Category Archives: Valerie Thompson Racing

Quest for World’s Fastest Motorcycle Title leads America’s “Queen of Speed” and award-winning P-51 Pictures film crews to Australia

Quest for World’s Fastest Motorcycle Title leads America’s “Queen of Speed” and award-winning P-51 Pictures film crews to Australia

Seven-time record holder Valerie Thompson first female to attempt world’s fastest motorcycle record at Australia’s Lake Gairdner World Speed Trials

Scottsdale, AZ (Feb. 28, 2018) – Valerie Thompson and Team “7” Racing, led by AMA Hall of Famer Denis Manning, journey halfway around the world for their attempt to capture the world’s fastest motorcycle title at the 28th Annual Speed Week and World Speed Trials competition at the Lake Gairdner salt flats in South Australia, March 12-19. Continue reading Quest for World’s Fastest Motorcycle Title leads America’s “Queen of Speed” and award-winning P-51 Pictures film crews to Australia

World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer to attempt third world speed record for Denis Manning led Team “7” Racing

World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer to attempt third world speed record for Denis Manning led Team “7” Racing

Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials create worldwide film stage for Team “7” Racing and Valerie Thompson battling for World’s Fastest Motorcycle title

(Scottsdale, AZ) – August 21, 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.

Vision Wheel to Sponsor World Speed Record Attempt by Team “7” Racing and Valerie Thompson

Vision Wheel to Sponsor World Speed Record Attempt by Team “7” Racing and Valerie Thompson

World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer Receives Vision Wheel Support for Land Speed Record Attempt

Scottsdale, AZ (March 6, 2017) – Team “7” Racing welcomes Vision Wheel® as a new associate sponsor for their world motorcycle speed record attempt with award-winning driver Valerie Thompson. Team “7” will attempt making Thompson the fastest motorcycle racer in the world by breaking the current record of 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h) at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials competition August 27 – September 1, 2017 in Wendover Utah.

Thompson joins off-road racing legend Rob MacCachren, as part of Vision Wheels growing stable of company supported racing ambassadors. A seven-time land speed record holder and member of six different land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, Thompson re-wrote racing history at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.6 KMH) piloting the Team “7” Racing Streamliner. She is the first female rider over 300 mph, earning the title of “Worlds Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer.” Continue reading Vision Wheel to Sponsor World Speed Record Attempt by Team “7” Racing and Valerie Thompson

Valerie Thompson named first female member of Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors

Valerie Thompson named first female member of Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors

World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer Appointed to Prestigious Land Speed Racing Board

Pomona, CA. (Feb. 3, 2017) – The world’s fastest female motorcycle racer, Valerie Thompson, was appointed to the Bonneville 200 MPH Club board of directors during their recent meeting on January 28th at the National Hot Rod Association Museum in Pomona California.

Thompson is a seven-time land speed record holder, team owner/driver and member of six different land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs. She made history at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, winning the “The Fastest Time of the Meet” award with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.6 KMH) piloting the Team “7” Racing streamliner. Thompson is the first female rider over 300 mph, earning the title of “Worlds Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer.” Continue reading Valerie Thompson named first female member of Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors

Valerie Thompson shatters 300 mph barrier at Bonneville to become “World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer”

Valerie Thompson shatters 300 mph barrier at Bonneville to become “World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer”

Seven-time land speed record holder named world’s fastest female motorcycle racer with award-winning top speed of 304 mph at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

(Scottsdale, AZ) – September 5, 2016 – Valerie Thompson earned the title of world’s fastest female motorcycle racer on September 1 at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials with a blistering one measured mile average speed of 304 mph (489.66 km/h) riding the famous Denis Manning designed “7” Racing streamliner. Continue reading Valerie Thompson shatters 300 mph barrier at Bonneville to become “World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer”

Valerie Thompson Racing–America’s Queen of Speed to appear at Pomona’s 67th Grand National Roadster Show

