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).

Thompson returned to the US after her second visit to the BMW Motorrad Days celebration in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany on July 7. “Less than 24 hours after I returned from Germany, I drove to Bonneville to test a Nationwide NASCAR race car provided by owner Charles Ofner, from Houston Texas, along with his crew chief Bob Hustler. Since I had never raced a car at Bonneville, I had to earn a new SCTA license which I did with a third pass of 193 mph, so I’m good to go” said a smiling Thompson.

During Speedweek, Thompson’s mission is to set a new record in the MPS-G motorcycle class on her BMW DoubleR by exceeding the current record of 204.98 mph and gaining admission to the prestigious Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) 200 MPH Club. “I am a member of several 200 MPH Clubs, but wearing the SCTA red hat has been always been a top priority of mine. I’m always dreaming about breaking records at the Salt Flats on my BMW,” added Thompson.
Thompson’s goal with the Nationwide car is gaining more “seat time” while learning the nuances of racing 200+ mph on Bonneville’s often-tricky salt surface. “The car is capable of exceeding 250 mph, so I’m looking forward to breaking my own career top speed of 212 mph. While motorcycles are my first priority, I would love to drive a vehicle over 250 mph and continue setting more records,” Thompson stated.

During the Bonneville Speed Trials, a land speed event for motorcycles only (formerly the BUB Speed Trials), Thompson will gain technical support from 8-time world record holder, Kerry Alter. A veteran Salt Flats racer, Alter has also set 6 national records on a variety of motorcycles.

“I’m excited about working with Kerry again, he has been instrumental to my racing career. My first 200+ mph pass was on his BMW S 1000 RR in 2011. Kerry was responsible for opening my eyes to the awesome power of the BMW Superbikes. As a result, I switched from a Harley-Davidson to a BMW in 2012,” said Thompson. “We’ve been working together for the past year to develop my bike and optimize my riding technique. Every time I work with Kerry I go faster,” added Thompson.

“Whenever I work with Valerie I’m pleasantly surprised with her results. Her competitive drive is difficult to match and she is prepared to win every race where she competes. I’m really looking forward to seeing Valerie’s results at this year’s Speed Trials. The bike is running well and looks stunning with new paint and body work provided by Mesa’s Orlando Auto Body,” stated Alter.

Earlier this year, Thompson collected her sixth land speed racing record at the East Coast Timing Association’s Ohio Mile with a blistering speed exceeding 208 mph on her CTEK sponsored BMW S 1000 RR, shattering the previous record and becoming the newest female member of the prestigious ECTA 200 MPH Club. Thompson’s fame on America’s most famous racecourses is preceded by her TV exposure as a vehicle presenter at Scottsdale’s world-renowned Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC and Metro Auto Auction.