Photo: Visor Down
Great legends begin with a dream, and Stuart Swift’s dream is riding on the Bonneville Salt Flats. After years of preparations, researches and engine development, the 51-year-old British Royal Automobile Club patrol man is ready to meet his dream.
Swift’s goal is to break the existing land speed record currently held by another British rider, Mark Jordan. This means riding his 250cc motorcycle along the Bonneville Speedway north of 136 mph (218 km/h) in the production motorcycle class.
He will be riding an Aprilia RS250, whose engine he developed according to his own researches. Firmly believing that a bike aiming to set a new world land speed record, Stuart Swift preferred to rely on his own understanding of the Aprilia engine, instead of a tuning kit bought form a store.
Tire manufacturer Michelin has also counseled Swift and recommended using their Pilot Road 4 selection. Tony Charlton, Michelin Technical Manager say that the Pilot Road 4 is most likely the best choice to help Swift break the record, as these tires have a consistent grip on multiple surfaces, while being capable to withstand the intense heat generated by his fast runs.
Stuart Swift and his Aprilia RS250 will have to beat the standing record three times, visordown reports. An average of two runs will give the final speed and if everything goes according to plans, it will become the new class record. Speaking about his racing number, Swift adds: ” I’ll be wearing number 58 in honour of one of my heroes, the late Marco Simoncelli, the 2008 250GP World Champion.”
He will be riding an Aprilia RS250, whose engine he developed according to his own researches. Firmly believing that a bike aiming to set a new world land speed record, Stuart Swift preferred to rely on his own understanding of the Aprilia engine, instead of a tuning kit bought form a store.
Tire manufacturer Michelin has also counseled Swift and recommended using their Pilot Road 4 selection. Tony Charlton, Michelin Technical Manager say that the Pilot Road 4 is most likely the best choice to help Swift break the record, as these tires have a consistent grip on multiple surfaces, while being capable to withstand the intense heat generated by his fast runs.
Stuart Swift and his Aprilia RS250 will have to beat the standing record three times, visordown reports. An average of two runs will give the final speed and if everything goes according to plans, it will become the new class record. Speaking about his racing number, Swift adds: ” I’ll be wearing number 58 in honour of one of my heroes, the late Marco Simoncelli, the 2008 250GP World Champion.”
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