The Torch is Lit: Northern Tool + Equipment Launches Legends Build: Student Challenge, a Harley-Davidson XR750 Inspired Motorcycle

Students from LaVergne High School in Tennessee will weld, wrench and paint their way to a one-of-a-kind flat track motorcycle - learning the trades, honoring legends and inviting you to follow along

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Northern Tool + Equipment announced the launch of the Legends Build: Student Challenge, a nine-month journey where high school career & technical education (CTE) students will transform a 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster into a XR750 inspired motorcycle under the mentorship of legendary racers and builders.

Only knowing they'd been selected for the project, but not knowing what they'd build, students were surprised to see legend Scott Parker ride in on a XR750 flat track bike, revealing they'd have 174 days to build a race-ready version themselves. This challenge shines a spotlight on one of America's most iconic and untamed racing traditions: American Flat Track. It's fast. It's fearless. It's raw mechanical mastery on two wheels.

"We were sure it was going to be a sprint kart. When they told us we'd be building a race bike, it blew our minds. It's insane," said one student builder.

The students won't be alone on this build; they will learn directly from some of the most respected names in racing and fabrication: Scott Parker, Chris Carr, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Billy Lane and many more!

"The students had their theories—some of them pretty wild—and they were all wrong," added Jason Bowers, the CTE teacher leading the class. "When we saw Scott Parker ride up on a flat track race motorcycle, we stood there with our jaws open. Our brains started spinning with questions forming. Now, we're starting to realize just how tough this sport is—and how much the motorcycle we're building matters to a racer's success."

To help the students get started, Northern Tool + Equipment, along with partners, American Flat Track, Bubba Boswell, Boswell's Harley-Davidson, DEWALT, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Milwaukee have decked out the school's shop class with tens of thousands of dollars in donated tools, equipment, parts and safety gear.

"At Northern Tool, we believe in putting tools in hands and confidence in hearts. The Legends Build is more than a motorcycle - it's a demonstration of how much the trades matter, that they're rewarding and that the next generation can carry this torch forward," said Frank Crowson, Chief Marketing Officer, Northern Tool + Equipment. "I love everything about this program and this project, including the fact that this year the torch will be carried by our first female build captain!"

The project is part of a growing legacy of trades-focused challenges created by Northern Tool + Equipment alongside icons of motorsport and fabrication. In 2023, Northern Tool partnered with NASCAR Legend Richard Petty and Billy Lane's Sons of Speed to introduce students to the art of building and racing, bringing national attention to the program. This year, that tradition continues— and grows—with former NASCAR Racer Kyle Petty also lending his support.

"Racing builds character, but building the bike builds a future," said Kyle Petty, racing legend and host of the YouTube series following the students throughout the build.

Fans, families and future tradespeople can subscribe to Northern Tool's YouTube channel for monthly updates from the school's shop. For the first time ever, the story will also be told through the eyes of the students. Armed with cameras, they'll capture the highs, lows, mistakes, inside jokes and breakthroughs of the build. Watch for student-created updates on social media.

The final bike will be revealed on June 6th at Tennessee National Raceway in an American Flat Track Legends exhibition race. After the race, the bike will be auctioned with the proceeds benefiting the Tools for the Trades^™ program, Kyle Petty's Victory Junction nonprofit and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

About Northern Tool + Equipment
Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving tradespeople, DIYers and makers for over 40 years with a wide selection of tools and equipment built for serious work. Through its experiential build projects, Northern Tool invests in the next generation of skilled workers by creating hands-on opportunities, connecting students with industry legends and spotlighting the value of careers in the trades.

Media Contact: Holly Steffl
Phone Number: 612.351.8312
Email: [email protected]
Website: northerntool.com

SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment