Valerie Thompson to challenge FIA speed record and motorsports history as new driver of Target 550 Streamliner
World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer seeks writing new motorsports history on four-wheels with dual-engine Treit and Davenport Streamliner
Valerie Thompson, the world’s fastest female motorcycle racer, will assume driving duties for the Treit & Davenport Target 550 Streamliner with the goal of breaking the 417.020 mph FIA class record for a four-wheel blown fuel streamliner.
The Target 550 Streamliner features a unique wind tunnel inspired design with the singular goal of breaking the current class record of 417.020 mph with two supercharged Dodge Hemi engines generating over 5,000 horsepower.
“It’s an honor to attempt my first four-wheel record with a Bonneville legend like Marlo Treit and his accomplished team. With 5,000 horsepower, I’m guaranteed the ride of a lifetime and hopefully, writing a new page in motorsports history,” said Thompson.
Piloting the BUB 7 motorcycle streamliner in 2018, Thompson set a new record speed of 328 mph. A member of the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, she holds eight land speed records on a variety of bikes and was recently included on Dealernews’ “Top 100 Leaders in Powersports” list.
Marlo Treit, Target 550 project coordinator, said “Valerie’s many accomplishments on and off the track have made a real impression on me. She is a wonderful racing ambassador and a ferocious competitor. I’m confident she will push the Target 550 Streamliner to its limits to achieve our goals.”
With favorable weather and optimal track conditions, Thompson could add two new chapters racing history by becoming the first woman over 400 mph and first driver over 500 mph in a piston-powered engine vehicle. “I never assume anything, but if conditions are right, we are going for all the records and titles on the table. I want to show every sponsor and all our fans how much we appreciate their support,” said an optimistic Thompson.
Thompson and the Target 550 team plan their first record attempt during SCTA Speed Week at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats August 10 -16, weather permitting.
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Valerie Thompson Background
Valerie is the “World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer” and an eight-time land speed record holder with membership in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, seven 200 MPH Clubs and one 300 MPH Club.
In 2018, she piloted the famed BUB 7 Streamliner to a record speed of 328.467 mph and is the only female featured on the “World’s Top 10 Fastest Motorcycle Riders” list. Recently included in Dealernews “Top 100 Leaders in Powersports” list, her passion for making history and breaking speed barriers is the subject of the upcoming feature film documentary, “Rockets and Titans.”
Cover Pic Courtesy : Triumph North America
Valerie’s Pic Courtesy : Dan Burrill
