“You can’t really talk about S&S Cycle without talking about racing and history,” says S&S Cycle VP of Core Product & Chief Race Engineer Jeff Bailey. He’s right, and he would know. Bailey joined S&S in 1999 and has ridden or worked on about every kind of high-performance machine S&S has worked on in the past three decades. He led the development of the successful Indian FTR 750 flat tracker, the X-Wedge engine, and a range of other performance products. Bailey is also a competitor, holding two AMA National Land Speed Records on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the 3000cc M/PG and 3000cc MPS/PG classes (2012)

Starting in the early 1950s, George Smith, Sr., developed and built components and engines that worked better than most comparable products. Smith’s 1939 Harley-Davidson EL was the showcase for his skill as a designer and tuner, and its performance got noticed. The EL’s displacement was boosted from 61 cubic inches to 80, and the machine became known as Tramp. With it, Smith became a dominant competitor in motorcycle drag racing in the Chicago area. Later, the bike and other versions also set numerous land speed records.

Stanley Stankos, a competitor and friend of Smith’s, was also making headlines at the strip, and together they created S&S Cycle in 1958. In 1959, Smith bought out Stankos’ share of the enterprise, and Smith’s wife, Marge, joined as a partner.

Initially, high-performance internal engine components were the heart of the product line. By 1966, S&S introduced its first carburetor. Operations were moved to Viola, Wisconsin, in 1969.

In the years since, S&S Cycle has collaborated with and supported some of the top names in racing, including Warner Riley, Dan Kinsey, Denis Manning, and top brands such as Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Royal Enfield. Now S&S Cycle has launched new Racing Contingency Programs and Racing Department to support and collaborate with many more racers.

Competitors in various series can compete for nearly $50,000 in S&S contingency money in 2026. “We’ll support competitors whether they run in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing, King of the Baggers, BRL, Bonneville, and grassroots drag racing,” Bailey explained. He went on to say riders can expect new product launches, availability of race-tested parts, track updates, and revisiting successful past performance components.

To be eligible, the race bike must use S&S Cycle engines or engine components, drivetrain or exhaust system components. The race bike must also have a clearly visible six-inch S&S Cycle decal on each side. The rider’s competition leathers must display an authorized S&S patch on the upper sleeve or front upper chest. The racer must also mention or thank S&S on the podium, and generate at least one video short about the rider’s race program during the race season. All required patches and decals, plus an S&S cap and t-shirt, will be provided before the racing season. To get the starter packet and more information, email S&S.

After each event that the competitor places on the podium, the racer will complete the contingency form, submit a high-quality photo of the race bike with the S&S Cycle logo, a signed W-9, and a valid US address. S&S Cycle will send a check within 30 days.

S&S Cycle Per-Race Contingency Plan