America’s Queen of Speed to appear at Pomona’s 67th Grand National Roadster Show

7-Time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson and her 200+ mph BMW race bike to be featured in SCTA’s “Quest for Speed” tribute exhibit

(Scottsdale, AZ) – January 22, 2016 – Seven-time speed record holder, Valerie Thompson, will be a featured celebrity racer at the 67th Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona. Hand picked from a group of accomplished land speed racers, Thompson’s record setting BMW will be displayed in a special tribute area dedicated to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) named “Quest for Speed.” Continue reading Valerie Thompson Racing–America’s Queen of Speed to appear at Pomona’s 67th Grand National Roadster Show

Seven-time motorcycle land speed record holder Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA drag racing series and land speed racing in 2016

Seven-time motorcycle land speed record holder Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA drag racing series and land speed racing in 2016

America’s Queen of Speed combines forces with Star Racing and Chris Rivas for 2016 NHRA season

(Scottsdale, AZ) – Nov. 10, 2015 – Seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson plans to compete for a full season of NHRA drag racing next year with a Star Racing built Pro Stock Motorcycle as an independent team owner and driver. Thompson will also continue seeking new land speed racing records with her team’s BMW S 1000 RR at select events in 2016. Continue reading Seven-time motorcycle land speed record holder Valerie Thompson returns to NHRA drag racing series and land speed racing in 2016

Valerie Thompson Racing–America’s Queen of Speed returns to Texas Mile to break 217 mph barrier with new BMW Motorrad engine and Sena Bluetooth Communication Technologies

America’s Queen of Speed returns to Texas Mile to break 217 mph barrier with new BMW Motorrad engine and Sena Bluetooth Communication Technologies

Seven-time motorcycle land speed record holder Valerie Thompson ready to set personal best speed record with unique BMW powerplant while entertaining fans with new on-line technology Continue reading Valerie Thompson Racing–America’s Queen of Speed returns to Texas Mile to break 217 mph barrier with new BMW Motorrad engine and Sena Bluetooth Communication Technologies

Valerie Thompson Racing–America’s Queen of Speed to make special appearance at Eastside Harley-Davidson in Bellevue October 3

Valerie Thompson RacingAmerica’s Queen of Speed to make special appearance at Eastside Harley-Davidson in Bellevue October 3

Seven-time motorcycle land speed record holder Valerie Thompson will meet fans at the site of her first motorcycle purchase
(Scottsdale, AZ) – September 30, 2015 – Seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson will return to Eastside Harley-Davidson in Bellevue, Washington where she purchased her first motorcycle to sign autographs from noon to 4 p.m. on October 3.

Thompson will also make an appearance at the Eastside Harley-Davidson booth at the Microsoft Car and Bike Show at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond on October 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thompson recently became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club with a top speed pass of 201.2 mph on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK sponsored BMW. Thompson has recorded a top speed of over 217 mph on her BMW S 1000 RR and is a member of five different land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, including the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club. As a result, she is often referred to as “America’s Queen of Speed.”

“This appearance is very special for me. I bought my first bike, a 1999 1200 Custom Sportster, at Eastside Harley-Davidson in 1999. I also worked with Sebastian Bularz, who is now the General Manager at Eastside Harley-Davidson. He’s been a good friend and avid supporter of my racing career for many years,” said Thompson. “I’m also looking forward to seeing many friends at the Microsoft Car and Bike show, especially since it benefits the United Way,” added a smiling Thompson.

Eastside Harley-Davidson is located at 14408 NE 20th Street in Bellevue, Washington. For additional information, call 425-702-2000 or visit eastsideharley.com

Valerie Thompson Racing–America’s Queen of Speed becomes first female member of Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club with 201.2 mph pass at the inaugural Colorado Mile Speed Competition

America’s Queen of Speed becomes first female member of Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club with 201.2 mph pass at the inaugural Colorado Mile Speed Competition

(Watkins, CO) – September 10, 2015 – Seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club with a top speed pass of 201.2 mph on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK sponsored BMW. Thompson premiered an Iron Horse Motorcycles prepared motorcycle with an all-new hand built racing engine provided by BMW Motorrad, the first of its kind to see competition in the US.

