CTEK, a leader in smart charging battery systems, will host a new “Happy Hour” event at the upcoming AAPEX and SEMA Shows in Las Vegas featuring Valerie Thompson, the rider of the CTEK-sponsored BMW S1000RR. Thompson recently achieved her seventh motorcycle land speed record at the prestigious Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah. Thompson’s 208 mph run came during the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s (USFRA) 28th annual World of Speed event from Sept. 6-9, 2014.

Thompson will be on hand at both Happy Hour events during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas to meet fans and sign autographs. The AAPEX Happy Hour will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the CTEK AAPEX booth #1176/1177. The SEMA Happy Hour is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the CTEK SEMA booth #24129.

“Valerie is one of the fastest females on two wheels and we congratulate her on this latest achievement at the Bonneville Salt Flats,” said Matt Ingram, regional sales manager for CTEK. “Valerie’s passion for racing makes us proud to be a part of her support team. We invite the aftermarket industry to come meet Valerie and to find out more about our line of battery chargers and accessories.”

Thompson’s newest record earned her a lifetime membership in the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club, which is signified with a Red Hat, recognizing her 200 plus mph performance.

“I’ve wanted the Red Hat for the 200 MPH Club since I started racing on the salt, so it’s an awesome achievement for me,” said an ecstatic Thompson. “I can’t thank CTEK enough and my team for their outstanding support. With this achievement I can now focus on setting more records and going faster with the Red Hat.”

The prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club was formed in 1953 and today there are 24 women out of the 730 total members. The 200 MPH Club is an organization that recognizes outstanding achievement in land speed racing. Membership requires a person to break a record over 200 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.        

For more information, www.smartercharger.com.