Checking out the time slip revealed a speed of 202.247mph. (Photo: Scott Odel) » More Photos

Rolling the bike up to the line I was suddenly alone. The starter checked my lanyard switch and helmet strap, before giving me the ok. Select first gear, position left foot out of the way of the shift lever, push butt back to the seat hump and ease out the clutch. There’s a mile to get up to speed so a drag start wasn’t needed, but there was no sense in hanging around. Minutes later, in the middle of a thunderstorm of wind and engine noise, I hit the sixth gear and held the nitrous button for all I was worth. Breaking the timing lights, and using the whole mile to slowly scrub off the speed, I was savoring the moment. The buzz inside my helmet was incredible, and as I headed back to the pit, a smiling track official hoisted two thumbs up and mouthed “202.” I had done it, and at 202.247mph had entered the record books and the 200mph club in only four runs. It just couldn’t have been any more perfect, and Wayne and Scott were smiling so hard when I found them it looked like it might hurt. They had successfully put me into the 200mph club and, with their awesome knowledge and tuning abilities, had made my transition from Mr. Average rider to Land Speed record holder about as easy as it could possibly be. Now we just have to wait and see what Mr. Guthrie is going to get me into next!