Herfoss confirmed for KOTB title defence alongisde O'Hara and Baz

2025 King of the Baggers

Indian

Today, Indian Motorcycle announced the expansion of its Indian Motorcycle S&S Cycle factory team, adding French MotoGP veteran Loris Baz to the lineup, joining 2024 King of the Baggers Champion Troy Herfoss and two-time King of the Baggers Champion Tyler O’Hara. Once again, the team will do battle aboard the Indian Challenger, powered by the overhead-cam, liquid-cooled PowerPlus motor.

After another historic season in 2024, highlighted by the rapid emergence and dominance of Herfoss, the three-time Australian Superbike champion, Indian Motorcycle is putting even more emphasis and momentum behind its bagger-racing program for 2025, expanding the team and effectively creating the newest iteration of its historic Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew.

Troy Herfoss and Indian celebrated the KOTB crown in 2024 – Image by Ben Pearl

“The Wrecking Crew has long been a cornerstone of our brand, synonymous with the racing DNA that has been a part of our company since it was founded by two racers back in 1901, and we’re thrilled to continue that historic legacy with our factory team in the King of the Baggers series,” said Gary Gray, Vice President of Product Technology, Racing, and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Loris Baz is a proven winner, with experience at the highest levels of global road racing, but with critical experience in MotoAmerica and the tracks we run throughout the season. He’s been impressive on the Indian Challenger in our early testing sessions, and we’re excited by the notion of now having three amazing riders aboard the Indian Challenger at every race this season as we collectively chase another championship.”

Troy Herfoss (17) wheelies his way across the finish line after winning the Mission King Of The Baggers race at Mid-Ohio in 2024. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

Returning to defend his King of the Baggers crown is Indian Motorcycle-S&S No. 1 rider Troy Herfoss. In his first year piloting the S&S Indian Challenger, the three-time Australian Superbike champion podiumed all but three races in 2024, securing a class-leading seven wins, seven second-place finishes, and one third-place finish.

Returning for his sixth season aboard the S&S Indian Challenger is No. 29 Tyler O’Hara. A two-time King of the Baggers champion, O’Hara won the class’ inaugural race in 2020 and repeated as champion in 2022. O’Hara’s fearless approach and seasoned experience racing baggers makes him a fierce competitor in this year’s King of the Baggers field.

Rounding out the Indian Wrecking Crew is French road racer Loris Baz. Baz’s dynamic riding style and proven resume makes him a formidable force on the track. The Frenchman has competed in premier series such as MotoGP, World Superbike, and most recently within MotoAmerica’s Superbike class. He’s earned a reputation as a versatile and skilled rider, known for his adaptability. Baz has achieved success across various racing disciplines, including his time in the European Superstock 1000 Championship, where he clinched the title in 2008. With his international pedigree and history of success, Baz is set to make a powerful impact in King of the Baggers.

“The King of the Baggers series has had my attention since it began, and to be a part of it as a member of the legendary Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew is truly an honour,” said Baz. “Racing Superbike, I’ve seen first-hand what Troy and Tyler have accomplished aboard the S&S Indian Challenger, and I’m thrilled to be joining this championship team as we chase another title together in 2025.”

Adding to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is supporting two satellite teams for 2025. Steve Delorenzi has enlisted Cameron Petersen to pilot the SDI Racing Indian Challenger, while Kyle Ohnsorg will compete on the TAB Performance Racing Indian Challenger.