Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle Land Speed Record
The Bonneville Salt Flats, located in northwestern Utah, have been the site of countless land speed record attempts over the years. But perhaps the most iconic of them all is the motorcycle land speed record. Riders from all over the world have traveled to Bonneville in hopes of setting a new record and etching their name in the history books. In this article, we will take a look back at some of the most notable motorcycle land speed record attempts and the riders who made them.
The Early Years
The first motorcycle land speed record attempt on the Bonneville Salt Flats was made in 1914 by a rider named Bob Perry. Perry set a record of 78 mph on his Indian motorcycle. Over the next few decades, numerous riders attempted to break Perry's record, with varying degrees of success.
In 1937, a British rider named Eric Fernihough set a new motorcycle land speed record at Bonneville, reaching a speed of 169.73 mph on his supercharged Brough Superior. Fernihough's record stood for several years until it was broken by American rider Rollie Free in 1948.
The Rollie Free Era
Rollie Free is perhaps the most famous rider associated with the Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1948, Free set a new motorcycle land speed record of 150.313 mph while riding his Vincent HRD Black Shadow motorcycle. To achieve this record-breaking speed, Free famously stripped down to nothing but his swimming trunks and a pair of sneakers.
Free's record stood for several years until it was broken by Joe Petrali in 1951. Petrali set a new record of 150.979 mph on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. However, Free's daring and unconventional approach to land speed racing made him a legend in the motorcycle world, and he remains a beloved figure among enthusiasts to this day.
The Modern Era
In the years since Rollie Free and Joe Petrali set their records, countless riders have attempted to break the motorcycle land speed record at Bonneville. Among the most notable of these is Burt Munro, a New Zealand rider who set a record of 205.67 mph on his Indian motorcycle in 1967. Munro's record was later immortalized in the film "The World's Fastest Indian."
In more recent years, riders like Rocky Robinson and Chris Carr have set new records on their streamlined motorcycles. Robinson set a new record of 376.363 mph in 2010, while Carr reached a speed of 367.382 mph in 2006.
The Future of Land Speed Racing
The Bonneville Salt Flats remain one of the most iconic locations for land speed racing, and riders from around the world will continue to flock to this remote corner of Utah to push the limits of what is possible on two wheels. With advances in technology and engineering, it is likely that we will see even faster speeds achieved in the years to come.
But land speed racing is not without its challenges. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the impact of salt mining and other activities on the fragile ecosystem of the Salt Flats. As a result, efforts are underway to preserve this unique natural wonder and ensure that it remains a viable location for land speed racing for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle Land Speed Record is a testament to the human spirit of adventure and the never-ending quest for speed. From the early pioneers like Bob Perry and Eric Fernihough, to the modern-day record holders like Rocky Robinson and Chris Carr, the Salt Flats have played host to some of the most memorable moments in motorcycle racing history. As we look to the future, we can only imagine what new records and accomplishments will be achieved on this hallowed ground.
