Military Power Launch for Vance & Hines Pro Stock
Patriotic Stars and Stripes are directed at generating a nonprofit donation.
Flowing Reveal
Aftermarket parts giant Vance & Hines just dropped some 'shock and awe' of its own with a stunning new patriotic look for their NHRA Pro Stock series bikes. The VO2 Military Power Series Program reveal fittingly coincided with the 2021 Veteran's Day weekend, but Harley-Davidson badging was conspicuously absent amidst the flowing stars and stripes.
Money Sense
Fans of Pro Stock Motorcycle racing may well remember that the longstanding partnership between Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines was dissolved almost a year prior. Terry Vance elaborated on the breakup in a Thunder Press article titled Splitsville! “It really all boils down to numbers. That’s why things ended. Right now, spending money on racing just doesn’t make financial sense for Harley-Davidson.”
Veterans Picture
Perhaps startling to enthusiasts, Vance & Hines decided to pair with Suzuki after the Bar & Shield divorce. Maybe even more shocking is that V&H has now also saddled up with Buell—in its new incarnation, EBR Motorcycles. However, the racing relationship termination does not completely cut Harley-Davidson owners out of the picture—especially veterans.
Official Recognition
In its press release, Vance & Hines explained that the “The VO2 Military Power Series is a line of air intake products recognizing five branches of the US Military and supporting the Children of Fallen Patriots, an organization that provides educational resources to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.” The military logos are officially licensed.
Best Years
The new look and subsequent air intake products honor the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Vance & Hines will donate $50 from each product sold to a worthy charity. With the good cause in mind, Vance thanked the Motor Company for twenty years of collaboration, stating that “Harley-Davidson has been one of the best partners we’ve ever had.”
Network Factor
The Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines separation comes on the heels of a number of changes for both companies. Partly driving the relationship split was the Motor Company's decision to kill production of the Street 750—the base machine for the Pro Stock series since 2017. Another factor was a move to redirect racing support to its entire dealer network through contingency programs.
Natural Involvement
For Vance & Hines, moving on comes with the development of two new engines. First is a Suzuki-based racing engine, applicable to several drag racing classes. The other is the VH160VT, a 60-degree V-Twin with pushrod-driven valves, specifically designed for use with the NHRA-approved Buell 1190RX bodywork. Mike Kennedy, president of V&H, called the developments “a natural extension of our company’s involvement in motorcycle drag racing.”
Duty Donation
Vance & Hines has saddled up with J&P Cycles as the exclusive seller of V02 Military Power Series products. Both companies expect to donate about $100,000. Founded in 2002, the Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. They have served hundreds of military families to date.
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