The Colorado Mile, presented by US Mile Racing, is a new competition for the 2015 land speed racing schedule. The event is held at Front Range Airport in Watkins and is Colorado’s first one-mile speed event. US Mile Racing also hosts the Texas Mile where Thompson dominated in 2014 with a personal best speed of 217.7 mph.

Thompson made a total of 11 runs on the one-mile course during the three-day speed festival, taking special care to break-in the custom built BMW racing engine and all-new high performance exhaust system. Denver’s high attitude provided its typical challenges thrown at every racing team manager and tuner.

“Valerie is a true champion and fierce competitor, so we decided to provide her with a S 1000 RR Stage 3 HP Race engine, specifically the ‘Power Motor’ variant. This is the first time we have imported a Stage 3 engine to the US from the BMW HP race shop in Munich. Producing 215 hp from 999 cc, it’s the same engine specification BMW Motorrad offers teams participating in the FIM WSBK series,” said Mike Hernandez, Manager BMW Motorrad Parts and Accessories.

“This was our first competition after several months of event cancellations at Bonneville. In addition to the BMW engine, we were testing a new Akrapovic exhaust system and other new equipment,” said Thompson. “The 8300+ foot elevation near Denver is much higher than where we normally compete, so we knew optimal performance would be a real challenge. Despite that handicap, we learned a lot and I know the Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants BMW will go much faster at other venues. I’m very excited about our next race on the salt,” said a confident Thompson.

Thompson’s next competition will be the prestigious Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout September 17-21, featuring the world’s fastest streamliners and motorcycles.

Valerie Thompson seeks to break personal best top speed of 217 mph at Texas Mile Speed Festival

Valerie Thompson seeks to break personal best top speed of 217 mph at Texas Mile Speed Festival

7-time land speed record holder and Texas Mile 200 MPH Club member hoping to set new personal best top speed with Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants sponsorship

(Scottsdale, AZ) – March 20, 2015 – Valerie Thompson, seven-time land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW racers, will return to Beeville Texas for the Texas Mile, March 27-29. She will attempt to break her personal best top speed of 217 mph (350.53 KM/H) set during the October 2014 event on her record-setting BMW S 1000 RR.

The Texas Mile is a premier bi-annual motorsports festival of speed and land speed racing venue that draws motorsports competitors from all corners of North America in much the same way the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats draws the world’s fastest vehicles and drivers.

Thompson will kick off her 2015 land speed racing campaign with two BMW Motorrad dealership appearances to promote the Texas Mile and increase foot traffic for these valued dealers. Thompson, her record setting Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants BMW S 1000 RR and new pit display will be available for photos. Dealership appearances include:

· Sandia BMW Motorcycles – Albuquerque, NM (March 21, 2015)
· BMW Motorcycles of El Paso – El Paso, TX (March 25, 2015)

“I love racing at the Texas Mile and I’m anxious to kick off another record breaking season of racing with our new sponsor, Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants and returning sponsor CTEK. I set a new personal best top speed at the last event here in October with an awesome tune-up by Kerry Alter. With all the improvements we made in the off-season to our BMW, I’m optimistic about our performance this year,” said Thompson.

The VTR team will provide free battery charging services, compliments of CTEK Battery Chargers, and Knockout Energy Drinks for competitors and race attendees during the three-day speed event.

Valerie Thompson Racing–Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants Partners With Valerie Thompson Racing Land Speed Racing Team

Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants Partners With Valerie Thompson Racing Land Speed Racing Team

(Fond du Lac, Wis.) March 12, 2015 – Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants will help power seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson on her quest to reach record speeds at SCTA (Southern California Timing Association), ECTA (East Coast Timing Association) and USFRA (Utah Salt Flats Racing Association) events. Thompson, known as “America’s Queen of Speed,” will use Quicksilver Lubricants exclusively in her specially prepared BMW S 1000 RR land speed motorcycles at every event on her 2015 racing calendar. Noteworthy events include the Ohio Mile, Bonneville Speed Week and the World Finals at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

“Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants is proud to partner with Valerie Thompson Racing in our worldwide marketing efforts,” said Eric Reilley, Quicksilver Product Manager, Aftermarket Products. “Ms. Thompson has a rich record of accomplishments on the track and backs it up with charity and celebrity appearances off the track. We are proud to have her represent the Quicksilver brand.”

