Land-speed motorcycle racers chase national, world titles at Bonneville Salt Flats PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The world’s fastest motorcyclists are preparing to put their names in the record books at the Bonneville Salt Flats during the 2013 AMA Land Speed Grand Championships, also known as the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials, Aug. 24-29. By the end of the six-day event, the American Motorcyclist Association will have clocked numerous provisional record-setting runs in classes featuring everything from 50cc mini-bikes to 2,000cc-plus purpose-built top-speed machines. “Land-speed racing is one of the most unique disciplines that we sanction, from the motorcycles, to the diversity of the participants to the venue,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “The AMA Land Speed Grand Championships, promoted by BUB, are the sport’s premier event, and the level of competition this year is going to be some of the highest ever.” One battle that should bring a lot of attention is the run for the outright land-speed record on two wheels. Two streamliners are currently registered, the BUB No. 7 Streamliner that will be piloted by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and seven-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr and a Triumph streamliner with AMA Pro Racing road racer Jason Disalvo at the controls. Both Carr and Disalvo will have their eyes on the current record, 376.363 mph, set by rider Rocky Robinson and builder Mike Akatiff in 2010. Carr is a former world record holder, running 367.382 mph in 2009. “The outright land-speed record is one of motorcycle competition’s highest, most-respected achievements,” Saillant said. “The amount of effort, investment, practice and teamwork that goes into just a few seconds of time at speed on the track is amazing to behold. It’s not every year that conditions are right for a record run. We can’t control or predict the weather, of course, but it’s looking good a few days out.” Other riders expected to lay down some fast times at the event are Al Lamb, who currently holds the sit-down, partially streamlined record at 262.471 mph, and Jim Hoogerhyde, who rides the all-electric Lightning SB220. The AMA Land Speed Grand Championships run through Thursday, Aug. 29. Results will be available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com and www.speedtrialsbybub.com following the event. About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.