Land Speed Racing 101 With Brew

Article By: Steve Garn

hese are the Questions I most often get about land speed racing, so I thought it would be great to break it down to these four areas. WHY? t

Its hard to describe why because everyone has their own feelings on

Land Speed Racing. For me, it is the excitement I feel when I see a bike I built hit its speed potential in a safe environment. Safe? Yes, I will go into detail why I consider it a safe environment in the HOW TO section.

Yes, there is a danger in any sport, but with proper prep and safety course precautions, this is safer than riding on the street.

The first time you attend a land speed event, either as a participant or as a spectator, the first thing you will notice is how friendly everyone is. Over time as you attend these events, these people will become a family to you. They help out when they can, encourage each other, no matter if their day is good or poorly. They invite you to go out and eat with them at night, and you know, treat you as family – your land speed racing family! Another reason for the Why is when you are on your bike, waiting in line, there is a feeling that is hard to describe, but to me, it seems spiritual. And then when I’m running my motorcycle with a Wide Open Throttle, there becomes a oneness with the bike that sure brings a smile to my face! WHERE?

There are many associations in the US that hold land speed events. They all have different rules and regulations. Where you go can depend on the distance you have to travel and what kind of bike you are going to bring. This decides it for me many times. I will explain what this means in the WHAT section below.

Here are the associations that I am acquainted with: 1. The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. This is where to go for AMA National Speed Records and ALSO the FIM World Land Speed records. It is an event that is motorcycle only and has less participants than Speedweek. Because its smaller means you can often get closer with the people at the trials. This is my personal favorite. 2. SCTA is by far the biggest event in the USA. Events are held at Bonneville and El Mirage and all the BIG GUNS show up! It’s truly a class act. Cars

are included. Its’ truly a sight to see and is another great event. 3. The East Coast Timing Association (ECTA) is where I first started. The original event was held in Maxton, NC. Truly a special place! From there they moved to Wilmington, OH, The Ohio Mile. Another great event! They are now at Blytheville, Arkansas and are referred to as The Arkansas Mile. I have not attended this venue, but I hear great things about it. 4. The Loring Timing Association event is in Loring, Maine. They host a standing start 1 and 1-1/2 mile speed records. The event is regarded by many as THE event to attend. 5. The Texas Mile - I don’t know much, but the people I know that attend this event speak highly of it. WHAT!

What do you need to know about what event is best for you to attend?

First, check out their websites for their rules and regulations. The rules, when you first start reading them, can be intimidating. Most of the associations have a tech person who can help you steer yourself through them. I was fortunate to have two people help me, Scott and Todd at the ECTA Maxton event.

Next, what bike are you going to

run? For instance, I am racing a 1974 RD350 and next year a 1974 Kawasaki H1 Triple 2 stroke. My bikes fit best in the AMA rules for classic racing (pre1981). Every association is different, so make sure you take the time to see what the best fit is for you and your machine!

All these associations have a Facebook page, and many knowledgeable people are there to help with your questions. HOW TO? So how do you get ready for these events? I could do several tech articles on this alone. Do your own bike tech in hopes that you will pass the tech inspectors review. There is always something that could have been done wrong or missed completely. When you show up at the event, you will have to do more for the bike to pass the tech’s scrutinization. READ THE RULES; don’t go by what others say. READ THE RULES yourself!

This year I raced the Bonneville

Motorcycle Speed Trails under

AMA and FIM rules. That meant the bike had to meet both tech inspection sheets. I read and reread the rules many times, and asked questions to be sure I understood them correctly. I am proud to say; I PASSED both with not one problem.

You also need to be sure your safety equipment is correct. Again,

each association has different rules, especially on leathers! Be sure your helmet, leathers, gloves, and boots meet or exceed their recommendations. I stated earlier that I consider this safer than riding on the street. Here’s why: 1. This event is held on a closed course, meaning only one rider on the course at a time. 2. The course has been prepared and is inspected for any debris. 3. If course is damp or winds get excessive, the event will be delayed, until the course is safe to run on. 4. Your bike and gear are scrutinized and will be safer than the normal road bike. There is a big checklist to go over to be sure your motorcycle meets their requirements. 5. On the track, there are many safety personnel. Most times these people donate their time and money to help the event be as safe as possibe. BE NICE TO THESE VOLUNTEERS - they are there to help!

This is only the start on HOW TO land speed race. As I said, any time you hop on your bike for a ride, there is always a danger or risk. But not only does the tech and safety equipment required help you to be safer on the track, it also makes you safer on the street.

At 61 years old, I still find it a very rewarding experience; and now with 1 FIM World Land Speed record, 5 AMA #1 National Land Speed records and numerous records with ECTA I hope to meet several of you there next year! Steve “Brewdude” Garn is the founder and owner of Brew Bikes LLC. www. brewracingframes.com