ATLANTA (September 3, 2014) – With over 100 years of motorcycling history and numerous land speed world record titles, Triumph Motorcycles America, in cooperation with Castrol, Hot Rod Conspiracy, and Carpenter Racing, returns to the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, September 12-16, for land speed runs during Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout.
Developed by Matt Markstaller (Hot Rod Conspiracy) and Bob Carpenter (Carpenter Racing), the Triumph Castrol Rocket is the newest streamliner of the group seeking to break the FIM world land speed record in the motorcycle class. Having been taken from proof of concept to reality in just over two years is an aggressive timeline in land speed racing and speaks to the high level of engineering and engine building expertise that set the foundation for this project.
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“There are teams that have been out here attempting to break records for years. It’s very hard because there are so many variables to contend against, but we have an amazing team,” said Matt Markstaller, “We have confidence in the progress we’ve made in this project’s development since we were on the Salt a year ago.”
“While our streamliner produces enough power from the two Rocket III engines to generate record setting speeds, our endeavor also becomes a battle with the elements,” said Bob Carpenter. “The Salt Flats are an ever-changing environment that can be quite forgiving or absolutely inhospitable, you never know what to expect.”
Piloted by AMA Pro Road Racer Jason DiSalvo, this will be an attempt to break the current 376.363 mph land speed record held by fellow Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout entry Ack Attack and piloted by Rocky Robinson. Operating the 1000-horsepower, twin turbocharged Rocket III engine streamliner requires adaptation, which DiSalvo is capable of accomplishing due to his seasoned racing background.
“Piloting the Triumph Castrol Rocket is a unique and thrilling challenge, but what really stands out is the unbelievable amount of power the machine produces,” said DiSalvo, “It simply defies explanation and belief. I find myself tapping into all the honed skill I have developed in my racing career and learning new ones as we continue to eclipse new speed levels.”
Triumph Motorcycles is no stranger to setting records. The naming of the Bonneville, Triumph’s best known bike, is in tribute to the company’s accomplishments on the Salt Flats. Triumph held the title of “World’s Fastest Motorcycle” from 1955 to 1970 with the exception of 33 days. Its rich heritage in land speed racing features four record-setting streamliners: Devil’s Arrow (1955 at 193.72 mph), Texas Cee-gar (1956 at 214.17 mph), Dudek Johnson (1962 at 224.57 mph), and Gyronaut X-1 (1966 at 245.66 mph)
“It is all about the journey,” said Matt Sheahan, Chief Operating Officer for Triumph Motorcycles America. “To be back at Bonneville with Castrol and the rest of our team is like returning home. So much of Triumph’s legacy was established right here in Utah by passionate, driven and courageous motorcyclists and engineers that all believe in constantly pushing the envelope. Today we are able to continue that legacy, and it is something we are immensely proud to be a part of, not just for Triumph, but for the entire motorcycling industry.”
Entering Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout is by invitation only to an exclusive and list of participants. Land speed attempts on the Bonneville Salt Flats will occur along a 10 to 11-mile course subject to cancellation or delay based upon the weather conditions including rain and wind.
Triumph Castrol Rocket Specifications:
Chassis: Carbon Kevlar monocoque
Dimensions: 25’ x 2’ x 3’
Engines: Two Triumph Rocket III engines with two liquid-cooled turbochargers
Horsepower: 1,000-plus horsepower at 9,000 rpm
Torque: 500-plus lbs. combined
Suspension: Alloy aluminum swingarms custom made
Shocks: Ohlins TTX36 adjustable
Fuel: Methanol
Tires: Goodyear Land Speed Special
Engine Lubricant: Castrol Power RS™ 4T 10W-40 full synthetic oil
For more information on the Triumph Castrol Rocket, please visit castrolrocket.com.
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