloting the FTR750 , Mees has secured five championship titles . With a six-point lead in the SuperTwins standings , and three races remaining , Mees looks to complete the FTR750 ’ s perfect record and secure a new alltime record of 10-career championships . In addition to its factory efforts , Indian Motorcycle has been a great supporter of privateer teams , paying out more than USD $ 4,000,000 in privateer contingency . Since 2017 , 45 riders have competed aboard the Indian FTR750 .
KIWI RIDER 101