What were termed “tricky course conditions” at the Bonneville Salt Flats have once thwarted the latest Triumph Motorcycle Land Speed Record attempt. With clear sun and no wind, rider Guy Martin – a TT superstar, aka Isle of Man Tourist Trophy or Time Trial – started from mile marker 9 to record his FIM-required certification run.
Guy was running well in mile one when the Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner lost traction on a damp section of the salt surface. This caused the rear of the motorcycle to move askew. The streamliner went down on the course. Guy was uninjured in the incident. However, the streamliner will now require a detailed inspection before any further runs can take place.
“It’s one of the challenges of Land speed racing – the salt surface can be so unpredictable.”
“We’ll fully inspect the streamliner and get ready for the next phase of our attempt,” said Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner designer Matt Markstaller.
Triumph still remains the world’s fastest motorcycle.
The streamliner in August shattered the previous official Triumph record, which stood at 245.667 mph.
Triumph also holds the unofficial Triumph record of 264 mph, both set by Bob Leppan, in the Gyronaut X-1. Yes, that’s 264 mph on a motorcycle.
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Triumph Motorcycles has confirmed that the current stage of its land speed record attempt has been postponed due to the course conditions at Bonneville. Rain at the start of the week has continued to affect the team’s running during the last seven days.
“While track inspections have shown that conditions improved, it has not been possible to create the constancy across the full eleven mile course required for the Triumph to safely conduct a Land Speed Record attempt.”
The team will look to resume its record attempt once conditions allow.