Dateline: Bonneville Salt Flats, Thursday, September 3, 2009
South Bay Triumph/Norton sets 5 new land speed records for the 2009 BUB Speed Trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats!
Team South Bay Triumph/Norton ran a turbocharged Thruxton and set 2 FIM records and 1 AMA record. They also ran a street legal normally aspirated Thruxton and set 2 FIM records for that class. The rider for both bikes was Alan Cathcart, internationally syndicated journalist and noted roadracer. According to Alan, the turbo bike came with a steep learning curve due to the abrupt power and less than favorable conditions, i.e. wet soft salt causing poor traction. The temperatures were in the 90s and the corrected elevation was 7500’. As the week progressed, different tires were used and boost pressures raised to attain higher speeds. Matt Capri’s AMA record was raised to over 165mph average, with a best run of 171.65mph. The French team bike, ridden by Alan Cathcart, built by South Bay Triumph, and owned by Alain Miran who was unable to attend the meet, set 2 FIM records with a top speed over 152mph.
All things considered, 5 records in 5 days establishes the reliability of the new Triumph and Norton motorcycles and demonstrates the expertise of Team South Bay Triumph/Norton. Thanks to team chief Matt Capri, techs Jeff York and Jerry Augusto, pit techs Roger Allen Russell and Andrew Cathcart, Carlos Schmidt of TPUSA, Linda Capri, John Perkey & Veronica Angell of South Bay Triumph. Thanks to all of our sponsors, Triumph Performance USA, Pirelli Tires, IHI Turbos, Haltech EMS by Sara & Adam from BMI USA, WebCam, Rick Kemph Cylinder Heads, Fast Freddy HeadWorks, Techna-Fit, RK Chains, Torco Oil, MC Tireworks, Mickey Cohen Motorsports, Gene Thomason Racing, Phil Hawkins Photography (www.ishootfromthehip.com), and a special thanks to all of our loyal customers who have supported us for the last 14 years.
In addition, a big hand to Stuart Garner, CEO, and Tony Squires, chief mechanic for Norton Racing. Stuart, the new owner of Norton Motorcycles, personally rode the Norton rotary race bike to a record over 173mph. Stuart was so impressed by the whole experience that he has agreed to support Matt Capri in developing 2 new Norton Commando 961’s (one with turbo and one normally aspirated) for the 2010 BUB meet.
Congratulations to everyone – truly a job well done!
Well done!
Hasn't he been posting in the Vendor's Forum... Hmmmm...