Motorcyclist dies in Utah speed record attempt

[CTA_Busa_LE]

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AFP) - A motorcyclist was killed after losing control of his bike at 385 kilometers (239 miles) per hour and crashing on Utah's famous Bonneville Salt Flats, authorities and reports said Thursday.

The American Motorcyclist Association said in a statement on its website that 49-year-old Cliff Gullett of Montana was killed in an accident during a time trial at the location, around 185 kilometers (115 miles) west of Salt Lake City.

The AMA said Gullett was competing in the 500cc class during a time trial speed racing event when his bike crashed. Reports said Gullett was aiming to set a record for the fastest two-stroke, two-cylinder motorcycle.

The Salt Lake Tribune cited police investigators as saying Gullett was travelling at 239 miles per hour before the crash.

The Bonneville Salt Flats have been used as a speed testing ground since 1896 and became famous in 1935 when British motorsport legend Malcolm Campbell broke the world land speed record at the site.

[Bosshound]

GodSpeed and RIP !!!! What kinda Gear ? Did it Really Matter At least he Died Doing What he Loved At least he could Still Wipe His AZZ before He Died

[mymaster]

R.I.P. :angel:

[S-R Racing]

I hope he got his record, RIP

[memorex]

is it even possible for a 500cc two stroke to go that fast?

[BusaWizard]

Godspeed RIP.

[semi]

Rip

[Projekt]

is it even possible for a 500cc two stroke to go that fast?

It was probably encased in an aerodynamic body.. Like a belly tank..

RIP

[BusaBret]

My condolences to the family. RIP

[Rayabusa0818]

RIPlease:

[warp10]

dang, RIP

[CTA_Busa_LE]

is it even possible for a 500cc two stroke to go that fast?

That was the part I was having a hard time imagining. As everyone else has said, at least he was doing what he loved. I can't see someone attempting anything such as this without being very passionate about what they are doing.

[solarbarack]

Godspeed. RIP.

[omslaw]

Sad to hear R.I.P.

[BigBSBusa]

RIP, Cliff. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[NCBusa2001]

RIP. Still incredible, 500cc over 200mph. Impressive.

Chris

[skoti]

That was the part I was having a hard time imagining. As everyone else has said, at least he was doing what he loved. I can't see someone attempting anything such as this without being very passionate about what they are doing.

I agree I think too many people go out after having life pound them down.

[Pinky Winky]

RIP. Sorry to hear about these kind of things. Puts a damper on the day.

[BigDiesel]

239mph....hope he passed as fast the bike went. RIP brotherlease:

[Projekt]

RIP. Still incredible, 500cc over 200mph. Impressive.

Chris

Until recently, the MOTO GP championship was run on two stroke 500cc motorcycles. Those bikes exceeded 200 mph on the track. The "Faster" documentary talked all about it.