Daytona Podium for Troy Herfoss in Baggers Opener

Herfoss converts pole position into a strong second place behind Hayden Gillim as Indian go 1–2

Troy Herfoss started from pole for the opening eight-lap Mission King of the Baggers race at Daytona, with Bradley Smith and Kyle Wyman alongside at the front and Hayden Gillim and Rocco Landers leading the next row. When the lights went out, Wyman’s Harley-Davidson launched hard – despite a moment of wheelspin – and led the field into Turn 1, while the Factory Indian pair of Herfoss and Gillim quickly settled into pursuit.

The banking brought the Indians into play almost immediately. Gillim used the draft to move ahead of his teammate and, working the slipstream, the pair closed Wyman down by the end of the first lap. From there the lead group yo-yoed as the draft effect repeatedly compressed the front runners, with Herfoss staying in the fight as the order shuffled and Gillim began to look increasingly comfortable controlling the pace.

Further back, Landers’ charge ended with a mechanical issue that forced him out, while Bradley Smith kept pushing to stay in touch as the laps wound down and the contest tightened into a three-way fight behind the leading Indian.

On the final lap, Gillim had the measure of the field and brought the #69 Indian home for the win. Herfoss drove hard onto the banking to secure second and complete a Factory Indian 1–2, while Wyman held off a late challenge from Smith to claim third, with Smith fourth and James Rispoli rounding out the top five.

Kyle Wyman – Third Place
“Definitely left it all out there. There was that part in the race where Troy made a mistake and I got around him. I was really trying to build a gap and I completely screwed that up. I just made a mistake going into that international horseshoe. I think I could have been second today. Hayden was gone before I even knew where he went. We got to do some work and see if we can get a little more infield pace for the afternoon in these hot conditions. But the Harley-Davidson DynoJet Factory team is giving me a great bike this weekend. I think I’ve been the one to put us on the back foot, so let’s see if we can do some work tomorrow.”

Troy Herfoss – Second Place
“I’ve got an incredible engine underneath me. This Indian Challenger is fast. The only reason I’m finishing in second place today is because that engine took me to the line. Luckily for all you Indian Challenger supporters, Hayden was out there showing what it can actually do in the corners. Unsure what he was able to do there, but I’m so happy for the whole team. We’ve got some great partners this year. I want to thank JP Cycles, Vance and Hines, and Motul Oil. Aside from that, I want to just thank the team for bringing me in. They don’t know me yet, and they’ve done such a good job to make me comfortable. I just keep asking questions. It’ll stop. I’m looking forward to having a beer with you guys on Sunday, because after a couple of beers, everyone knows each other better.”

Hayden Gillim – Race 1 Winner
“Man, that was something special. That was cool. That was a lot of fun. I had no idea I was by myself. So the whole time I’m pushing, just waiting for those guys to come by me. I know they were going to be fast enough to be there. But man, this whole J&P Cycles, Motul, Vance and Hines Factory Indian is awesome. I’m having a blast. What a way to start with a Mission Challenge win and a first place in Daytona. This is my first win at Daytona, so I’m pumped.”

KING OF THE BAGGERS DAYTONA RACE 1