Progressive AFT - News - Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on 2017 goals: “Obviously, the biggest goal is to win races, win the Championship.”

Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on 2017 goals: “Obviously, the biggest goal is to win races, win the Championship.”

January 30, 2017

He’s back! Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. has reunited with the Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Racing Team to help spearhead the brand’s bid for the Grand National Championship in the newly rebranded American Flat Track Series. The veteran joined the pro ranks in 1993 and has multiple wins and three Grand National Championships to his credit. We caught up with the “King of Cool” to talk about his return to the Harley-Davidson Factory squad, the teams new weapon – the XG750R – and his expectations for the new year.

It’s exciting times in the series with these new rules and the class restructuring. Also it’s the first time ever that there’s been six factory riders. How does it feel to be a part of that, to be one of those guys?

I’m super excited to reunite with the Harley-Davidson factory. It’s going to be cool. It’s going to be an awesome season for the team. We all get along good and we have good members of the team working on our bikes, so it should be good.

There are a lot of unknowns and you obviously again have a lot of experience, and Championship-winning experience. What are your goals and expectations for yourself going into this season?

Obviously, the biggest goal is to win races, win the Championship. That’s my goal. I set my goals pretty high but I’m confident that I can do it still. And to give Harley-Davidson a Championship – that’s my goal.

Have you had any time on the XG and what are your expectations with it this season?

Yeah, quite a bit of time on it. Did some testing. It’s awesome. With the new bike, the XG, it’s really good. There’s some really good features of the bike with the fuel injection. So it’s got a lot of potential. As of right now I think we have a bike to beat, really. I’m anxious to get on it.

How important would it be to you to be that guy to be the first winner on the XG?

It would be great. I’ve rode it quite a bit and the bike is good. I felt comfortable right off the bat. It’ll happen. I guarantee it. It’s just a matter of when. It would be awesome if I was the first one.