Seven-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson will return to the Texas Mile land speed racing event October 23-25 in Beeville, Texas with the goal of breaking her personal best speed of 217 mph powered by a new engine provided by BMW Motorrad USA, the first Stage 3 motor imported to the US. The engine produces 215 hp from a 999 cc power block utilizing the same specifications BMW Motorrad offers teams in the FIM World Superbike Bike (WSBK) series.
In addition to the special hand built engine, Thompson’s BMW Double R will sport a new Akrapovič CRT/MotoGP-style exhaust system designed to meet the specifications of the WSBK approved engine for race application use only.
Thompson will also share each of her runs through live on-board video and audio utilizing Sena Bluetooth Technologies. “I am always asked ‘what is like to go over 200 mph on two wheels?’ Thanks to Sena, the world’s most popular Bluetooth communicator manufacturer, I can provide a simple answer on what it looks and feels like to run a BMW Double R to its limits. Viewers will hear my running commentary from start to finish, including after the run when I pick up the all important time slip,” said an enthusiastic Thompson.
Thompson recorded a personal best top speed of over 217 mph at the 2014 Texas Mile. This year, Thompson became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK BMW and is now a member of six-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.”
“I’m really looking forward to showing what our blueprinted WSBK approved BMW engine will deliver. We also have new aerodynamic bodywork by alpha Racing USA and eye-popping paint scheme by Andrew Swenson Designs. I can’t wait to get to Texas and put the hammer down,” said Thompson. “The great folks at Iron Horse Motorcycles, a BMW Motorrad approved dealer in Tucson, have done an incredible job of setting up the bike, I can’t thank them enough for getting us prepared for one of my favorite events,” added Thompson.
The VTR team will also premier an all-new interactive pit display where Thompson will personally work with motorcycle fans and competitors providing free oil changes and battery charging services, compliments of her primary sponsors, Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants and CTEK Battery Chargers. The Texas Mile track is located at Chase Field Industrial Complex, 2745 Byrd Street, Beeville TX, 78102.