Thompson said Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants provides the protection and advantage she needs to succeed in the world of land speed motorcycle racing.

“If there is one thing I have learned about racing motorcycles in the quarter-mile and land speed racing, it’s the importance of using the best oil that maximizes performance while protecting my equipment,” she said. “Land Speed Motorcycle engines are subjected to extended periods of severe high rpm use. Quicksilver’s 10W40 full synthetic formula provides the extreme engine protection and clutch performance needed for success in a wide variety of racing conditions. I’m delighted Quicksilver Powersport Lubricants will be part of our winning effort this year.”

Thompson will kick off her 2015 land speed racing efforts March 27 at The Texas Mile event. The Texas Mile is a premier biannual motorsports festival and Land Speed Racing venue that draws the fastest vehicles from all corners of North America in much the same way the legendary Bonneville course draw the world’s fastest vehicles.

Valerie Thompson plans first-time visit to Canada with the Motorcycle & ATV Show series presented by Power Sports Services

Valerie Thompson plans first-time visit to Canada with the Motorcycle & ATV Show series presented by Power Sports Services

America’s Queen of Speed to make special appearances at the Canada Motorcycle & ATV Show series in January and February

(Scottsdale, AZ) – January 7, 2015 – Valerie Thompson, 7-time motorcycle land speed record holder and racing team owner, is headed to the “Great White North” to make four special appearances at the Canada Motorcycle & ATV Show series in January and February, including:

· Calgary (Jan. 9)
· Edmonton (Jan 16)
· Vancouver – Abbotsford (Jan 23)
· Toronto (Feb 20) Continue reading Valerie Thompson plans first-time visit to Canada with the Motorcycle & ATV Show series presented by Power Sports Services

Valerie Thompson Racing– Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson sets new personal best top speed with 217 mph run at Texas Mile Event

Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson sets new personal best top speed with 217 mph run at Texas Mile Event

7-time land speed record holder and Texas Mile 200 MPH Club member breaks her 2013 Texas Mile top speed of 212 mph

(Scottsdale, AZ) – October 29, 2014 – Valerie Thompson, seven-time land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW racers, returned to Beeville Texas October 24 – 26 for this year’s second Texas Mile top speed competition. Thompson broke her personal best top speed of 212 mph, set at the March 2013 Texas Mile, with a blistering run of 217.7 mph on her record-setting CTEK Battery Charger sponsored BMW S 1000 RR. Continue reading Valerie Thompson Racing– Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson sets new personal best top speed with 217 mph run at Texas Mile Event

Valerie Thompson seeking to break her personal best top speed of 212 mph at Texas Mile speed competition

Valerie Thompson seeking to break her personal best top speed of 212 mph at Texas Mile speed competition

Scottsdale, AZ – October 16, 2014 – Seven-time land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW racers, Valerie Thompson, will return to Beeville Texas for the Texas Mile, October 24 – 26, her second visit to the event this year. Thompson set a personal best top speed of 212 mph during the March 2013 Texas Mile event on her record-setting CTEK Battery Charger sponsored BMW S 1000 RR.

The Texas Mile is a bi-annual motorsports festival created in 2003 for high-performance vehicle enthusiasts, welcoming a wide variety of racing vehicles, including motorcycles, modified street cars and race cars. Participants come from all over North America to test themselves on one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world.

“I really enjoy racing at the Texas Mile. It’s a very well run event and the one-mile track is smooth as silk. We were here for this year’s March event, but were rained out,” said Thompson. “We’ve made a lot of improvements to my BMW since March, earning two new land speed records at the Ohio Mile and Bonneville. Our team is very hopeful I can break my 212 mph mark, weather permitting.

