Valerie Thompson - "World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer” to Attempt New World Speed Record at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) August 25, 2017 -- Valerie Thompson and AMA Hall Of Fame member Denis Manning return to the world’s fastest race course for the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials at the Salt Flats, August 26-31, on a mission to rewrite motorsports history by breaking the land speed record of 376.36 mph (605.69 km/h) with the famed Team “7” Streamliner (aka BUB 7).
Thompson stunned the racing world at last year’s trials with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.663 km/h) piloting the Manning designed “7” Streamliner on only her fifth run, becoming the first female rider over 300 mph and earning the Fastest Time of the Meet award.
The current record, set in 2010 by the Top 1 Ack Attack team, was formerly held twice by the Manning designed and built “BUB 7” Streamliner, setting the stage for an all out battle for the “world’s fastest motorcycle” title.
The quest for the title is being captured on film by P-51 Pictures and Executive Producer Dana Brown, creators of “Dust to Glory,” “On Any Sunday” and the award-winning “Out of Nothing” motorcycle racing documentary. P-51 crews have followed the teams for more than 12 months filming the land speed-racing documentary, “Rockets & Titans,” scheduled for worldwide theater distribution in 2018.
P-51 Pictures will utilize a crew of more than twenty technicians to film highlights of the speed trials both on and off the track. Asked if the movie related activity is a distraction, Thompson said, “Believe it or not, no. The film crew is very professional and easy to work with. More importantly, I’m delighted land speed racing will get a worldwide stage through this documentary. It’s excellent exposure for sponsors like TROON Inc., Vision Wheel, ilium Works, Wheels Through Time and who make it possible for us to chase our dreams.”
Thompson has seven land speed records on a variety of bikes ranging from Harley-Davidson to BMW's and is a member of six-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs. Breaking the current record would be her first in a streamliner.
“I set my first record at Bonneville in 2006 and fell in love with land speed racing where you can keep the throttle open and push the equipment to its ultimate limit. I’ve prepared for this moment since then, so I’m anxious to get back on the salt,” said Thompson. “With Denis Manning leading the best team I’ve ever worked with, I know the bike has the power. It all comes down to track conditions, weather and me hitting my marks,” stated a determined Thompson.
Manning started racing at Bonneville as a teenager, earning his first world speed record at age 24 as builder of Cal Rayborn’s 1970 entry, reaching a top speed of 265 mph. “I’ve pursued this dream with my family for over 40 years, a dream I hope to fulfill with Team “7” Racing and three generations of Manning’s,” said Manning. He added, “I’m confident we’ve properly prepared the vehicle, especially considering the expertise of Team “7” owners Jon Jans and Joe Harrelson who are ‘best in class’ machinist and builders. I know Valerie is more than ready. She dreams about Bonneville as much as I do.”
If seven is truly a lucky number, look for Thompson, Manning and Team “7” Racing celebrating a dream come true on the Salt Flats of Bonneville.
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Valerie Thompson Background
With only five runs in a streamliner, Thompson piloted the Team “7” Racing streamliner to top speed of 304.263 mph (489.6 km/h), at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, winning the “The Fastest Time of the Meet” award. She is the first female rider over 300 mph, earning the title of “Worlds Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer.” A seven-time land speed record holder and team owner/driver, Thompson fields her BMW S 1000 RR in select land speed competitions, earning membership in six different 200 MPH Clubs. Valerie became the first female appointed to the Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors in 2017 and recently formed a new NHRA drag racing team to compete in the Pro Stock Motorcycle series. Thompson’s many racing accomplishments led the worldwide press to creating her moniker, “America’s Queen of Speed.”
Team “7 Racing Background
The famed “7” Seven Streamliner, also known as the BUB 7, is an American-built land speed bike designed and created by American Motorcycle Association Hall of Fame member and mutli-time world speed record holder, Denis Manning. The vehicle held the world motorcycle speed record from 2006 to 2008 (350.884 mph) and again from 2009 to 2010 (367.382 mph). Team “7” Racing owners John Jans, machinist/builder and Joe Harralson, engineer/engine designer, continue utilizing Manning’s engineering prowess in the role of team leader, with the goal of reclaiming the world’s fastest motorcycle title for the third time.
Additional Information & Photos:
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials: https://bonnevillespeedtrials.com
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/World-Speed-Record-Attempt-2017
Valerie Thompson Racing (Official Website): http://www.valeriethompsonracing.com
Valerie Thompson Racing (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=valerie%20thompson%20racing
Valerie Thompson Racing (Twitter): https://twitter.com/valeriethompson
Valerie Thompson Racing (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/valeriethompsonracing
Team “7” Racing owners, John Jans (Machinist & Builder), Joe Harralson (Engineer and Engine Designer), Denis Manning (Team Leader & Bike Designer), Peter Manning, Jim Moser, Rich Voliva, Danny Weger, Arch Owens, Lou Fischer, Jeff Boyle, Glenn MacDonald, Dink Herdon, Corbin Boyle, Jack Manning, Eric Studer, Ray Garcia and Valerie Thompson (Rider)
Valerie Thompson, Valerie Thompson Racing, http://www.valeriethompsonracing.com, +1 (253) 225-2626, [email protected]
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