GaadiWaadi –
Royal Enfield Sherpa FT Mk2 draws its engine from the same 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit that powers the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450
Gary Birtwistle showed early promise at the opening round in Roden, Netherlands before a retirement in one of the qualifying heats ended his chances of reaching the final – leaving the two-time British national flat track champion with a 20th place overall finish on Royal Enfield’s debut in the FIM Flat Track World Championship.
Royal Enfield’s entry into the series comes on the back of being ranked the world’s third strongest automotive brand in the Brand Finance Automotive Industry 2026 report – a recognition that shows the growing international stature of a manufacturer that has been building its global presence steadily over the past decade.
Motorsport participation has long been part of that strategy and the flat track championship adds a new competitive dimension to what has been an increasingly ambitious programme from the Chennai-based brand. The machine at the centre of this debut is the Sherpa FT Mk2 – a purpose-built flat track racer drawing its engine from the same 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit that powers the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450 on the road.
Full performance figures have not been released but the race specification is expected to produce considerably more power than its street counterparts given the demands of the discipline. The chassis and running gear are purpose built rather than derived from the road.
Birtwistle is a fierce competitor with extensive experience across Europe and the United States. Beyond his two British national flat track titles, he is a three-time Twins Championship winner including races aboard a Harris-framed Royal Enfield 797cc twin and the founder of the Dirt Craft race school. His familiarity with the Royal Enfield platform makes him a logical choice for this campaign.
The 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship runs to ten rounds across eight countries – significantly expanded from the six-round calendar of previous years. With nine rounds remaining, Royal Enfield and Birtwistle have enough time and opportunity to develop the Sherpa FT Mk2, accumulate data and work toward competitive results as the season builds.
The extended calendar is as much an advantage for a new entrant learning the series as it is a challenge in terms of sustained commitment. Royal Enfield’s involvement in the championship is a significant development for a series that has been gaining momentum with manufacturers, riders and fans and that the brand’s long history and global standing bring additional credibility.
The post Royal Enfield Debuts Himalayan 450 Based Sherpa FT Mk2 Flat Tracker appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.
