Scooterists get serious about speed
Everyone knows scooters don’t go nearly as fast as motorcycles, and they knew they couldn't compete against these records.
The Southern California Timing Association, which hosts events at Bonneville and other venues, precludes two-wheelers with less than 15" wheels from participating. With no recognized sanctioning organization willing to accept motor-scooters into the fold, they decided to create their own organization, appoint their selves as the sanctioning organization of motor-scooter land-speed records, and get about the business of hosting the First Annual Motor-scooter Land-Speed Record Trials.
“Scooters and the people who ride them don't always get a lot of respect from the motorcycling community, but you'd better believe they're taking themselves more and more seriously. When in 2007 a group interested in setting up land speed record classes for scooters was rebuffed by the folks who run motorcycle speed-racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats each year, known as "Speed Week," they decided to do it themselves." ~Ken Bingenheimer
The event took place on the Historic Route 66 in Devore, California and was a complete success! The 13 featured classes ranged from 50cc to 650cc as well as 3 sidecar classes. Four engine classes were permitted: 2- and 4-stroke aspirated and 2- and 4-stroke turbo. In their release about the event, the MSILSF says, "We kept our first annual event extremely simple. We’re essentially running a 'run what you brung’ speed trial for scooters only. Scooters have two small wheels! We’re self-proclaiming this to be the First Annual Motor Scooter World Land Speed Trials, so if you set the highest speed in a particular class you will hold the 'Motor Scooter World Land Speed Record' for that class."
Nevertheless, organizers are still working with the powers-that-be for Speed Week and still have hopes of becoming part of that event. "We are now working with Dennis Manning of BUB Racing to integrate motor-scooters into the AMA/BUB 2011 Bonneville program," says the organization. But for now, the Second Annual Motor Scooter World Land Speed Trials is in the works riding on the triumphant success and participation from the first event.
For more info and events go to www.motorscooterlandspeedfederation.org
Photo credit: Allen Spears Photo © 2010
Linda Hurley won 1st Place Overall at the Salton Sea T.T. 396-Mile Endurance Rally, riding her Yamaha Majesty 400. Arlene Battishill, riding her custom California Scooter Company 150cc Mustang replica, finished 3rd Overall. Kudos to the ladies! Details and pix at www.motorscooterlandspeedfederation.org
Posted by: Alan Spears, Scootermeister | April 02, 2011 at 04:46 PM