Jared Mees Captures Thrilling Last-Lap Mile Victory to Tie Fellow Indian Rider Bryan Smith in Overall Points at 152 Apiece
LEXINGTON, KY (JUNE 5, 2017) – Indian Motorcycle Racing and the Scout FTR750 remain undefeated once again through seven races. Jared Mees’ first place finish now ties him with fellow Indian rider Bryan Smith at the top of the points pole with 152 apiece, and continues Indian’s streak of securing at least two podium placements in each race this season.
The Scout FTR750 and Indian Wrecking Crew proved resilient during the first race in which Indian was nearly knocked off the top position. Mees employed the strategy of mile expert Smith by drafting from second position only to pull a last second outside pass on the final lap to inch out Sammy Halbert by 0.013 of a second for the checkered flag. Indian’s Brad Baker and Smith duked it out throughout the race to finish third and fourth respectively.
“It feels good to get back on the top of the podium,” said Mees. “This has been a season of firsts for me – I was the first to win on the Scout FTR750 at the season opener in Daytona, which was also my first time winning a TT and a season opener, so it’s only fitting I’m the first to win here at the inaugural Red Mile and be tied for first with Bryan.”
Mees is now the only rider in the series with a perfect podium record intact on the season. Although tied atop the points standings, Smith holds the tiebreaker with four wins to Mees’ three. Baker, who took third at Red Mile, sits in fourth with 92 points, 17 points off third place.
“This streak is a testament to the incredible capabilities of the purpose-build Scout FTR750 and the modern day ‘Wrecking Crew’ we’ve assembled,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Product Development for Indian Motorcycle. “Jared and Bryan are fierce competitors, and once again their rivalry is taking center stage this season.”
Indian Motorcycle Racing, backed by Allstate Insurance, will look to continue its incredible run as American Flat Track heads to the OKC Mile in Oklahoma City, OK, on June 17.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
