In what proved to be an exciting weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) during MotoGP, Indian Motorcycle factory rider, and three-time Australian Superbike Champion, Troy Herfoss secured his first-career King of the Baggers (KOTB) class win aboard the S&S Indian Challenger. In his first season racing baggers, Herfoss has proved to be a fierce competitor for the series championship, sitting second overall through four races.
Starting the weekend off hot, Herfoss won the Mission Foods Challenge and its $5,000 prize. After two qualifying sessions, Herfoss earned a front row starting position for Race 1. Despite starting third on the grid, Herfoss found himself mid pack early in the race. Having never raced at COTA and learning the track by playing a video game, Herfoss put on a master class, as he maneuvered his way to the front of the pack and into a three-way battle heading into the final lap. Ultimately, it was Herfoss taking the win by .295 of a second. Herfoss was joined on the podium by fellow Indian Motorcycle factory rider and 2022 KOTB Champion Tyler O’Hara, who captured his first podium of the 2024 season.
“It’s an honor to be standing here today and get my first win at COTA during MotoGP,” said Herfoss. “It’s early in the season, and I’m getting more and more seat time aboard the S&S Indian Challenger. It’s an incredible motorcycle – fast and smooth, but at 620-pounds, it’s like nothing I have ever raced before. With each lap and every race, I learn something new and gain even more confidence.”
While it’s Herfoss’ first move into bagger racing, his S&S Indian Challenger and S&S factory team are no strangers to the competition – having won the 2020 inaugural race and 2022 championship title with O’Hara piloting. Herfoss’ skills, paired with O’Hara’s experience, S&S’ engineering, and the Indian Challenger’s performance, make him a legitimate competitor for the 2024 title.
To start his KOTB career, Herfoss has never missed a podium, adding three second place finishes and to his one win. Herfoss is firmly planted second overall, 10 points behind the lead and 24 points ahead of third.
MotoAmerica’s Mission King of the Baggers season continues at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta April 19-21.
The S&S Indian Challenger race team is sponsored by S&S, Progressive, Mission Foods, Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, and Performance Finance.
- From Indian Motorcycle Racing
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