Joe Rascal Racing has officially named Australian teenager Archie McDonald as its first rider for the 2026 Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, marking a major step in both the team’s international ambitions and the young rider’s rapidly rising career…

Pic: Archie McDonald Racing

At just 19 years of age, McDonald brings an impressive background into the all-new global championship. The New South Wales native is a five-time Australian Flat Track Champion and has spent recent seasons competing across the ASBK Australian Superbike Championship while also gaining experience in Europe.

That blend of domestic success and international exposure made him an attractive prospect as the team begins preparations for the new series.The move will see McDonald transition from conventional superbike machinery to purpose-built Harley-Davidson bagger race bikes, a format that has generated significant excitement across the sport.

Team insiders believe his adaptability, race intelligence and outright speed will suit the demanding nature of bagger racing, where machine management and aggression are equally vital. The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will debut in 2026 as the first world championship dedicated to high-performance Harley touring motorcycles converted for competition.

Pic: Archie McDonald Racing

Backed by Harley-Davidson and MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports, the series will contest six rounds across North America and Europe, with two races scheduled at each event.

Pic: Dale Schmidtchen

The championship will begin alongside the Americas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas from March 27–29, before visiting renowned circuits including Mugello, Assen, Silverstone, Aragon and the Red Bull Ring.

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