The 2026 Biltwell People’s Champ custom motorcycle build-off returns with fierce global talent and grassroots horsepower. Designed to spotlight up-and-coming builders outside the Born-Free Invited Builder ranks, the democratic vote selects the Final 6 before riders bring their choppers to legendary Cook’s Corner, California, on June 26, 2026. Online voting wrapped February 16, 2026 and the people have spoken.
Final voting goes down online between June 22–26, 2026.
Expect high-stakes builds, real-world riding tests, and the crowning of the Champ at one of moto-culture’s most anticipated events.
Brittany Conard – 1974 Cone Shovel | Texas, USA
Brittany Conard (@thebcon) brings raw emotion and fearless first-time engine work to the 2026 Biltwell People’s Champ with her 1974 Cone Shovel. From hardtail fabrication to a handmade exhaust, this Shovelhead chopper proves grit and heart and a lot of patience still defines custom motorcycle culture.
Chris Hatton – 1980 Shovelhead | Wales, UK
Chris Hatton (@chrishatton___) transformed a 1980 Shovelhead and some tubing into a fully molded, hand-shaped chopped masterpiece. Featuring a single-loop frame, oil-in-fender design, stainless exhaust, and custom metalwork throughout, his People’s Champ build pushes traditional British chopper craftsmanship into bold new territory.
Eric Simonson – 1962 Panhead Bonneville Special | California, USA
Eric Simonson (@Esoteric_Speed) handcrafted nearly every component of his 1962 Panhead Bonneville Special. Yes, you read that right: Panhead. Bonneville. Special. Blending multiple makes–BSA, Harley-Davidson, more–this metal-finished, zero-body-filler custom features a 23-inch wheel and handmade controls—a rider-built tribute to vintage performance at the 2026 People’s Champ finals.
Jack Weidmayer – 1981 STD Panhead | Pennsylvania, USA
Jack Weidmayer (@weak_weld) turned a $2,000 Shovel project into a radical 1981 STD Panhead chopper defined by signature plexiglass windowed fins and a custom hardtail. With professional paint, handcrafted brackets, and PA hustle, Jack’s People’s Champ could be the crowd fave.
Ryder Leavitt – 1969 FLH | Utah, USA
Utah’s Ryder Leavitt (@Ryderleavitt) cut a Paughco frame in half to create the perfect stretched stance for his 1969 FLH chop. Built in just five months, this is Ryder’s first full motorcycle build, which just so happened to be picked as one of the People’s Champ’s Final Six. Not bad, Ryder.
Tim Sneed – 1967 Generator Shovelhead | Maryland, USA
Tim Sneed (@mobtowncycle) delivers timeless style with this 1967 Generator Shovelhead chop. Backed by Mobtown roots and 28 years of greaseball culture, his People’s Champ build represents polished craftsmanship, community pride, and classic Harley-Davidson performance refined under real-world pressure.