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Polaris Inc. just announced its decision to “separate Indian Motorcycle from its portfolio and into a standalone business.”
The 2022 Rallye du Maroc winner Skyler Howes was just 35 seconds behind his teammate Ricky Brabec in the fast, open farm tracks of the Prologue.
Ricky Brabec Wins The Prologue, Sets The Stage For The Rallye du Maroc
Rally legend Ricky Brabec set the pace as the Rallye du Maroc officially got underway today with a 19-kilometer Prologue around the city of Fez.
Shifting Gears
Back in the saddle: BAKER Drivetrain has engaged V-Twin industry veteran James Simonelli to drive innovation at the industry leader in American-made motorcycle drivetrains.
“My job is helping dealerships win with co-op and marketing that moves units,” says Carl Peshoff the new Director of Powersports at Corkboard Concepts. Peshoff came to DealerConnect to spread the word that he had officially joined Corkboard Concepts.
Promoting from within: Matt Heitmann — chief marketing officer for Scott USA — is moving up the ladder and going global!
Just before new CEO Artie Starrs starts on October 1, Harley-Davidson, Inc. has appointed two new independent directors, Daniel Nova and Matt Reintjes to its Board of Directors effective September 15, 2025.
“After four incredible years, it’s time for me to say goodbye to LiveWire,” says Lead Industrial Designer John McInnis.
Can't win 'em all? After taking the Prologue at the Rallye du Maroc, 2X Dakar Rally winner Ricky Brabec had a tough Stage #1 today. "I started out way too calm, no nerves were running, just kinda took it way easy the first nine kilometres and it definitely hurt me." he admits. "I tried to make up for it and pushed after kilometre 30, but I just was struggling this morning, a little bit sleepy, took off a little bit too calm and just tried to make it through and up and over the mountain on these baseball sized rocks. This is the first time in two years I’ve made it back to the bivouac on Stage #1, so overall I’m gonna take the small win and just get rid of how the overall results are today... "Tomorrow’s another day. I’m happy to be at the bivouac and ready to go for Stage #2.
As the Rallye du Maroc Prologue winner, Ricky Brabec opted to start 14th on the road, but just 31 km into the stage he lost 2’46” and spent the remainder of the day working to minimize the damage to his overall position. His relentless charge through the field saw him finish 4th, 5’43” behind stage winner, but despite the setback, the American remains upbeat and focused on tomorrow’s stage, where he’ll look to close the gap to the front runners.
HOWES CLOSES THE GAP A long day in the saddle saw the man in black cowboy hat closes the gap at the Rallye du Maroc: Stage 1 - P6. “It feels good to finally be racing in the open desert," exclaimed Skyler Howes. "Today was a long one. Really fast, slippery, some big dangers and some good navigation. I had a crash early on that twisted up the bike and then later on made a decent nav mistake so I lost a good chunk of time. But I really enjoyed the stage and being back on the legit Rallye raid style. We have some areas to improve and I’m stoked to keep working with the team"
DEALERS DISCOVER DEALERCONNECT 2026 #ColumbusDay is the perfect time for Dealers to ‘discover’ what they missed in Columbus at #DealerConnect this year,” says National Powersports Dealer Association founding Board Member and co-emcee, Gail Worth, “Dealer attendance was up 300% over last year and the program was priceless.” In addition to a flood of dealer attendees, 30 leading service providers and NPDA partners participated in the program. “Our dealer network thrives on fellowship — especially now. We have been siloed for too long. Let’s lean on each other, learn together, and elevate the entire industry. That’s what the NPDA is all about,” concludes Worth. “Together we are unstoppable!” Get the holeshot here: DealerConnect 2026 Sept. 20-22, 2026 Hilton Columbus Downtown Columbus, Ohio https://www.npda.org/dc25 Subscribe To #Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/connect-with-dealers/
BREAKING DEALER NEWS: Polaris Inc. Sells Indian Motorcycle! Polaris Inc. just announced its decision to "separate Indian Motorcycle from its portfolio and into a standalone business." According to the media release, "The Company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, an independent private equity firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Indian Motorcycle contributed approximately $478 million, or 7.0%, of Polaris’ revenues for the trailing twelve-month period ended June 30, 2025." “Polaris and Indian Motorcycle both stand to benefit from this deal, which will enable each business to move faster, deliver industry-leading innovation, and lean further into our respective market strengths,” said Polaris Chief Executive Officer Mike Speetzen. “For Polaris, the sale will further strengthen our focus on the areas of our portfolio that offer the strongest growth potential and allow us to accelerate investments in key initiatives and create wins with customers and dealers. It also will unlock greater long-term value for Polaris and our shareholders, with immediate value creation that we expect will become increasingly meaningful over time.” Speetzen continued, “Under Polaris’ ownership and investment, Indian Motorcycle has been re-established as a celebrated brand and major player in the global motorcycle market. With its current product portfolio, global dealer network, category expertise and manufacturing resources, the Business is well positioned to succeed as a standalone company with a dedicated focus on its industry. We were highly intentional and selective in our search and planning efforts for Indian Motorcycle’s next chapter of growth. In Carolwood, Indian Motorcycle has a partner that believes in building on the Business’ current momentum and supporting its next stage of success. We are confident and committed to making this a seamless transition for Indian Motorcycle dealers, customers and employees.”
CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK Preston Campbell moves up to 13th after Stage #1 of the Rallye du Maroc. Baja legend Johnny Campbell’s son is a chip off the old block, says Dealernews’ resident Rally expert Scot Harden. “I’ve been following the Rally du Maroc the last couple of days. I have a close affection for racing in Morocco as the Rally de Atlas was my first rally experience back in 1987. The following year i finished 2nd overall, top American against Europe’s best "This year I’m following the Americans and in particular young Preston Campbell. After today’s first long stage Ricky Brabec lies 5th overall, Skyler Howes 10 in 6th and Preston in 13th. Given how competitive it is right now and the level of talent it’s great to see Preston doing so well out of the gate. Wishing all the Americans a safe ride. Go #85!”
In Case You Missed It
With the 85th Anniversary on hand, the annual Sturgis Rally was one for the record books.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame reports that the 2025 Rally was its most successful to date, with record-breaking attendance, sales, and community support.
Windy City Motorcycle Company, one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealership groups in the Midwest, has been bought by “legendary” leaders Marc Ingwersen and Jerry Carillo, owners of Legendary Harley-Davidson Dealer Group.
MotoE Championship Paused, But Ducati To Persist With EV Development
