Motorcyclist dies in Utah speed record attempt

Sep 5, 12:41 am EDT

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.

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/ne...=lgns

 

well he broke something.
later risk taker rip

 

That must've been one helluva ride! God speed!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by csingham &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well he broke something.
later risk taker rip</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hmm...I'm sure he knew the risks he was taking, but have a little respect.

 

Damn, I don't even think I would want to see what mangled heap his body was after the fact.....RIP

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Quiks66 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Hmm...I'm sure he knew the risks he was taking, but have a little respect.</TD></TR></TABLE>

sorry i don't have to have respect for someone who takes a risk that is high and they already said their good byes before they got on the bike.

 

You risk your own life every day you get on the road. I guess we should all have no respect for you either. F'ing douchebag...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stinkycheezmonky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You risk your own life every day you get on the road. I guess we should all have no respect for you either. F'ing douchebag... </TD></TR></TABLE>

Obviously he has no experience with driving except youtube and Gran Turismo.

People like him are all talk....they bum rides off their parents and friends.

 

i dont know about anyone else, but 239mph on a 500cc two cylinder, two stroke engine is nearly unbelievable to me. granted ive never followed top speed records. im glad his family can know he died doing something he loved. id hate to be out there and see a crash, i mean going that fast it doesn't take long to get 30-45 minutes away from a medic. rest in peace.

 

Actually, you'd be only a few miles from a medic at most, the way the Salt Flats are used and organized. I think the problem is more what HAPPENS when a body hits the ground at 239mph, not how long it takes them to get there. I agree that for the bike that speed is outrageous.

 

I have yet to make it out to the Salt Flats, to watch.
RIP old man

 

wow... RIP... well... was he close?