During the 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Valerie Thompson will be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Other inductees for the Hall of Fame at this ten-day event celebrating worldwide motorcycle culture include Jeff Decker, Jack Hoel, Armondo “Mondo” Porras, Marilyn Stemp and Hamsters USA.
The induction breakfast ceremony will go on August 8, 2018 at The Lodge in Deadwood, South Dakota. Doors will open at 8 a.m.
Thompson’s memorable performance at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials hit a speed of 304.263 mph (489.663 km/h) piloting the Team “7” Streamliner. On what was only her fifth run in a streamlined motorcycle, Thompson became the first female driver in a two-wheeled vehicle to reach a speed above 300 mph. Earlier in 2018, Thompson set a new land speed record of 328.467 mph (528.616 km/h) during the DRLA Speed Week competition at Lake Gairdner Australia. At the same event, she survived a 363 mph crash during the World Speed Trials.
“It’s impossible to put into words how much this honor means to me,” said Thompson. “Looking over the list of Sturgis Hall of Famers is like a family reunion invitation list. I see friends, mentors, fellow competitors and legends dedicated to racing and promoting the sport each of us love so much. I don’t think I would be here today if were not for Jesse Jurrens, owner of Legend Suspensions. He lured me from drag racing to my first competition at Bonneville in 2005, so I blame him for my salt addiction. I also set my first land speed record on fellow hall of famer Keith Ball’s Bikernet.com Harley-Davidson.”
Thompson can claim eight land speed records on various bikes, ranging from Harley-Davidsons to BMWs to Streamliners, with a personal best top speed of 328.467 mph (528.616 km/h). She is a member of seven-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs and one 300 MPH Club. She is the only woman in history to compete for the world’s fastest motorcycle title.
“Valerie’s many accomplishments both on and off the track have certainly earned her a rightful place in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” stated Myrick Robbins, Executive Director, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. “In addition to being one of the most accomplished female motorcycle racers in the world, she has always been an excellent ambassador for those of us who love life on two-wheels.”
“I’m tickled pink Valerie is receiving this level of recognition,” said Team “7” Racing president, BUB “7” designer and AMA Hall of Fame member Denis Manning. “She’s paid her dues on every type of racing surface and has the records to prove it. She knows no fear, delivers on her promises and is a wonderful sponsor representative. I’ve worked with the best riders in the business from Cal Rayburn to Chis Carr. Valerie ranks right up there with the best of the best.”
Thompson and Manning’s Team “7” Racing will continue their quest for the world’s fastest motorcycle record in 2019 with the “BUB 7” streamliner.