Land Speed Expo 11/18-19

A rare display and movie showing not to be missed

In lieu of no motorcycle show in the Puget Sound region this fall, several dealers have gotten creative and will be doing some special events (watch our calendar page) this season.

One such shop is Skagit Powersports, which will be presenting a two-day Land Speed Expo event.

If you're a seasoned motorcyclist, you've no doubt seen the movie, World's Fastest Indian. If you're new to the sport, it's a must watch.

But that's all history, good history albeit. Today, however, there are teams out at the Bonneville Salt Flats breaking records year after year and the technology continues to be pushed with record-breaking speeds nearing the 400-mph mark.

But being the fastest-fastest isn't always the ultimate goal. Being the fastest in a particular class is more the norm. Standard classes start as low as 100cc and go all the way up to 1650cc, with 50-200cc increments dividing each. And certainly, not all the machines look alike. Other than the fact they all have two wheels; the similarities are virtually non-existent.

All this said, Skagit Powersports will be hosting a Land Speed Expo November 18-19. This rare two-day exhibit will allow visitors to learn more about the sport, see the machines up close and ponder, 'Is this something I might want to be involved with?'

There are many ways people get involved. Other than being the operator of the bike, there are 25-50 people behind the team in several ways. You have the bike designer, the tuner, the welder, the technical support crew, the event support crew that makes sure everyone is getting fed, the website help, the sponsors and on and on. Oh yeah, and don't forget the mandatory need for umbrella girls and guys.

In 2013 a 90-minute documentary about modern day land speed racing was shot in wide-screen HD at an estimated cost of $115,000. The documentary follows the Sodium Distortion team from the Pacific Northwest to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It's an inspiring true story of four tenacious men who risk everything to conquer the world records of motorcycle land speed racing. Their extraordinary journey will remind you how perseverance against all odds can send the most unlikely men roaring into glory.

While the movie surfaced at several festivals, it did not make it into regular theater circulation and has yet to see the light of day on Netflix, Amazon Video or as a DVD. Getting a chance to see it is rare, however Skagit Powersports will be showing it Friday -night, 11/18 at 6p.m. in the showroom. PLEASE NOTE: You must RSVP by calling 360-757-7999 to insure yourself a seat during the showing.

On Saturday 11/19, a half dozen land speed racers will be rolled onto the floor of the store for a one-day only display. In addition, several gear vendors will be on hand to show the latest from manufacturers like First Gear, Bell Helmets, Alpinestars and Scorpion. In the midafternoon, several of the local salt racers and team members will host a Q&A for anyone looking for more information on how to get involved with the sport at any level.

If the weather is clear, getting to ride to the event would be a bonus, but if it's storming it'll be worth your while to jump in your cage and go. 

SR!/November 2016

Land Speed Expo @ Skagit Powersports 11/18-19