The Journey to Bonneville
This August, former drag racing champ Chris Rivas is on a mission to make history by hitting 400 mph (643.7 km/h) on two wheels. From August 23-28, Rivas will take the cockpit of the impressive Bub Seven streamliner at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials in Utah. At 57 years old, this Floridian is ready to push the limits and chase the record that has eluded so many before him.
Chasing Speed and Breaking Barriers
The current motorcycle speed record stands at 376.156 mph (605.7 km/h), set by Rocky Robinson in 2010. The legendary Denis Manning, the brains behind the Bub machine, has previously held this record. Rivas is determined to exceed that mark, as he stated, “Everybody’s looking for four-hundred miles per hour. It’s about the accomplishment of doing something no-one else has done.” With his impressive background in drag racing and a family steeped in speed, Rivas brings a wealth of experience to the salt flats.
The Challenge of Land Speed Racing
Transitioning from drag racing to land speed trials involves mastering the dynamics of throttle control and machine handling. Rivas notes the learning curve is significant, especially when managing horsepower on the slippery surface of the salt flats. “At Bonneville, there’s definitely such a thing as too much horsepower,” he explained. With tight quarters in the Bub streamliner, Rivas is tightly strapped in, ready to conquer the challenge. As he puts it, “To me, it’s probably the safest form of racing I’ve done.” Prepare to cheer him on as he aims for a historic ride this summer!
