The 2026 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, held from 23-27 August at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, witnessed a spectacular display of speed and endurance. As part of the FIM Land Speed World Records (LSWR) discipline, this year’s event saw eight new records set, a significant increase from the five recorded in 2025. The improved racing surface and favorable weather conditions played a crucial role in these achievements.
Despite the excitement, not all record attempts were successful. Chris Rivas in the BUB Seven Streamliner and Eva Håkansson in her electric Green Envy Streamliner fell short of their goals. However, their efforts highlighted the paradox of speed the quest for velocity demands meticulous preparation and patience.
Improved Conditions Fuel Record-Breaking Performances
BMST Owner/Director Delvene Reber expressed satisfaction with the event’s conditions. “The salt has been a lot better than last year, that’s for sure,” she remarked. The improved track surface allowed competitors to push their limits, although early-week wind concerns posed initial challenges.
Chris Rivas, aiming for the absolute Land Speed World Record of 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h), achieved a notable pass at 180.64 mph (290.71 km/h). Similarly, Eva Håkansson, targeting Max Biaggi’s 2021 electric motorcycle record of 283.182 mph (455.737 km/h), encountered an unexpected issue with her windshield buckling at high speeds. Despite these setbacks, Håkansson’s best time averaged an impressive 246 mph (395.899 km/h).
Notable Achievements and Record-Breaking Runs
Canadian rider Liane Langlois returned to Bonneville with her three-cylinder 2012 JKR Powersports 2295cc Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster with a weighted sidecar. This time, her partially-faired outfit moved her into a new category, where she set a record at 146.349 mph (235.526 km/h) over the timed kilometre. “We’ve come a long way in these three years,” Langlois exclaimed, reflecting on her progress from a 95 mph debut run in 2024.
Land Speed legend Jay Allen, riding a twin-cylinder 2017 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, recorded a speed of 181.844 mph (292.650 km/h) over the timed kilometre. Lisa Cipolla, aboard her four-cylinder 2012 Zlock Racing LCC 600cc Kawasaki ZX-6R, increased her records from last year to 151.567 mph (243.924 km/h) in partially-faired trim and 141.788 mph (228.186 km/h) unfaired.
New Records and Remarkable Feats
The first new FIM record was set by Tyrell Marlow, who pushed his twin-cylinder 2002 Suzuki TL1000R to 164.457 mph (264.668 km/h) over the timed kilometre. Angus Wing celebrated two records with speeds of 116.112 mph (186.865 km/h) in partially-faired trim and 109.919 mph (228.186 km/h) unfaired over the timed kilometre on his multi-cylindered 2009 Kawasaki ZX-14 sidecar outfit.
America’s Ronald Knight, competing on a rare 1972 100cc LS2 Yamaha twin, set a new record over the timed kilometre. Starting at 57.751 mph (92.941 km/h) on the second day, he upped his record on the third day and extended it again on the last day to 61.445 mph (98.886 km/h).
The 2026 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials showcased the relentless pursuit of speed and the determination of riders to push the boundaries of what is possible. With eight new records set, the event underscored the importance of favorable conditions and meticulous preparation in the world of land speed racing.
