The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle manufacturing unit race group completed the 2021 King of the Baggers season flying excessive. H-D rider Kyle Wyman not solely dominated the ultimate race at California’s Laguna Seca Raceway however topped the general standings by 25 factors when it was all stated and carried out. Following the post-race celebrations, nonetheless, the Motor Firm had one objective in thoughts – repeat in 2022.
To guard its KotB crown and newly-acquired number one plate, Harley pressed ahead with improvement and testing all through the low season. Each Kyle and Travis Wyman held again nothing, pushing themselves and the group to absolutely the restrict. By the point the 2022 season opener rolled round on the hallowed Daytona Worldwide Speedway, the manufacturing unit outfit was primed to defend its championship with full firepower.
As racing goes, although, not every thing went to plan. Indian Bike’s Tyler O’Hara nipped the race-one win from the Wyman Brothers on the line, whereas Jeremy McWilliams led an all-Indian podium within the weekend’s second race. The outcomes not solely left Harley on its again foot, however a mechanical concern for Kyle Wyman foiled any damage-control efforts. It turned out, Daytona was only a microcosm for the season to return, with the group experiencing ups and downs spherical after spherical.
The elder Wyman received his mojo again at Street Atlanta, seizing his first victory of the season. Not far behind, the youthful Wyman took his first checkered flag for the Bar and Defend only one spherical later at Wisconsin’s Street America. The group’s good-luck streak ran out in Minnesota, sadly, when Kyle Wyman’s Street Glide race bike spilled oil onto the observe. The ensuing harm and cleanup compelled MotoAmerica officers to disqualify the reigning champ from the penultimate racing, practically eliminating him from the title chase.
Even with out his wingman, Travis Wyman held his personal, ending second and catapulting to the highest of the rider standings. With simply three factors separating Travis Wyman from Indian’s Tyler O’Hara, the margin for error couldn’t be tighter and the stakes couldn’t be increased. As luck would have it, the heavens opened on the title-deciding race on the New Jersey Motorsports Park.
After trailing the main pack for the primary laps, the quantity 10 folded the entrance finish of his bike and the possibilities of successful the 2022 championship. O’Hara finally captured the highest prize, motivating H-D to return again stronger in 2023. Nonetheless, the group achieved blended outcomes on the Daytona season opener with three mechanical failures and one race win. For sure, Harley seems locked in one more drama-filled battle for the KotB throne in 2023.
