Kyle Wyman, representing Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing, showcased his exceptional racing skills and the formidable horsepower of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to seize a thrilling victory during Sunday's MotoAmerica® Mission King of the Baggers event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. In a breathtaking display of precision, Wyman executed a flawless draft pass, edging out Factory Indian rider Troy Herfoss by a mere 0.039 seconds at the finish line, clinching his fourth triumph of the season.
During the weekend's double-header, Wyman piloted his specially prepared 2024 Road Glide® to a second-place finish in a rain-drenched race on Saturday, while also setting a new track record in Friday's qualifying session for the Mission King of the Baggers. With this latest victory, Wyman has now secured podium finishes in seven out of eight races this season, solidifying his position as second in the championship standings. Additionally, his teammate, James Rispoli of Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing, demonstrated resilience by bouncing back from a harrowing crash during Saturday's wet conditions to secure a commendable fourth-place finish on Sunday, missing the podium by a mere 0.047 seconds. Both Wyman and Rispoli unveiled special liveries on their race bikes, adorned in the striking Raven Metallic and Golden White Pearl colors, reflecting the elegance of the 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST.
Reflecting on his victory, Wyman expressed his exhilaration, emphasizing the intense competition and the significance of triumphing at Road America, a venue near Harley's headquarters in Milwaukee, with the presence of esteemed figures like Willie G. Davidson and numerous Harley enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Rispoli conveyed his gratitude for emerging unscathed from the previous day's crash and conveyed his eagerness to continue building on their momentum in the upcoming rounds.
Wyman's dominance was evident throughout the weekend, starting both races from pole position after setting a track-record lap time during Friday's qualifying session. Despite challenging weather conditions on Saturday, which saw Herfoss clinch victory, Sunday's sunny and dry conditions facilitated tighter racing, allowing Wyman to showcase the full potential of his Harley-Davidson machine. In a gripping finale, Wyman's strategic maneuvering propelled him past Herfoss at the crucial moment, securing the coveted victory.
With eight rounds completed in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series, Herfoss leads the championship standings, followed closely by Wyman. The Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing team is now gearing up for the next round at Brainerd International Speedway in Brainerd, Minn., as part of the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Minnesota event.
The Mission King of the Baggers series features race-modified American V-Twin touring motorcycles, with Harley-Davidson® Factory Racing Road Glide® bikes powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team also benefits from upgraded suspension components, competition exhaust systems, race tires, and lightweight bodywork.