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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2018

World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer Valerie Thompson to be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame

8-Time land Speed Record Holder and World’s Fastest Woman on Two-Wheels joins class of 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees

Scottsdale, AZ (July 31, 2018) - Valerie Thompson will be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame during the 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, a legendary ten-day event celebrating the worldwide motorcycle culture. Fellow inductees for the Hall of Fame this year include Jeff Decker, Jack Hoel, Armondo “Mondo” Porras, Marilyn Stemp and Hamsters USA.

The Sturgis Hall of Fame class of 2018 induction breakfast ceremony will be held August 8, 2018 at The Lodge in Deadwood, South Dakota, doors open at 8 a.m.

Thompson stunned the racing world at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.663 km/h) piloting the Team “7” Streamliner. On only her fifth run in a streamlined motorcycle, Thompson became the first female driver in a two-wheeled vehicle over 300 mph. Earlier this year, 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 where she also survived a horrific 363 mph crash during the World Speed Trials.

“It’s impossible to put into words how much this honor means to me. 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,” said Thompson. “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,” added an emotional Thompson.

Thompson holds eight land speed records on a variety of 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. Valerie is the only female 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,” added Robbins.

“I’m tickled pink Valerie is receiving this level of recognition. 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,” said Team “7” Racing president, BUB “7” designer and AMA Hall of Fame member, Denis Manning.

Thompson and Manning’s Team “7” Racing plan to continue their quest for the world’s fastest motorcycle record in 2019 with the “BUB 7” streamliner.

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Valerie Thompson Background - Piloting the Team “7” Racing streamliner, Valerie added a new chapter to racing history at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, earning the “The Fastest Time of the Meet” award with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.6 KMH). She is the first female rider over 300 mph, earning the title of “Worlds Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer.” She posted her best top speed of 328 mph in 2018 at DRLA Speed Week in Southern Australia. Valerie is a seven-time land speed record holder with membership in seven different 200 MPH Clubs, one 300 MPH Club and lifetime member of the famed Bonneville 200 MPH Club. In 2017, Thompson became the first female appointed to the Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors and will be inducted to the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018. Valerie’s current quest to become the world’s fastest motorcycle racer is the subject of P-51 Pictures’ and MN8 Films’ upcoming feature documentary, Rockets and Titans. Her many racing accomplishments have earned Valerie the moniker of “America’s Queen of Speed.”

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Background - The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame was formed in 2001 with the goal of recognizing individuals and organizations who have made a long-term, positive impact on the motorcycle community. Hall of Fame members include some of the world’s most famous racers, designers and riding ambassadors, ranging for Willie “G” Davidson, Keith Ball, Chris Carr, Terry Vance, Evel Knievel, Peter Fonda and Jesse Jurrens. Located in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum in historic downtown Sturgis South Dakota, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates its members by showcasing their accomplishments via multi-media presentations, historical memorabilia and vehicle displays with the goal of inspiring visitors and the overall motorcycling community.