Roaring Triumphs at Daytona Bike Week 2026: Records Broken and Legends Made
Epic Sales, Heart-Pounding Races, and Unforgettable Vibes from the World's Biggest Biker Bash
Raine Devries | 9 March 2026
Daytona Bike Week 2026 delivered an unforgettable mix of record-breaking moments, intense track action, and the classic rally energy that draws riders from across the country. Held from February 27 to March 8 at Daytona Beach, Florida, the 85th anniversary event featured massive crowds, custom showcases, and high-stakes racing at Daytona International Speedway and the Short Track. Highlights from the latter part of the week, particularly since last Wednesday, underscored why this remains one of the premier gatherings in the motorcycle world.
Indian Motorcycle Sets a New Sales Record
Indian Motorcycle Daytona Beach achieved a significant milestone by recording the highest number of new Indian Motorcycles sold during any single rally. This accomplishment highlights the strong demand for Indian’s lineup amid the rally’s vibrant atmosphere. A big credit goes to the dedicated team at RideNow Powersports and the customers who chose to join the ride—making this a standout success for the brand.
Harley-Davidson Powers Dominant Performances Across Multiple Series
Harley-Davidson riders and teams showcased exceptional strength in several racing disciplines.
In the MotoAmerica Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship, the Saddlemen Race Development team swept both podiums in the March 6-7 double-header using race-prepared Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST motorcycles. James Rispoli won the opening round in a dramatic last-lap draft, followed closely by teammates Cory West and Jake Lewis. On Saturday, Jake Lewis took the victory by a mere 0.012 seconds over West, with Rispoli securing third for another all-Harley top three.
These races featured intense pack racing across nine brands on the 3.56-mile road course, with finishes often decided by fractions of a second.
Mission Super Hooligan Race 1 Top 5
James Rispoli (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
Cory West (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
Jake Lewis (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
Travis Wyman (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
Gus Rodio (Ducati) – Rodio Racing
Mission Super Hooligan Race 2 Top 5
Jake Lewis (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
Cory West (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
James Rispoli (Harley-Davidson) – Saddlemen Race Development
Andy DiBrino (Yamaha) – BPR Racing
Gus Rodio (Ducati) – Rodio Racing
In the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series, defending champion Kyle Wyman (Harley-Davidson x DynoJet Factory Race Team) secured third-place finishes in both rounds aboard his Road Glide®. The battles included tight drafting on the banking, with Wyman collecting valuable points in his title defense.
The AFT SuperTwins class at the Daytona Short Track saw rookie Kody Kopp make history on a Harley-Davidson XG750R. He swept both main events in his premier-class debut, becoming the first rider to win their first race in the division. Kopp dominated qualifying, heats, and mains, leading the championship standings after the opener.
Additional Standout Moments from the Week’s End
The Daytona 200 on Saturday delivered a historic performance, with Josh Herrin securing his fourth consecutive victory (and fifth overall) on a Ducati, matching the record held by legends Scott Russell and Miguel Duhamel. He crossed the line nearly 40 seconds ahead of the field in a commanding display.
The event concluded on March 8 with the traditional Bike Show on Main Street Pier, featuring an impressive array of custom and classic builds, alongside fan-favorite activities around town.
Daytona Bike Week 2026 reinforced the enduring appeal of motorcycling—combining high-performance competition, strong brand achievements, and the camaraderie of the riding community.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 86th Annual Daytona Beach Bike Week, set for March 5–14, 2027. For full details on past events, upcoming schedules, or to plan your ride, visit the Official Bike Week site or Harley-Davidson’s press resources.
~Keep the shiny side up!