A motorcycle legend will return to his roots with Erik Buell exclusively riding back into the two-wheeled world of racing.

The news came from Harley-Davidson yesterday and follows the company's recent decision to discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line. Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop.

Buell will remain in East Troy, Wisconsin with the new company staffed by a veteran team of personnel. Erik Buell Racing will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, as well as providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.

Buell's passion for motorcycle racing dates back to his twenties when he rode in motocross and eventually became interested in road racing. He became an avid part-time road racer, taking to a Ducati in the AMA 'Superbike' class and a Yamaha TZ750 in 'Formula One', despite the aging race program at Yamaha.

Not only was Buell learning his racing skills, but he was creating his career by working as a motorcycle mechanic during the day and engineering student taking night classes at the University of Pittsburgh. Both would serve him well at his time at Harley-Davidson as an employee and later with an association with British engine manufacturer, Barton. Using Barton's engines and a redesigned chassis, Buell would go onto build a successful career as a privateer racer and create Buell Motorcycle company.

In the 1990's Harley-Davidson bought an interest in Buell's company, owning it 100% by 2003.
 
“I’m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying,” said Erik Buell. “We’ve got some exciting race development projects in the works and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.”

“I’m pleased that Harley-Davidson is assisting Erik in establishing this business to continue supporting the racing efforts he has had so much passion for over the years,” said Buell President and COO Jon Flickinger. “Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company will always be proud of their affiliation with Erik, and we wish him well in this new endeavor to support Buell racers.”