Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/786372
FEATURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON AFT TEAM P84 Hines, has been involved in various disciplines of motorcycle racing, from drag racing to road racing and now a full-time role in flat track. "I have to tell you we're really excited," Vance said. "Byron [Hines] and I both kind of feel like we did back when we started our company about the passion and the desire of every- body to get to work and get things done and get going and just the competitive juices that everybody has flowing. So it's something that I want to be doing. I'm really fortunate, Byron and I both, to be able to be in this position with Harley-Davidson." Vance & Hines was already involved with the development of the XG750R, but in 2017 their role will increase to handle the operation of the factory team. "Basically Scott [Beck] and the guys at Harley-Davidson trusted me to assemble the team, organize the team and make sure that the team represents the motor company in the best way that we can; not only to the race fans but also to the dealer and anyone that is involved with flat track racing," Vance said. "So that's what we're going to try to do, much like we've done in a number of the racing things that we've been involved in [in] the past, such as our NHRA drag race involvement." The one thing that both Vance & Hines are programmed for is winning. They may be new to flat track, but with multiple champi- onships in drag and road racing, their reputation precedes them. They intend on carrying that suc- cess to flat track. "We want to win," Vance said. "We want to be competitive. We want to be continually pushing the envelope as far as technology and testing and professionalism. So I think Harley-Davidson has put us in this position for a reason. I think we've demonstrated that we can handle that. We're definitely very green at the flat track business and we know that and we always have a lot to learn, but we're going to continue to try to do the very best we can and make sure that we are the most competitive race team that's at AFT events in years to come. That's our goal and we're going to do everything we can to achieve it." Similarly, Harley-Davidson is happy to have Vance & Hines to help advance their effort. "Well, I couldn't be more excited, to be honest with you, be- cause I've seen the success that they have brought operationally, interfacing with our product de- Former Harley- Davidson teammates— Scott Parker (left) and Jay Springsteen (right)—are a big part of Harley- Davidson's flat track legend. "We want to be competitive. We want to be continually pushing the envelope as far as technology and testing and professionalism." – Terry Vance