MotoGP has announced the schedule for the first-ever Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, set to run alongside the 2026 MotoGP season. This new series will feature six rounds, showcasing the popular Bagger racing style during grands prix weekends.
Details of the 2026 Bagger World Cup Schedule
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will launch at the Americas Grand Prix from March 27 to 29, 2026. Following this, the competition will continue at the Italian Grand Prix from May 29 to 31, and then at the Dutch Grand Prix scheduled for June 26 to 28. The British Grand Prix will host the fourth round from August 7 to 9, with the Aragon Grand Prix occurring from August 28 to 30. The final round will take place at the Austrian Grand Prix between September 18 and 20.
Each round will feature two races, involving multiple teams composed of pairs of riders. At least six teams are expected to compete at each event, with Harley-Davidson aiming to enter up to eight teams into the championship.
Background and Rising Popularity of Bagger Racing
The introduction of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup follows the successful integration of Bagger racing in the MotoAmerica Championship, where it has gained significant popularity. MotoGP’s strategy is to replicate this enthusiasm by adding Bagger races to the support program during grand prix weekends, thereby expanding the appeal of MotoGP Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup to a broader audience.
Previous participants in Bagger racing include well-known figures from MotoGP, such as Jeremy McWilliams and Bradley Smith, highlighting the competitive caliber this new series is expected to attract.
Harley-Davidson’s Vision and MotoGP’s Expansion
Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz praised the early response to Bagger racing after a demonstration in Barcelona, stating,
“So far the reaction [during a demo at Barcelona] has been extraordinary, a lot of positive feedback and shoulder-clapping of our racers, or our mechanics, and I think it’s a good sign so far from what we’ve seen that there’s definitely a lot of interest to create a new space outside of what MotoGP has been doing so successfully already.”
— Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson
With MotoGP now owned by Liberty Media, increasing the series‘ profile in the United States is a key strategic goal. Partnering with an iconic American brand like Harley-Davidson through the Bagger World Cup represents a deliberate effort to boost MotoGP’s footprint in the US market.
Access and Viewing Opportunities for Fans
American fans will benefit from easy access to Bagger racing, as all events will be available to watch for free on the new 24/7 MotoGP channel, which was launched during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. This availability aims to maximize exposure for the MotoGP Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup and attract new audiences to the sport.
By integrating Bagger racing into MotoGP’s grand prix weekends, the world of motorcycle racing gains a fresh element that combines classic American motorcycling heritage with the global platform of MotoGP. This approach could enhance fan engagement and diversify the competitive landscape in 2026 and beyond.
