Five-Time Motorcycle Land Speed Record Holder Collects Third 2012 ECTA Land Speed Record and Posts Runner-Up Honors in 7th Annual Throttle Nation Street Bike Shootout
Valerie Thompson, owner/driver of Valerie Thompson Racing (VTR), successfully returned to Wilmington Ohio to set new land speed records in two different motorcycle classes at the East Coast Timing Association’s (ECTA) Throttle Nation Top Speed Challenge event at Airborne Park. Thompson recorded a top speed of 198.03 mph in the MPS/F 1000 class and 198.31 mph in the MPS/G 1000 class on her Martech Services Company BMW S1000RR Superbike. Thompson now holds three speed records at the ECTA facility, having set a record of 197.46 mph in the PP-1000 motorcycle class at the Ohio Mile event in July.
Over 170 entries competed during the first Throttle Nation sponsored race at the new ECTA racecourse. The 7th annual Throttle Nation Street Bike Shootout was also held in conjunction with the event, featuring special rules creating a unique a “heads-up” racing format. Prizes were awarded in six motorcycle classes for the fastest speed, including CTEK battery chargers and ZipFizz Healthy Energy Drinks donated by VTR. In addition to two new land speed records, Thompson’s 198.31 mph run earned her class Runner-Up honors for the Throttle Nation Street Bike Shootout.
“I almost didn’t make this event. The only crewmember was my dog Reckon, so I had a 2000+ mile solo drive from Scottsdale. We hit terrible storms and our truck broke down in Joplin. I can’t thank Donna & Joe Timney, who run the ECTA, for all their help. Fortunately, Gary Gonce, a childhood friend of Joe’s, volunteered to help Reckon and me throughout the weekend. I couldn’t have done it without their unflagging support,” said Thompson.
“Having set records at both the Ohio Mile and Throttle Nation Top Speed Challenge, Airborne Park is becoming one of my favorite racing venues, especially since two of my loyal sponsors are based in the Buckeye state – JEGS and CTEK Battery Chargers. Everyone involved in ECTA events, from the volunteers to the race organizers, make this an enjoyable and safe weekend,” added Thompson.
The next ECTA event scheduled for the Ohio Mile will be held April 27-28, 2013. Visit ECTA.com for details.
