BREAKING: This week the Lightning Motors team is on the Bonneville Salt Flats for the yearly time trials, and on their first time run, with a speed of 162 miles/hr, they have set the AMA and FIM land speed record for electric motorcycles. They are making this speed attempt fresh from winning the TTXGP North American series two weeks ago at Virginia International Raceway. (see UPDATE: Lightning Motors strikes with new electric motorcycle land speed record at BUB Speed Trials)
Last year in a time trial event organized by the Southern California Timing Association they achieved a 166 miles/hr speed record. This time around it is AMA and FIM accredited.
According to Richard Hatfield, team owner, in a telephone conversation last night, the speed record was set on their first day on the salt, with the bike still configured for the recent TTXGP road race. During that race they were clocked with a highest speed of 134 miles/hr. To reach the higher 162 miles/hr speed they changed only the gearing ratio (rear sprocket). Their rider is Paul Thede, of Race Tech, and author of the Motorcycle Suspension Bible. They have a couple more days on the salt, and may soon set an even higher speed.
Related Articles:
Lightning strikes at VIR to win the TTXGP North America 2010 electric motorcycle racing championship
Lightning almost strikes at Laguna Seca e-Power electric motorcycle race, instead MotoCzysz sizzles
Lightning strikes in Canada with Lightning Motors win at 3rd TTXGP race
Lightning strikes second round of TTXGP 2010 with Lightning Motors win
Zero/Agni wins at Infineon after battle royale with Lightning Motors
Lightning Motors has second fastest electric motorcycle, ahead of Mission Motors
See Also:
Comments
they DID NOT set a FIM record.... you better get your fact straight
kent riches
Kent, they were at the BUB speed trials. As I'm sure you know (as you are a speed trial competitor) the BUB trials are accredited by both AMA and FIM. Richard's bike has a sticker with checkboxes for both AMA and FIM. Whose facts needs to be set straight?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!