fbpx

Valerie Thompson Will Try to Break 217 MPH Barrier at Texas Mile

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.

Valerie Thomspon at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Valerie Thomspon at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

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.

You May Also Like

Free Dirt Bike, ATV, Side-by-Side Training in California

Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week is March 23-31.

ATV, dirt bike, side-by-side training, off-road trails

Spring is here, and for many it’s time to head back to the trails. To ensure you get the most fun out of the new riding season, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) have teamed up with California State Parks to offer free training for ATVs, dirt bikes and side-by-sides. 

Alterra Mountain Co. Adds Taiga Snowmobiles to Its Fleets

The fleets cover 15 ski mountain destinations.

Taiga Nomad snowmobile at an Alterra Mountain Co. ski resort
Boundless Rider Expands Footprint to Illinois

Coverage is available for direct purchase or through agents.

Boundless Rider logo
Royal Enfield’s BTR Flat Track Program Kicks Off 2024 at Daytona Short Track

The BTR season opener brought thrilling competition over two days of racing.

Build. Train. Race., BTR, Daytona Short Track, 2024
Dave McMahon Named Interim Executive Director of the NPDA    

The newest member of the team has been moved into the top spot.

Dave McMahon

Other Posts

MIC, MSF, SVIA, ROHVA Appoint Interim Leadership

Scott Schloegel has been named acting president and CEO.

MIC, MSF, SVIA, ROHVA logos
Sumitomo Rubber North America Hires New Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Regional Sales Manager

Jeff Botsford began his career in the motorcycle industry in 1991.

Jeff Botsford
Wilwood Engineering Promotes Hagy to UTV Market Specialist

Hagy will be tasked with expanding the UTV product lineup for Wilwood.

Hagy
Tickets Available for World Ducati Week 2024

The countdown begins for the 12th edition of the event, taking place from July 26-28, 2024.

World Ducati Week 2024