Thompson’s team will be providing free battery charging services for competitors and race attendees at their pit display during the three-day speed festival, compliments of her primary sponsor, CTEK Battery Chargers.

The Texas Mile is held at Chase Field Industrial at 2745 Byrd Street, Beeville, Texas

Valerie Thompson Racing–Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson sets new 200+ mph land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats World of Speed competition

Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson sets new 200+ mph land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats World of Speed competition

Seven-time motorcycle land speed record holder earns her Red Hat with a 208 mph run to become one of the newest members of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club

(Scottsdale, AZ) – September 12, 2014 – Motorcycle racer and team owner, Valerie Thompson, set her 7th land speed record on her CTEK sponsored BMW S 1000 RR during the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s 28th Annual World of Speed event September 6 -9 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover Utah.
Continue reading Valerie Thompson Racing–Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson sets new 200+ mph land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats World of Speed competition

Valerie Thompson Racing–Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson prepares for “double duty” at Bonneville speed events with former NASCAR Nationwide car and BMW S 1000 RR

Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson prepares for “double duty” at Bonneville speed events with former NASCAR Nationwide car and BMW S 1000 RR

Six-time motorcycle land speed record holder plans to attempt new records on two-wheels and four for the first time

(Scottsdale, AZ) – August 5, 2014 – Six-time motorcycle land speed record holder, Valerie Thompson, plans to race a car and her record setting BMW S 1000 RR motorcycle during America’s two biggest land speed racing events at the Bonneville Salt Flats this month, including Speedweek (Aug. 9-15) and the Bonneville Speed Trials (Aug 23-28).
Continue reading Valerie Thompson Racing–Motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson prepares for “double duty” at Bonneville speed events with former NASCAR Nationwide car and BMW S 1000 RR

Valerie Thompson Racing–World’s Biggest BMW Motorrad Festival Takes Place July 4-6

World’s Biggest BMW Motorrad Festival Takes Place July 4-6

BMW Motorrad Days 2014sm

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 30, 2014…Six-time motorcycle land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW racers, Valerie Thompson, will make a guest appearance at the 14th BMW Motorrad Days celebration July 4-6 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.  The biggest BMW party of the year is expected to draw over 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.

Thompson will join fellow BMW racing legends in the Classic Tent, which will highlight “90 Years of Championships and Titles,” beginning with the BMW R 37 at the first German Championship in 1924 through the first AMA Superbike victory on the BMW R 90 to the recent successes achieved on the BMW S 1000 RR.  In June, Thompson set her 6th land speed racing record at the Ohio Mile with a blistering speed of more than 208 mph on her BMW S 1000 RR, shattering the previous record and becoming the newest female member of the prestigious ECTA 200 MPH Club.

“I’m thrilled to be invited back to BMW Motorrad Days,” says Thompson, who is making her second guest appearance as a visiting American VIP racer.  “It is an honor to be included among such accomplished riders. Last year, I had a fantastic time meeting terrific people, riding a GS up and down some steep terrain, eating lots of great food and joining the festivities at night.”

When Thompson returns to the U.S., her sights will be set on shattering a new record at the prestigious Bonneville Speed Trials in August and joining the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA’s) “Bonneville 200 MPH Club.”  After that, she’ll attempt additional land speed records at El Mirage and the Texas Mile.

“My goal is to get into every single one of the 200 MPH Clubs with my BMW S 1000 RR,” remarks Thompson.  “Since purchasing the bike in January 2012, it has taken my career to a new level. I feel one with this bike, like I’m practically the paint. We are definitely a match made in high-performance heaven!”

When asked whether she considers hanging up her leathers anytime soon, the American Queen of Speed replies, “I’ve never given much thought to hanging up my helmet. With a little help from BMW, I plan to keep going faster as long as I can. There are always new records to break, even if they are mine.”

