GNC: Indian Announces 2017 Wrecking Crew
Rennie Scaysbrook | September 26, 2016
The new Indian FTR750 will have some classy riders on board it next year!
Indian Motorcycle today announced its team for the 2017 Grand National Championship on the brand new FTR750, and it’s a big one. The already announced Jared Mees will be partnered by brand new GNC champion Bryan Smith and their long-time rival Brad Baker in what will become a formidable team for next season. Dubbed the Wrecking Crew, the team will attempt to replicate the dominance of the original Wrecking Crew of the 1940s and 50s that included Ernie Beckman, Bill Tuman and Bobby Hill.
The team was unveiled at the American Motorcyclists Association Flat Track Awards banquet following the Ramspur Winery Santa Rosa Mile AMA Pro Flat Track race in Santa Rosa, California.
“Indian Motorcycle has a DNA in motorcycle racing. We will continue that push towards excellence on the street and in competition with the introduction of the Indian Scout FTR750,” said Gary Gray, Product Director for Indian Motorcycle. “AMA Pro Flat Track racing is highly competitive and we leaned on a global team for this factory effort and have engaged some of the best riders to exhibit our commitment to this legendary sport. That said, we are entering the series to do one thing – win.”
Former AMA Grand National Champion Joe Kopp made a one-off return to the track at Santa Rosa at the weekend on the #3 Indian Motorcycle FTR750, finishing a commendable seventh place in the final.
“Our team worked hard and had a pretty confident feeling coming into the weekend,” says Reid Wilson, Director of Marketing for Indian Motorcycle. “Our goal was to make the main event, a great achievement for a 100% new motorcycle racing a highly competitive GNC1 class. Joe was outstanding on the motorcycle and taking a strong win in the dash for cash was an epic first AMA Checkered flag for Indian Motorcycle since the early 1950’s. With our performance this weekend, and the announcement of the new riders, we are showing our commitment to both the sport and the history and future of Indian Motorcycle.”
