Indian Motorcycle Racing continued its dominating season, as the Scout FTR750 placed first and second at the Buffalo Chip TT. Jake Johnson (Estenson Racing) secured his first win on his privateer Indian Scout FTR750. Wrecking Crew rider and Reigning Champion Jared Mees finished the night in second place. Johnson’s win on the Indian race bike preserves the perfect season for the Scout FTR750, as the championship-winning race bike has topped the podium in every race this 2018 season.
The Main event, which may have been the most exciting of the season, saw several passes and lead changes. After the early 1-2 riders went down, Mees pulled out in front. Johnson tailed him closely for several laps, patiently waiting for his opportunity. Eventually, he slipped under Mees for the pass and continued to the checkered flag for his first-ever win on the Indian Scout FTR750.
“For the second straight year, the Buffalo Chip TT didn’t disappoint. It’s a challenging track set up and makes for incredibly entertaining bar-to-bar action,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Jake raced his tail off today, and we couldn’t be happier for him and the entire Estenson Racing team.”
Placing fourth and fifth were first-time Indian Scout FTR750 riders Hayden Gillim (Indian, Cycle World, S&S Cycle, Bell Helmets) and Bronson Bauman (Howerton Motorsports/Allstate Insurance/WPS). As Cycle World’s “Man in a Van with a Plan,” the Buffalo Chip TT marked Gillim’s first career Twins race – a race he won in 2017 riding the Singles class. Bronson Bauman finished the night in fifth aboard Bryan Smith’s factory Scout FTR750.
Through 12 races this season, Mees continues to control the leaderboard with 265 points, while Henry Wiles (Bandit Industries/Wilco Racing/Willy Built) sits in second with 180 points. Wrecking Crew rider Brad Baker still has the third-most points with 147 points. Baker continues to rehabilitate from an injury sustained during the X Games. Rather than having his motorcycles sit, Baker requested Bronson Bauman rides his factory Indian Scout FTR750s for the rest of the season.
The Indian Wrecking Crew and stable of privateers aboard the Scout FTR750 will continue its season with a quick turnaround at the Black Hills Half-Mile on Tuesday, August 7. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, backed by Allstate Insurance, the Indian Wrecking Crew and Scout FTR750, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. For information on purchasing a Scout FTR750, please contact Racing@IndianMotorcycle.com.