BMW Motorrad Days is open to all motorcycle enthusiasts free of charge.  The three-day extravaganza features more than 80 exhibitors, test rides on all the latest BMW Motorrad models, guided enduro tours, Irish stunt rider and all-round entertainer Mattie Griffin, world-record precision rider Russ Swift, presentations by Michael Martin and other GS world travelers, the world’s oldest traveling wooden Motodrom show, live music and more.

Valerie Thompson–BMW rider Valerie Thompson shatters motorcycle speed record at the Ohio Mile and becomes newest member of exclusive ECTA 200 MPH Club

BMW rider Valerie Thompson shatters motorcycle speed record at the Ohio Mile and becomes newest member of exclusive ECTA 200 MPH Club

(Scottsdale, AZ) – June 10, 2014 – It only took 28 seconds for six-time land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW motorcycle racers, Valerie Thompson, to shatter the East Coast Timing Association’s one-mile record in the MPS/Modified Class during the recent Ohio Mile competition. Thompson piloted her BMW S 1000 RR to 208.71 mph, easily breaking the former record of 205 mph. Thompson’s new record also qualified her for membership in the exclusive ECTA 200 MPH Club while claiming bragging rights as the fastest RR in the MPS/F-1000 Class.

“Going into this event, my confidence was very high. I had just completed the California Superbike School held in Birmingham, the best motorcycle racing course school in the US. We made a few modifications to my DoubleR by adding new HP Race Parts provided by BMW Motorrad USA, Akrapovic exhaust systems and additional horsepower with Magic Bullet Advance Fuel Treatment. The wonderful folks at NorthStar Battery also helped us with special delivery of their excellent batteries, which was a great help,” said team owner and rider Thompson. “It is a great honor and achievement to be the newest member of the ECTA’s 200 MPH Club, especially since I am only the 3rd female of less than 100 members.  I’ll be wearing my ECTA 200 MPH Club lifetime member shirt proudly,” added a smiling Thompson.

The ECTA hosts four speed trial events at the Airborne Park facility in Wilmington Ohio each year. Prior to moving to the Airborne Park location in 2012, the ECTA held the competition in Maxton North Carolina from 1995 through 2011 and was named the Maxton Mile.

Thompson and her BMW team now turn their sights on setting new land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats during the August speed trials.

Valerie Thompson to attend BMW Riders Association Rally and California Superbike School in Birmingham

Valerie Thompson to attend BMW Riders Association Rally and California Superbike School in Birmingham

(Scottsdale, AZ) – May 28, 2014 – Five-time land speed record holder and one of the world’s fastest BMW racers, Valerie Thompson, will travel to Birmingham Alabama to participate in the 42nd annual BMW Riders Association Rally at Barber Motorsports Park. Thompson will also attend the California Superbike School that runs in conjunction with the rally from May 29 – June 2.

The rally will feature over 45 BMW motorcycle related vendors, seminars and on-track events. Thompson’s record holding BMW S 1000 RR will be displayed at the Schuberth Helmet booth and she will be a featured speaker during the event.

“I can’t wait to get to Birmingham for these two excellent events. I’m looking forward to touring the Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum, home to the world’s best motorcycle collection with over 1,200 vintage and modern motorcycles and racecars,” said Thompson. “BMW supplies S 1000 RR Superbikes for the California Superbike School, so I’ll feel right at home,” added Thompson.

Keith Code founded the California Superbike School to provide a unique combination of classroom and on-track step-by-step instruction for motorcyclists whose skills range from novice street riders to factory racers. The school offers four levels of courses throughout the US, Australia and Europe. The first three levels present five precise technical riding skills and each level can be completed in one day. Code is credited with breaking the sport down into its essential components and bringing real understanding to riders in all categories. His books, video and schools were the first to make that knowledge available to everyone.

“No matter how long you’ve been riding motorcycles, the expert training provided by the California Superbike School will make you even better. The combination of trained professionals like Keith Code and BMW Superbikes offers an unmatched opportunity to improve your riding skills,” added Thompson.​