A 1,000-horsepower motorcycle is being prepared for an attempt to break the land speed record for motorcycles.
A new record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah this month will seek to break the 400mph barrier, surpassing the current record of 376mph.
The Castrol Rocket was developed in a collaboration between lubricants company Castrol and classic motorcycle manufacturer Triumph. It is shaped like an aeroplane without wings, with a carbon Kevlar body that is 7.77m long, 61cm wide and 91cm high. The two companies say that it’s the world’s most technologically-advanced streamlined motorcycle and is “a true rocket on two wheels.”
For the record attempt the machine will run on methanol fuel and the engine oil will be a synthetic Castrol 4T 10W40. Its tyres are specially-developed “Land Speed Special” tyres from Goodyear. Carbon brake discs and two parachutes will be used for braking.
Triumph previously held the speed record from 1955 to 1970, apart from a brief 33-day period. The Castrol Rocket aims to restore that honour.
The Castrol Rocket project team includes aerodynamic engineer Matt Markstaller, engine builder Bob Carpenter and Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo. They will have two chances to set the world record.
Commenting on the record attempt, DiSalvo said: “Land speed racing is the purest form of motorsport. It’s about bringing all of your ingenuity, resources and determination together for a constant battle against the elements.”
