Might Flat Track’s Popularity Explode?

Might motorcycle racing of some kind – any kind – finally find a truly popular platform that attracts street riders in the U.S. to the sport as spectators and fans?

It’s just a hunch, and only a hunch, but my gut’s telling me that the popularity of flat track racing in the U.S. has the potential to explode in 2017. Why is that? Well, it just may occur due to a confluence of factors.

While most street riders know little about or even bother to pay attention to motorcycle racing of any kind, some happenings of late may combine to fuel a fast rise in flat track popularity – provided those involved follow up with some continued wise decision-making.

Among the happenings:

– The historically-flawed Discovery Channel miniseries “Harley and the Davidsons” earlier this month. It told of the founding and development of Harley-Davidson, and recounted how rival manufacturers Harley-Davidson and Indian built followings for their products in the early days through the racing of their bikes.

The miniseries proved immensely popular, putting smiles on the faces of all riders who watched it. It reminded street riders of the romance and dangers of racing. The program was decidedly pro-Harley-Davidson, and made Indian look bad, but it served to educate viewers of the long-ago rivalry on the track, and stoked the flames for the renewed rivalry between the brands.

– Indian’s decision to return to flat track racing. Over the weekend, American Motorcyclist Association flat track racer Joe Kopp rode the company’s new Indian Scout FTR750 for the first time at the Ramspur Winery Santa Rosa Mile AMA Pro Flat Track race in California, performed well and even won the Dash for Cash event.

Indian followed up on Monday with a press release announcing a revived “Wrecking Crew” race team for next year that includes three top riders: Bryan Smith, Brad Baker and Jared Mees. “We are entering the series to do one thing – win,” said Gary Gray, product director for Indian.

Harley-Davidson is the dominant brand in flat track racing – Baker and Mees rode XR750s this season – and it’s not about to relinquish its position. Back in May, the company announced a new XG750R flat track model; its first new flat track racer in 44 years.

– The AMA’s announcement Sunday that the AMA Pro Flat Track series is being rebranded as the American Flat Track series in 2017.  Sure, the series features some Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph and other brands, but the most common nameplates next year will be the American-made brands Harley-Davidson and Indian.

Care to bet against the Harley-Davidson – Indian rivalry creating more interest in the sport?

As noted, what’s needed now are some continued wise decisions. From an outsider’s perspective:

The AMA needs to boost flat track with better TV exposure and more events.

The 2016 season had 15 events in 14 locations – and none in New England. The closest to this region was the Central New York Half-Mile on Aug. 20 at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge, N.Y.,  west of Syracuse. There were two events in March, one in April, three in May, three in June, one in July, three in August and two in September.

What’s needed are six more events – or three a month, with a one week off. Checking out American Flat Track action and results has to become habitual and not hit or miss. And it has to be readily accessible in all parts of the country.

Also, the manufacturers, notably Harley-Davidson and Indian, need to do more to raise the profile of the sport, and that includes inside dealerships. That means displays, gear and products. How many cars did NASCAR sell back in the day when consumers could see street versions of the cars that raced on weekends?

Harley-Davidson needs a street version of the XG750R and Indian needs a street version of the Scout FTR750. Both companies specialize in heavy cruisers; their model lines need to be expanded with exciting smaller models.

Will flat track’s popularity explode in 2017? The potential exists for it to happen.