Six-time motorcycle land speed record holder, Valerie Thompson, had high hopes to race a former Nationwide series car and her record setting BMW S 1000 RR motorcycle at the SCTA sanctioned Speedweek event last week, but the 100th anniversary of racing on the Salt Flats event was canceled due to extended rains, leaving over 500 competitors who had traveled from around the world with no place to race.
Fortunately for Thompson, she has been asked to drive Greg Hogue’s G. M. Racing Clean Diesel Dragster at the Diesel Motorsports Rocky Mountain Diesel Shootout on August 15 at Rocky Mountain Raceways in West Valley City Utah. The Shootout is a National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM) sanctioned drag race, America’s first diesel only drag racing series formed in 2007.
Hogue’s dragster is sponsored by Industrial Injection, the largest manufacture of diesel performance parts in Salt Lake City, and runs on clean synthetic diesel fuel made from natural gas manufactured by Syndiesel. The car generates 1500+ horsepower, enabling 200+ mph quarter mile speeds with 6-second elapsed times.
Hogue is a veteran NHRA competitor and a pioneer in diesel drag racing; the first to lobby the NHRA for diesel fuel approved drag racing. Hogue is also a 27-year veteran Lieutenant firefighter who recently suffered job related injuries, forcing him to relinquish driving duties of his dragster. Thompson will drive for rest of the season, schedule permitting.
“I’m very fortunate. As a motorcycle racing team owner, I was prepared to stay in Utah after Speedweek to minimize our expenses, since I plan to race my BMW motorcycle at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials on August 23rd for 5 days. This opportunity to drive for Greg between races is very timely,” said Thompson. “Greg has been a top competitor in the NHRA for many years, plus he is a dedicated land speed racer. I’m looking forward to working with his accomplished team and getting back to my roots on the quarter-mile,” added Thompson.
“I was excited to find that Valerie was available to assume driving duties for our dragster. I have always been a fan of hers and her drag racing accomplishments. Our diesel dragster is my first attempt at being a team owner, so it’s hard to hand over the wheel of my ‘200 mph baby’ to just anyone. I feel comfortable with Valerie’s vast experience and dedication to winning races, “ added Hogue.
Hogue’s passion for environmentally friendly alternative fuels and their role in the future of motorsports are well known. “I believe the answer to our future energy needs is with plentiful and clean natural gas. Diesel fuel is made from natural gas, is extremely clean and stores more energy in every gallon,” stated Hogue.
Rocky Mountain Raceways is located at 6555 West 2100 South, West Valley City, Utah. The event is sponsored by Industrial Injection Diesel Performance, with time trials at 4:30 p.m. and eliminations at 7 p.m. For details, call (801) 252-9557 or visit www.rmrracing.com/diesel-motorsports-rocky-mountain-diesel-shootout/.
