The racing world is about to get a whole lot louder and more thrilling with the launch of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, hitting global circuits in 2026! This brand-new racing series is a collaboration between Harley-Davidson and MotoGP, creating a unique fusion of high-performance Harley bagger motorcycles and premier international racing venues.
What’s the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup All About?
Launching as the world’s first global championship dedicated entirely to race-tuned Harley-Davidson baggers, this series is unlike anything the MotoGP calendar has seen before. Inspired by Harley’s iconic Grand American Touring platform, the bikes will be radically transformed for ultimate speed, nimbleness, and eye-popping spectacle on the track. It’s racing with a side of attitude, culture, and serious horsepower, bringing a fresh, energetic vibe to two-wheeled motorsport.
Kolja Rebstock, Senior VP of International Markets at Harley-Davidson, put it perfectly: “This is about pushing limits—of our machines, riders, and brand—on a global stage. We’re proud to partner with MotoGP to bring this vision to life.”
The Race Calendar: A Transatlantic Adventure
The 2026 season will crank up in the USA—the birthplace of Harley-Davidson and home to the original King of the Baggers series—before journeying across some of Europe’s most historic tracks. Here’s the full lineup of epic race weekends:
- Austin, USA: March 27–29
- Mugello, Italy: May 29–31
- Assen, Netherlands: June 26–28
- Silverstone, Great Britain: August 7–9
- Aragon, Spain: August 28–30
- Red Bull Ring, Austria: September 18–20
The finale in Austria’s thrilling Red Bull Ring promises fireworks and a championship-deciding showdown to close the series.
A Racing Series with Roots and Reach
What makes this series truly exciting isn’t just the speed or the stunning locations—it’s the way it marries two powerful motorsport brands. MotoGP, known for its cutting-edge, adrenaline-fueled premier class, connects with Harley-Davidson’s deep legacy and expansive lifestyle culture. Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP’s Chief Sporting Officer, highlighted this perfect match: the series will not only add fresh excitement to race weekends but also expand MotoGP’s global reach by tapping into Harley’s iconic North American and worldwide fanbase.
More Than Just Racing—It’s a Statement
For Harley, this isn’t just about winning races. Jeff Schuessler, Harley’s Global Marketing Director for Racing Programs, explained how the Bagger World Cup represents their evolution in competitive racing: “We’ve seen what’s possible with King of the Baggers in the U.S., and now we’re bringing that energy, performance, and attitude to a worldwide stage. It’s a global statement of who we are and where we’re going.”
The series was first teased earlier in 2025 at the Grand Prix of France in Le Mans, where the joint vision was shared with fans and media. The overwhelmingly positive response set the stage for this official reveal.
What’s Next?
As anticipation builds, prospective teams, riders, and sponsors are already invited to get involved as preparations accelerate for the 2026 launch. For fans, this means an incredible new way to experience Harley’s powerhouse machines in action on the biggest international stages, complete with all the passion, style, and thunderous sound you’d expect.
