Speed News: On and Off the Flats
30. Sep, 2008 
4 Comments
On September 26, Rocky Robinson rode his “Ack Attack” bike through the Bonneville Salt Flats sensors at an average of 360.913 MPH, setting a new World Land Speed Record for a streamlined motorcycle during the invitation-only TOP 1 Oil World Land Speed Shootout at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. A small mechanical problem on Robinson’s first pass just slightly slowed the speed of the run, and his return run was ridden in nearly the same time. According to reports, the event was witnessed by an FIM official, but the record still awaits official FIM ratification, which should come in October.
Here’s another not-so-happy speed story that recently happened on the streets and highways of New Hampshire: A 19 year old rider was recently cited for reckless operation and disobeying a police officer. The teen was clocked doing 60 mph in a 35 mph zone on his motorcycle. When police pursued him he took off onto Interstate 95 where he was observed passing cars while riding on only the rear wheel of his bike. At least one other time during the pursuit he pulled another wheelie before being caught. Now here’s the part I don’t get; after pleading guilty to the first two charges a charge of speeding was dropped. He paid a $500 fine, got his license revoked for only 60 days and had his 90 day jail sentence suspended, depending on his good behaviour for one year. That’ll teach him a lesson! Yeah right.
Sam,
Land Speed Racing doesn’t seem to receive it’s due from the media. Iron Works is a big exception here. I became a real believer when I accompanied Paul Holdsworth in attendance at the BUB Speed Trials earlier this month. Paul filed a great report on BUB III in IW Aug of 2007. That led me to pester Paul into letting me pack along with him to the 5th installment of the BUB Speed Trials. For me one of the high points was meeting 81 year old competitor Bud Schmidt. He first ran on the Salt in 1955. He ran 157.2 mph on the Monster( a dual engined alcohol burning Knucklehead). Speaking of Knuckleheads & The Salt, I spoke with a prominent engine builder just minutes ago. He indicated that he is preparing a Knucklehead to accompany Bandit’s 160 mph Panhead at BUB VI next Sept. Stay tuned!
John
So John, do either you or Paul have some images you’d like to share? You can submit them using the Submit Event form or email them to me at bcarter@ironworksmag.com and I’ll be sure to add them to a gallery.
If you’d like to see some video of the run you can go to YouTube and see some of the action.
Sam,
All I can find is the 2007 Ack Attack crash. Could you provide us with a link.
Thanks
John