The Indian brand has been away from professional Flat Track racing for more than 60 years but its Scout FTR750 has taken the manufacturers’ title at its first attempt.
A second place finish for Jared Mees at the Peoria TT clinched the title for Indian. Teammates Bryan Smith and Brad Baker finished in fourth and fifth places.
Gary Gray, Vice President – Product at Indian Motorcycle, said: “Securing the Manufacturer’s Championship after 14 races is an unbelievable accomplishment. To return to professional flat track racing after more than 60 years away from the sport and win the championship on a brand-new Scout FTR750 race bike is a testament to all the hard work from the entire Indian Motorcycle Racing team.”
Indian has dominated, taking the title with four rounds still to go. Of 42 potential podium places, Scout FTR750 riders have filled 30.
Jared Mees leads the riders’ championship, 41 points ahead of fellow Indian Wrecking Crew rider Bryan Smith. Brad Baker is in third place, also on an Indian.
What’s the FTR750?
The FTR750 uses a Swissauto-developed, DOHC, water-cooled V-twin engine. Indian revealed the bike last year, shortly after Harley-Davidson unveiled its XG750R. The Harley breaks with years of tradition by using a water-cooled, DOHC engine. It’s derived from the firm’s road-going Street 750, while the Indian is currently a race-only design. But if Indian wanted to make a 750cc Harley rival, the FTR engine would be a good starting point.
