Valerie Thompson: Rider Spotlight
Highlights
- Hits quarter-mile track at over 190 miles per hour in 7 seconds.
- Started racing in 2006
- Placed third in the nation out of 52 racers by her second year.
- Drove her own truck and 20 ft. trailer, loading and unloading on her own-minus the really heavy stuff.
- Self-marketer. Attributes ability to grow in success because of her business savvy marketing abilities.
- Three years from her start in 2006, she became part of drag racing’s elite class. Hard-work, determination, lifelong dream are her driving forces.
- Sponsors: Hacienda, GoDaddy.com, Monster Energy Drink, and Harley Davidson.
Leading Up To the Track
- Never went to college-she became a professional banker for 13 years shortly after high school.
- Bought a Harley Davidson in 1999, came to find that riding was her true passion.
- She was in her 30s when she finally realized she wanted to be a drag racer. Friend told her she was out of control racing down the streets on
- Rode a 2000 Fatboy her first time on the track.
- Started racing for fun in 2005 by attending drag racing schools, and got advice from other riders as often as she could.
- By 2008 she became a Pro Stock Motorcycle Racer in the NHRA.
- Now she’s setting Land Speed Records.
Giving Back
- Manages her own race team, mentors fans, and focuses on making a difference in the lives of those in need.
- Spends her free time visiting the HopeKids in hospitals. HopeKids is a unique community for children with cancer and other live threatening conditions. Volunteers provide hope for the children and their families by visiting and talking with them.
- “I don’t just race for recognition, I also race for HopeKids,” says Valerie Thompson.
