Bagger World Cup: Archie McDonald pays tribute to his late brother in Assen

This weekend sees the third race weekend of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup take place in Assen. Following former MotoGP and Superbike rider Andrea Iannone’s spectacular debut on the racing Harley at Mugello – where he won the second race – former GP rider and two-time MotoE champion Jordi Torres is set to make his debut at the TT Circuit Assen.

After two race weekends, Australian Archie McDonald leads the overall standings. The event in Assen will be a special one for him and his team, Joe Rascal Racing. The team’s three riders will line up on the grid in the Netherlands with their bikes sporting a special livery, designed in collaboration with ‘Push for Better’, a mental health charity.

Im Gedenken an Toby McDonald

Foto: Harley-Davidson

The background: McDonald lost his brother Toby earlier this year. Since this tragic event, Archie has been campaigning to raise awareness of mental health. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of raising awareness of mental health, having constructive conversations and looking out for people who may be struggling.

Joe Rascal team manager James Tonna commented on the special livery of the Harleys: “This initiative is particularly close to the team’s heart. Earlier this year, our rider Archie lost his brother Toby due to mental health issues. Since then, Archie has been honouring Toby’s memory by taking part in the ‘Push-Up Challenge’, in the hope of raising awareness of mental health issues and encouraging people to look out for those around them. As a team, it was important to us to stand by Archie and support a cause that means so much to him personally. The livery for Assen serves not only as a tribute to Toby, but also as a platform to spread the message of ‘Push for Better’: mental health matters, and talking matters.”

Das Joe-Rascal-Team in Assen

Foto: Harley-Davidson

“By wearing these colours on the track, we hope to spark conversations worldwide, encourage people to reach out to their loved ones, and remind those who may be struggling that support is available,” James Tonna continued. “We’re proud to support Archie in his efforts and to use our platform to raise awareness of such an important cause.”