Motorcyclist dies in Utah speed record attempt

[dawp]

not sure if this belongs in here or ATOT:

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.

story

 

[aleckz]

sucks :/ 239 miles per hour of bone shattering

 

[Arkaign]

That's sad. I'd be willing to bet that he was prepared for such an occurrence though, one helluva risky thing to undertake.

 

[BlackTigers]

240MPH on two wheels....I wonder if he actually thought that through?

 

[OnePingOnly]

That's faster than most people cruise their propeller Cessna's.

 

[Jeeper94]

Cliff Gullett grew up in my hometown. He was a great man who had a passion for speed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, kids, and family. Here's a better article and pictures of Cliff Gullett.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Cheers Jeeper, that article is much better.

Cliff sounded like a great guy. RIP

 

[deadlyapp]

239 on a 500cc is ridiculous.

 

[randay]

did he beat the record?

 

[Fraggable]

Holy crap, I can't possibly imagine what 240MPH on a bike would feel like. Especially since I've never driven a bike before.

Sad that he crashed, but I don't think any man with a family should be doing something that risky. Just my opinion.