Argomenti trattati
The renowned Australian engineering team, Irving Vincent, has announced its participation in the MotoAmerica Super Hooligan series at Daytona Bike Week in 2026. This event marks a notable milestone, as it has been 18 years since the team secured a historic victory at the same iconic venue during the Battle of the Twins.
Founded by brothers Ken and Barry Horner, Irving Vincent made a name for itself in motorcycle racing in 2008 when Craig McMartin piloted their meticulously crafted air-cooled V-twin to victory at the Daytona International Speedway. Nearly two decades later, the team remains committed to competitive racing, actively participating in club-level competitions and conducting rigorous testing to ensure their current machines can compete with the latest models.
Preparing for the challenge
Ken Horner emphasized, “We needed to assess our capabilities and determine if we can compete effectively. The answer is a resounding yes.” The team will participate in the Super Hooligan category with a single entry, despite having developed two unique motorcycles for this endeavor.
Innovative engineering
Both motorcycles prioritize performance and durability. One model is equipped with a robust 1620 cc air-cooled V-twin, while the other has been enhanced to 1760 cc to handle the challenges of Daytona’s high-speed environment. The engineering team in Melbourne focuses on ensuring reliability, optimal cooling, and stability for the banked turns of the racetrack.
The eligibility of the Irving Vincent platform has received confirmation from MotoAmerica, allowing its two-valve air-cooled engine to compete in this prestigious series. The regulations favor air-cooled motorcycles, promoting diversity on the starting grid, as highlighted by Horner.
Team composition and logistics
A talented Australian rider, Beau Beaton, will pilot the Irving Vincent bike during the Daytona event, with Craig McMartin returning as Beaton’s crew chief. McMartin, instrumental in the team’s landmark victory in 2008, will once again experience the excitement of Daytona alongside the team.
Strategic operations in the U.S.
Supporting their operations is the Horner brothers’ engineering firm, K.H. Equipment, which operates a facility in Houston, Texas. This location will serve as a logistical hub for the Daytona campaign, ensuring efficient transportation of all equipment to the event. “Houston becomes our operational base,” Horner stated. “Containers will be dispatched directly to Houston, and from there, we can conveniently transport everything to Daytona. After the race, we’ll evaluate our future racing opportunities.”
Irving Vincent’s return to Daytona in 2026 represents a carefully orchestrated strategy that capitalizes on the team’s extensive experience and a motorcycle platform specifically optimized for the distinct challenges of road racing.
The legacy of Irving Vincent
Irving Vincent, named in honor of the renowned motorcycle engineer Phil Irving, exemplifies the innovative spirit of Australian engineering. The team designs modern racing motorcycles that draw inspiration from the classic Vincent V-twin, ensuring each machine is meticulously crafted for precision and performance. In addition to competing in MotoAmerica, Irving Vincent participates in elite sidecar racing events, highlighting their diverse engineering expertise.