MotoGP no longer just wants to appeal to European purists. It wants to conquer America. And for that, what better than Harley-Davidson? Following the announcement of the strategic partnership between Dorna Sports and Harley-Davidson at the end of 2024, the machine is truly starting up: MotoGP has unveiled the provisional weekend format for the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, which will debut with six rounds on the 2026 calendar. Yes, you read that right: baggers in the MotoGP paddock.
The category will not be a simple exhibition show. It will have its own structured program.
On most circuits, the weekend will unfold as follows: two 20-minute free practice sessions on Friday, 20-minute qualifying rounds the Saturday, Race 1 on Saturday (7 or 9 laps depending on the circuit) and Race 2 on Sunday (7 or 9 turns).
A compact, responsive format, designed to integrate into the MotoGP program without slowing it down.
The only exception: the Italian Grand Prix, where practice and qualifying will take place on Friday, and the two races on Saturday.
Six Grand Prix are targeted. Thus; the 2026 season of the Bagger World Cup will be contested during the Grand Prix of the Americas, Italy, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragon and Austria.
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A major strategic bet with Harley-Davidson for MotoGP
A clever mix between traditional MotoGP markets and strategic territories for Harley-Davidson.
The objective is clear: to strengthen the presence of MotoGP in the United States and to open Harley to the European public.
MotoGP has also confirmed the arrival of a new team: Niti Racingtraining Indonesian, which joins the provisional entry list. At this stage, the announced teams are: Niti Racing, Saddlemen Race Development, Garage Cecchini Racing, and Joe Rascal Racing. The latter has even obtained permission to field three drivers in 2026.
The complete list pilots will be revealed in the next weeks ».
This project goes far beyond simply creating an additional category. The MotoGP clearly seeks to expand its fan base in the United States, create a cultural bridge between motorcycle sport and American custom culture, and offer a radically different spectacle in the same weekend.
Massive machines, torque, sound, raw aesthetics… the contrast with MotoGP prototypes will be total. And that's precisely the point.
Some purists are already grinding their teeth. Others see it as a brilliant marketing ploy. What is certain is that Liberty Medium – now in charge – is already imprinting its vision: diversification, spectacle, international expansion.
By 2026, MotoGP will no longer just be the technological pinnacle of motorcycling. It will also become a cultural showcase. Harley-Davidson He fully intends to be the American star.
