FIM Land Speed World Records to once again welcome racers to Utah’s famous Bonneville Salt Flats
After a disappointing 2022 cancelation due to inclement weather, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (BMST) is set to return to Utah’s famous Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway, the epicenter of world record land speed racing, on August 27-31, 2023. BMST, the only official FIM-sanctioned land-speed event on the Bonneville Salt Flats, will once again offer the fastest racers on two wheels (and in some cases, three!) the opportunity to become a prestigious FIM Land Speed World Record holder.
Promoted by Deliciate Promotions LLC, BMST is also home to AMA Land Speed Grand Championships in a co-sanctioned event. Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials 2023 will once again afford racers the opportunity to compete for FIM and/or AMA championships.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our land-speed racing community back to the Bonneville Salt Flats this summer, especially following an off-season last year,” said Event Director/Owner Delvene Reber. “Racers are more eager than ever to push the limits of speed and chase new records. We’re proud to also once again offer an FIM sanction, which always adds a level of prestige to BMST. Races can earn a true FIM World Championship at BMST, or chase an AMA National Record. And we always welcome those who simply want to have fun on their motorcycle in the Run Whatcha Brung class.”
Since its inception in 2004, BMST has been host to many significant moments in FIM Land Speed World Records history. The 2021 event saw 17 new FIM World Records set by competitors from around the world, including Hiro Koiso aboard the world’s fastest Harley-Davidson FXD. The Las Vegas resident reached a blazing 248 mph (400 km/h) aboard his 330 hp supercharged Red Rock Harley-Davidson, and still feels his machine has more to give. Jim Cole celebrated an emotional success aboard his turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa after a week fraught with struggles. The FIM’s own Ralph Bohnhorst returned to the salt with his custom-built sidecar streamliner “Aurelija” and continued to chip away at the class FIM World Record.
In 2019, Team Mobitec traveled from Japan to become the first traditional sit-on electric-powered motorcycle to break 200 mph (320 km/h). In 2018, 18-year-old Cayla Rivas became the youngest female racer to reach of speed of over 250 km/h, shattering the previous 750cc Twin class record aboard her Royal Enfield. The same year, Kerry O’Day’s piloted the world’s fastest Kawasaki KLR650 to a new FIM World Record, carding a speed of 127 mph before it caught fire and burned to the ground (O’Day was uninjured, although devastated to lose his beloved Kawasaki).
More FIM World Records and historic moments in land-speed racing are sure to come at Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials 2023. Entry info is now available HERE, as well as opportunities to sponsor or volunteer at the event. Registration opening day is May 1, 2023 with pre-entry discounts ending July 16, 2023.
FIM Communications by Jean Turner