Twin-Engined Triumph Rocket Streamliner To Challenge Motorcycle Land-Speed Record At Bonneville

The 1,000-horsepower Castrol Rocket is currently undergoing testing for its upcoming assault on the land speed record of 376.156 mph, set in 2010, by Rocky Robinson with the Ack Attack streamliner. The goal: a 400-mph-plus record-breaking run.

The 25-foot long x 2-foot wide x 3-foot high streamliner was constructed in cooperation by Hot Rod Conspiracy and Carpenter Racing and will compete in the Division C (Streamlined) – Type V (5) Spark Ignition, Over 2,000cc to 3,000cc class.

Powering the Rocket are two heavily modified Triumph Rocket III engines. Each Carpenter Racing built engine was reduced from 2,294cc to 1,485cc (2,970cc total) to meet the 3,000cc maximum total displacement class rule requirement. While piston size remains the same stock 4-inch bore, stroke was reduced from 3.75 inches to 2.4 inches and redline increased from 5,750 rpm to 9,000+ rpm. There’s also one Garrett GT2876R ball bearing, liquid-cooled turbocharger per engine.

“Land speed racing is the purest form of motorsport. It’s about bringing all of your ingenuity, resources and determination together for a constant battle against the elements,” said pilot Jason DiSalvo. “The salt surface has little traction. The wind pushes against you from every side. But what’s really special about Bonneville Land Speed Racing is the people. The conditions are so challenging that for the past 100 years, racers with little else in common, have banded together to support and encourage each other to become the world’s fastest.”

To keep things in order at 400 mph Hot Rod Conspiracy custom constructed a dual front swingarm and single rear swingarm suspension from aluminum alloy and used Ohlins TTX36 adjustable shock absorbers.

The Triumph name has been synonymous with speed since its four record-breaking motorcycle records with Devil’s Arrow, Texas Cee-gar, Dudek/Johnson and Gyronaut X1. From 1955 to 1970, with the exception of a brief 33-day period, Triumph was “The World’s Fastest Motorcycle.” The Castrol Rocket aims to restore that title.

“This project is a celebration of Castrol and Triumph’s motorsports heritage, innovation, courage and perseverance,” said Greg Heichelbech, President and CEO, Triumph Motorcycles North America. “It’s an incredible opportunity to simultaneously chase history and celebrate your heritage. Our hats are off to the Hot Rod Conspiracy/Carpenter Racing team and all of the racers who make land speed racing such a colorful and meaningful sport.”

For more information check out: www.castrolrocket.com

By Tom Roderick