Revving up the excitement
Harley-Davidson shines at the sacred temple of the motorsport world
Words by Guilherme Veloso / Photography by Guilherme Veloso and Pablo Vaz
The Interlagos Festival 2024, held from June 6 to 9 in São Paulo, transformed Brazil’s most famous racetrack into a buzzing epicenter for the largest two-wheel experience event in Latin America. Drawing a record crowd of 135,000 enthusiasts, the festival offered a unique blend of high-octane excitement and immersive experiences. Harley-Davidson’s participation stood out among the many highlights, captivating attendees with the exciting reveals of the new CVOs, exhilarating test rides on the iconic circuit, and an epic parade.
Interlagos Festival is an annual four-day event filled with motor experiences, music, gastronomy, and championships. Riders, enthusiasts, and fans from all over Latin America come to São Paulo to live the dream of riding on the legendary Interlagos racetrack with the newest factory line-ups from H-D.
Harley-Davidson’s grand showcase
Harley-Davidson had a significant presence at the festival with a strategically positioned stand in the racetrack boxes – which are normally reserved for racing teams. The boxes were transformed into interactive displays showcasing their latest line-up, including the 2024 Street Glide®, Road Glide®, Sportster® S, Pan America® 1250, and the iconic Fat Boy®.
The brand impressed visitors with their sleek designs and powerful performance. However, the star of the show was the debut of the 2024 CVO™ Road Glide in Legendary Orange and the CVO Road Glide ST, an all-new factory performance bagger that attracted crowds and camera flashes.
“We are extremely excited to present our newest line-up here,” said John Klein, Harley-Davidson LATAM Director. “These models represent the future of Harley-Davidson, combining tradition and innovation into an extraordinary machine, and the test rides, especially at Interlagos, are a unique opportunity to experience this firsthand.”
Thrilling test rides
The stand-out feature at the Interlagos Festival was the opportunity for attendees to test ride all motorcycles of the latest line-up. On a dedicated track, visitors experienced the thrill of Harley-Davidson’s cutting-edge technology and robust performance firsthand. Guided by experienced and trained instructors, participants could feel all the power and agility of these impressive machines.
The long lines for test rides were a testament to Harley-Davidson’s enduring appeal and the excitement surrounding their new releases. Event attendees were thrilled to have the opportunity to test ride. “I saw the Breakout™ today at the booth, it’s a very stylish bike with insane torque,” commented Eduardo Cita. “So, besides seeing it up close and riding it, I’m about to seal the deal! I highly recommend it, it was sensational.”
Giuliana Mussoi adds: “First of all, I got my motorcycle license because I’ve always dreamed of owning a Harley®, and today, being here at Interlagos racetrack riding the Pan America was the realization of a dream.”
Dário Costa felt similarly: “It was such a thrill passing through Senna ‘S’ – I had driven through it before in a car, but it was the first time on a Harley. Totally awesome!”
Harley-Davidson’s presence was strengthened by appearances from brand ambassadors and influential figures in the motorcycle world. They took part in track sessions, sharing their passion and insights with the audience, further enhancing the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Engaging the community
In addition to test rides, Harley-Davidson further engaged the community with a spectacular parade featuring more than 2,000 Harleys. This event allowed loyal customers to ride their bikes on the legendary Interlagos track, creating unforgettable memories. The brand also set up a Motorclothes Boutique, offering exclusive apparel and accessories, enabling fans to take a piece of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle home.
“Having the experience of riding here was wonderful, and I want more, many more laps; it was fantastic!” enthused Nadia Vranjac.
The Interlagos Festival 2024 was a vibrant showcase of attractions, featuring everything from cutting-edge sport bikes to a museum spotlighting restored classic motorcycles. Competitive spirits were ignited with thrilling stages of the Brazilian Motocross and Flat Track Championship. Spectacular FMX shows enthralled the crowd with breathtaking aerial acrobatics.
Beyond the roar of engines, music played a crucial role in setting a festive mood. Renowned artists took to the stage, delivering live performances that had the audience dancing and singing along, especially during the barbecue open day where visitors savored a variety of selected cuts, celebrating Brazilian cuisine expertly prepared by talented grill masters.
For motor enthusiasts, it was a weekend dream come true, seamlessly blending speed, competition, entertainment, and gastronomy, providing unforgettable experiences, and Harley-Davidson’s presence was nothing short of spectacular. From exhilarating test rides of new models on the legendary racetrack to community engagement events and the attendance of industry influencers, the factory successfully captivated both loyal fans and new admirers alike. The festival underscored Harley-Davidson’s enduring legacy and innovative spirit, solidifying its presence in the motorcycle industry.
For those passionate about motorcycles, the Interlagos Festival proved to be an unmissable event, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year’s edition. We hope to meet you there.
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