Three-Time Land Speed Record Holder Hopes to Set New Records at the Salt Flats
Valerie Thompson, 3-Time Land Speed Record Holder and owner/driver of the Valerie Thompson Racing Team, is set to compete at Speed Week (August 11-17) and the BUB Speed Trials (August 25-30) at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The team also plans to compete in the September 8-11 World of Speed event, pending additional sponsorship funding. This will be Thompson’s first time competing at Speed Week and World of Speed; the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) sanctions both events.
Thompson’s first visit to the Salt Flats was in 2005 when she ran in the ‘Run-Whatcha-Brung’ class, reaching a top speed of 153.561. Like many first timers at Bonneville, she left with a severe case of “salt addiction.” Keith Ball hired Thompson to drive the Bikernet.com sponsored Panhead Harley-Davidson in 2006 & 2007, setting new records both years. The 2011 BUB Speed Trials was her first Bonneville competition with a BMW S1000RR with sponsorship funding from CTEK Battery Chargers.
This year will be Thompson’s first time competing as both a team-owner & driver. “I am so fortunate to have support from great sponsors like Martech Services Company and CTEK. I’ve always used CTEK for my bikes since they make the smartest battery chargers in the world,” said Thompson. “I would not be able to achieve the level of performance I have this year without our sponsors, I can’t thank them enough for their loyalty and support,” added Thompson
One of Thompson’s goals since her first sojourn to Bonneville is gaining entry into the ‘Bonneville 200 MPH Club,’ which has fewer than 25 female members since it was formed in 1953. “I’ve driven the BMW to over 209 mph on a paved course, but exceeding 200 mph on salt is no easy feat, especially on just two-wheels. It would be a dream come true and a real honor to be a member of the 200 mph club at Bonneville,” stated Thompson.
To generate additional financial support, Thompson is utilizing GoFundMe.com to reach individuals who want to help the team set new land speed records. For details, visit http://www.gofundme.com/Valerie-Thompson-Racing.
