Here’s some NHRA news that we did not know was in the works. Victory Motorcycles announced that they will be competing in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle category in 2015 fielding two bikes with Matt and Angie Smith as their team riders. Apparently NHRA and Victory have been in talks for nearly a year to get this handled and now Victory bikes will compete against the Harleys, Buells, and Suzukis. This really changes the face of the class with another American manufacturer in the mix and another, new, V-twin style engine making thunder on the course. We’re a little surprised that Polaris (the parent company of Victory) did not go with the Indian brand name here because of the legendary battles that Indian and Harley engaged in during the first half of the 20th century but we also understand that Indians are big dollar premium bikes and Victory may be a better fit in modern times to battle the Harleys.
This is a shot in the arm for the class that (in our opinion) needed something to kick it up a notch and fans having another brand to root for is a good thing to get the interest level wound up. Who remembers the days when guys would have been laughed out of the track for showing up with a V-Twin powered NHRA pro stock motorcycle? We sure do! There was a long gap between the early 80s when privateers finally have up to Harley’s return to the sport decades later. The entry of Victory will give the class a new rivalry and fire. Matt and Angie will be sorting our their bikes and getting ready for the GatorNationals (where Lohnes will be calling the action!) where the category starts its 2015 campaign. This is cool!
Here’s the full release from Victory Motorcycles:
Victory Motorcycles is taking a bold step into the performance world of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Drag Racing with the creation of Victory Factory Racing.
Leading the Victory effort will be the riding team of 2-time world Champion Matt Smith and his wife/co-rider Angie. They have both demonstrated the professionalism, dedication and success that assures Victory a partnership in keeping with the commitment to excellence that is a fundamental part of its DNA. Victory intends to compete at the pinnacle of the sport and anticipates a strong and professional effort with the skills and experience of Matt and Angie Smith.
“Victory is excited to enter the world of NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.” said Steve Menneto, VP Motorcycles for Polaris. “It is Victory’s intent to continue to test ourselves at the highest levels and the Victory Factory Racing Team is the perfect opportunity for us.
The excitement that is created at an NHRA event is a match with the energy that Victory brings to every one of its motorcycles, and will be an opportunity to share that excitement with Victory owners and dealers around the country. NHRA racing allows fans to get close to the action and watch as the teams prep the bikes for the next run. Victory will host hospitality areas to allow owners to feel the heat from these powerful machines. NHRA racing is an experience like no other.
Both Matt and Angie are fan-friendly and enjoy sharing their experiences with their fans and increasing the enthusiasm for this exciting form of motorcycle racing. As Victory ambassadors, they will bring even more energy to our owners and strengthen their sense of pride while riding their Victory motorcycles to the races.
The NHRA Pro Stock season opens on March 13th at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL. Join Victory Factory Racing at the dragstrip for some high-speed racing that will make your head spin!
The 2015 Victory motorcycle lineup features premium cruisers, baggers, and touring models that provide riders with industry-leading performance, comfort, style, cargo space, and reliability. Also available is the new 2015 Victory Magnum, the factory custom 21” wheeled bagger with serious attitude and uncompromising attention to detail.
For more information: www.victorymotorcycles.com
I agree that it would have been nice to see the Indian brand name on the racer. While the current Indians are high end cruisers, the rivalry with Harley would have been great to build upon, and that logo would have driven the apparel sales through the roof. Maybe if they see some success they may add the logo.
In reality it won’t matter one single iota what the ___ badge they stick on the side of the thing . Fact is Victory/Polaris/Indian’s coming into the NHRA’s game just as the game is about to implode on itself due to its own stupidity , arrogance and being completely out of touch with its fans
Too little . Way too late . And when it comes to the pretentious Victory/Polaris/Indian brands who the ____ gives a rats @$& anyway ? I know for a fact Harley Davidson sure doesn’t
I’m not a biker at all but this sounds like good news sponsorshipwise for Matt and Angie who are two good people that deserve a boost in their program.
Wow. I’m speechless, this is Awesome News. Congrates to Angie, Matt and team Vic..
This is just a continuance of NHRA pushing the Japanese inline fours out of the way so Harley Ferguson could be crowned champ. What a crock, no different than the AMA punishing the Honda twins in flat tracking. Bully it up y’all………
Hi from the press release I saw it said that the bike’s were using the S&S motors from Matte 2014 bike’s so if it’s not a Victory based motor how can it compete in pro stock? Smells of money talk to me!!
An earlier announcement said they would run S&S engines until they developed their own engine. No matter who builds the engine or what name they put on it, it is still a V-twin that has to be allowed more cubic inches to compete against the Suzukis. Good or bad, it is just a matter of a year or two before the Japanese bikes will be history in PSB.
good it only shows that the class is worth investing in ,to future sponsers, bring back the bikes to BRAINARD, we love the bikes
Question is what is going to be the weight of Victory P/S M Matt & Angie Smith going use