KIWI RIDER SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL.1 | Page 18

It’ s an incredible feat to join my great uncle Burt within the land speed record book

class has allowed Lee to truly honour his great uncle Burt. As Burt’ s record still stands, Lee now joins Burt within the record book.” Munro was competing aboard the Spirit of Munro 50th anniversary 2017 Indian Scout in the MPS-G( Modified Partial Streamliner) 1350cc class. Munro needed to surpass 167mph( 268.76km / h) for a new record. After completing his rookie runs during the May meet at El Mirage, this was the first chance to let the bike loose and explore its potential. Lee recorded a speed of 186.681mph( 300.434km / h), a new record.“ It’ s an incredible feat to join my great uncle Burt within the land speed record book,” said Munro, the grandson of Burt’ s first cousin.“ Indian has been a great partner in not only providing me with an incredible machine, but providing me with an opportunity to recognise and honour all Burt Munro did for motorcycling.” Indian also took two other land speed records thanks to a couple of employees. The first was Chet Michaelson, an Engine Calibration Technician at Indian Motorcycle, who eclipsed the M-PG( Modified-Pushrod Gasoline) 2000cc class record of 151mph with a speed of 154.132mph( 248.051km / h), riding a 2015 Indian Chief Classic. The second employee was Dan Gervais, a Senior Engine Calibration Technician, competing in the M-G( Modified-Gasoline) 1350cc class with a lightly modified 2015 Indian Scout. Like Munro, Gervais also completed his rookie runs at the May meet at El Mirage. His speed of 154.354mph( 248.409km / h) edged out the 153mph( 246.229km / h) record and gave Indian its third record of the day. On August 12 and 13, Lee Munro will pilot the
modern Indian Scout with a powertrain modified by the Indian Motorcycle engineering team. The attempt will not break Burt’ s record, but instead will honour his legacy in the world of motorcycling. The record-setting run at El Mirage was the team’ s second and final set of test runs before heading to the Bonneville Salt Flats.
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