Two-wheeled time travel: Race a motorcycle like it’s the 1930s at the RSD Super Hooligan

By Ronan Glon November 19, 2015

Indian Scout — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the nation will meet in Las Vegas, Nevada, this weekend to watch the RSD Super Hooligan flat track race. Held in conjunction with the Superprestigio of the Americas race, the event is sponsored by Polaris-owned Indian Motorcycle.

The RSD Super Hooligan race traces its roots back to the 1930s when Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, an Indian Motorcycle dealer, began organizing hill climb races in Sturgis, South Dakota. The modern-day event is held indoors, but it nonetheless pays homage to the races that were held eight decades ago because riders of all ages and skill levels are allowed to participate on virtually any type of motorcycle, regardless of whether it’s stock or lightly modified. The only bikes that aren’t allowed in the event are custom-built race machines called framers.

Indian Motorcycle has teamed up with well-known racer and designer Roland Sands to build five custom bikes based on the 2016 Scout (pictured). The yet-to-be-unveiled Hooligan Scouts will be raced in the RSD Super Hooligan by Roland Sands himself, a Red Bull/KTM stunt rider named Aaron Colton, and three surprise guest riders whose names will be revealed right before the event.

Sands explains the Indian Scout is an excellent choice for riders looking to build a one-of-a-kind bike.

“The Scout is a great machine upon which to base a custom bike with modern rider-friendly performance. The engine and chassis are rock solid and don’t need a lot of work, so DIY customizers can focus on the aesthetic modifications,” said the rider in a statement.

The RSD Super Hooligan Race will take place at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on the evening of November 21st, though enthusiasts who can’t make it out to Sin City can catch all the action live on website FansChoice.tv. The stakes are high, because the winner will receive the keys to a brand new 2016 Indian Scout.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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