RAC patrolman Stuart Swift has been dreaming for 40 years of breaking the 250cc motorcycle world land speed record. Now he has his chance.
Swift, 51, is to travel to the famous Bonneville Speedway in its centenary year and line up with world-class riders like James Toseland.
Riding an Aprilia RS250, Michelin-sponsored rider Stuart will need to beat the current record of just over 136mph held by British rider Mark Jordan. To qualify, Stuart will have to ride three times, and then an average speed of two runs over the three-mile course in Utah will be taken for the final figure.
Stuart said: “I’ve been interested in Bonneville since I was seven years old, but it wasn’t until I was thirteen that I got my first bike, a Honda ST50. This attempt will fulfil one of my lifelong dreams and I truly can’t wait to line up on the salt in August this year. I’ll be wearing number 58 in honour of one of my heroes, the late Marco Simoncelli 2008 250GP World Champion.”