Valerie Thompson has joined the "200 MPH Club" at the Mojave Magnum Speed Trials. We first introduced AAB readers to this very fast lady in our print magazine with a 2010 article titled "Speed Queen." Thompson has again lived up to that label.
Valerie Thompson Land Speed Racing Team
Thompson, who is the owner / driver of the Valerie Thompson Land Speed Racing Team, guided her Martech Services Company BMW to a top speed of 209.5 mph over the new 1.5-mile course on June 2nd in Mojave California. This mark reportedly makes Thompson's BMW the world's fastest production S1000RR. "Our bike was really flying," said Thompson.
Crew Chief Bob Sellers commented, “I’m honored to help Valerie’s independent team in achieving this accomplishment. Valerie and her team have worked hard with limited resources to gain optimal results. Valerie’s driving was ‘top notch’ and the BMW really responded to our special set up for this competition. I can’t imagine what we could accomplish with a little more sponsorship funding."
The Mojave Magnum
This first running of the Mojave Magnum was held at the Air and Space Port in Mojave California. The Port is famous for its standing start one-mile speed trials. However, the Mojave Magnum event was the first time competitors could race a section of runway exactly one and a half miles in length.
The premier Mojave Magnum was successful in every way. Favorable weather allowed multiple runs for competitors. Most importantly, the event was safe and incident free.
At the same event, Thompson's teammate Bob Sellers logged 219.5 on his Suzuki Hayabusa.
Thompson's Resume
As we reported in "Speed Queen," Valerie currently holds two land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. She piloted "The World's Fastest Panhead" over the flats at record speeds. Another one of her goals is to add the 200 MPH mark to her Bonneville resume. With her propensity for achieving her goals, I wouldn't doubt her.
Valerie is also a drag racer, and has competed in the All Harley Drag Racing Association and the National Hot Rod Association series. She made her NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle debut at the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in 2008.
Thompson's success is not limited to the salt flat or drag strip. In 2011, she received the Community Hero Award from the American Women Riders Association for her work with HopeKids children's charity. She also received the Amazing Women Shattered Barriers Red Carpet Award.
North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger
Thompson's race team reports that she has recently been selected to test pilot the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger designed to eclipse the 512 mph land speed record set by Kitty O’Neil in 1976. The attempt will be made in a 50,000 horsepower converted F-104 Lockheed Starfighter. If successful, Thompson will become the “World’s Fastest Female.”
Watch AllAboutBikes for future updates on Valerie Thompson and her quest to set and break speed records.
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