Indian Motorcycle Racing Sweeps 2017 American Flat Track Championship
“It’s been an unbelievable season with Indian Motorcycle. Since first testing the Scout FTR750 last year, I knew the bike was special and like nothing I’ve ever competed on,” Jared Mees said. “I greatly appreciate all the love and support from my whole team, all the fans, and of course my wife. It was a special season, and one I’ll look to top next year.”
New rule: If Indian Motorcycle Racing sweeps one more flat-track race, the Wrecking Crew has to announce itself as “housekeeping” and knock on its gas tanks before every race. That’s how often it’s cleaned house this season. It’s the price the team pays for sweeping the 2017 American Flat Track Championship after a six-decade hiatus.
Aboard the brand-new Scout FTR750 racebike, the Indian Wrecking Crew, consisting of Jared Mees, Bryan Smith, and Brad Baker, finished the 2017 season with 14 total wins, 37 podiums, and six podium sweeps. There are music labels with worse track records than that.
Mees, the 2017 Grand National Champion, finished the season just as he started it in March at the Daytona TT—on the top of the podium. The win at the American Flat Track finals in Perris, California, was Mees’ 10th of the season and set a new single-season record with 17 total podiums. Through 18 races aboard the Scout FTR750, Mees earned himself a career year and his fourth Grand National Championship.
Mees’ Wrecking Crew teammates Smith and Baker finished second and third, respectively. Smith reached the podium nine times, with four wins, three runners-up, and two third-place finishes. Baker tallied 10 podiums, despite being out with an injury and unable to compete in the final two races. He earned five runners-up and five third-place finishes.
“Countless hours from an incredible team went into building the premier Scout FTR750 racebike. And early testing showed we had something special,” said Gary Gray, vice president of product management for Indian. “Much of the credit goes to the Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew of Jared, Bryan, and Brad. We cannot praise these guys enough for all the work they put in during the season. It was a phenomenal year that vastly exceeded expectations, and we’re excited to carry this momentum to the 2018 season.”
Indian Motorcycle, backed by Allstate Insurance, secured the 2017 American Flat Track Manufacturer’s Championship. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing and the Indian Wrecking Crew, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
