VT: We ran on gas with Nitrous as a full-out system. The nitrous will not engage until the throttle is wide open and I depress the button on the bars. That single move could increase my horsepower by 30-50 percent immediately. That is scary on slick and slippery salt. The salt conditions were the worst in six years and many bikes were not capable of making passes due to fishtailing. Although I made several successful passes, I was never comfortable enough at top speed to drop the hammer and engage another 70 horses against soft salt.

EM: This was the Bonneville Speedway's 4th International Motorcycle Speed Trials. What was it like to be there?

VT: It’s historic, amazing – like racing on the moon. It’s always an endurance ordeal to put up with the salt conditions, the heat, weather fronts while being alone with your team (Bikernet.com’s 5-Ball Racing Crew) and limited tools, while trying desperately to make world land speed record runs with limited time.

It was encouraging to see the GoDaddy.com CEO & Founder Bob Parsons out participating in the speed trials at Bonneville. Bob has made Go Daddy the world’s largest domain registrar and is passionate about motorcycles the same way he is about his business. It is refreshing to have a sponsor take an active part in what I do.

EM: So, why motorcycle racing?

VT: Hobby, passion, now perfection! There is something so invigorating and death defying about motorcycling. It is the greatest feeling, dealing with the elements, the machine and the salt conditions, without being contained inside a vehicle with roll bars and harnesses. It is an expression of freedom that words cannot describe for me. I only had one problem, I was not going fast enough!

EM: Harley Davidson isn't normally associated with high speed; why Harleys?

VT: Riding a Harley is the only way to go. Being part of the H-D community is like nothing else I have ever known. To ride my Fat-Boy means fun and friends whenever and wherever I go. People from all walks of life and from all over the planet ride H-D’s and we are all connected like some big family with something wonderful in common. It is a BIG challenge to make a Harley-Davidson reach high speed.

EM: What does 160 mph feel like?

VT: Going 160 mph…seemed a little slow, compared to the quarter mile – believe it or not, there is time to look around...Ha, ha however…you never want to loose focus of your target! Following your target keeps you straight and fast!

EM: So, what's next?

VT: Two races left in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA). Currently I am 3 points away from FIRST place in the Screamin’ Eagle Western Division, V-Rod Destroyer Class and 3rd place National. Then…I am preparing to prove my value on the grandest stage of drag racing, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Competing in the second most popular form of motorsports in the nation requires a tremendous degree of dedication and drive. It is exciting to be associated with a forward-looking company like GoDaddy.com.

I'm also considering an offer I received for a reality-based TV show from a major cable network. I have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, but believe with all my heart I will soon be a champion. I have to thank my fans, friends and sponsors like GoDaddy.com who have encouraged me and continue to stick by me along the way.

Valerie Thompson #20

http://vtracegirl.com/