Its spec sheet is enough to make a seasoned racer drool: 1,000-horsepower, 9,000 rpm, 500 lb-ft of torque, two Triumph engines, a pair of Garrett turbochargers and 2,970 cc of displacement. If Thor rode a motorcycle, he would ride the Castrol Rocket.
The Castrol Rocket is the raw result from the combination of simple thinking with modern technology. The engine platform is a pretty straightforward idea. Take two of the most powerful Triumph motorcycle motors you can find, beefed up titanium rods and heavy-duty crankshafts, then slap on a couple of ball-bearing turbochargers and hold on tight. I have heard guys sipping beer at racetracks talk about dream-setups that are comparable to the Rocket’s engine layout. Heck, the Rocket even uses a stock Triumph block and head.
Highlights in Motorcycle Land Speed
- 1903 - Glenn Curtiss sets the first land speed record at 64 mph.
- 1923- Gene Walker Breaks 100 mph
- 1956- Wilhelm Hertz goes 200 mph
- 1970- Don Vesco hits 250 mph
- 1975- Vesco breaks 300 mph
- 2006- Chris Carr goes 350 mph
- 2010- Rocky Robinson sets current record of 376 mph
Castrol and Triumph hope that the ungodly 1,000-hp will propel the Rocket in to the record books this year. With an ultra-light carbon fiber frame and a Carbon Kevlar shell, the motorcycle should be able to hit its target speed. The current record was set in 2010 at 376 mph, though the Castrol team thinks they can crack an even 400 mph on the salt flats in Bonneville.
Can I Take It For a Spin?
To the dismay of most speed freaks and motorcycle fans, the Castrol Team has already found their driver. There will be no try-outs or test drives for this methanol-powered, streamlined contraption. Seasoned motorcycle racer Jason DiSalvo will pilot the motorcycle, which has a cock pit that looks more like a fighter jet than a race bike. But, DiSalvo says he is up to the challenge of setting a world record.
"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," says pilot Jason DiSalvo.
Triumph’s History at Bonneville
The Triumph name has been synonymous with record-breaking since 1955. Then for 15 years, Triumph remained the “world’s fastest motorcycle until Don Vesco went 250 mph on one of the first twin-engine motorcycles to race at Bonneville. However, they haven’t had a land speed record since the 70s. This year Castrol Rocket aims to restore that title.
"It's an incredible opportunity to simultaneously chase history and celebrate your heritage,” says Triumph CEO Greg Heichelbech.
Until the Rocket does blast off at Bonneville the motorcycle world will be anxiously waiting to see if Triumph can achieve victory one more time on the salt flats. Follow 4WheelOnline at SEMA through our Articles and Videos.
By: Sean Bowes
Posted on November 15th, 2013