SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Valerie Thompson is returning to Lake Gairdner Australia to attempt new speed records on four wheels, piloting the Treit & Davenport Target 550 Streamliner at two premier land speed racing events.
Her goals include breaking multiple records, including the 415.867-mph class record for a four-wheel, blown-fuel streamliner powered by a piston engine.
Hosted by Dry Lakes Racers Australia, the 30th annual Speed Week competition is held March 23-27. Immediately following Speed Week, the team will also attempt new records at the second annual World Speed Trials March 28-30.
Speed Week records are determined by DLRA specifications, while the World Speed Trials records are sanctioned by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile rules.
The 43-foot long Target 550 Streamliner features a unique wind-tunnel-inspired design powered by two supercharged Dodge Hemi engines capable of generating 5000 horsepower on alcohol fuel.
“The team is delighted to be back in Australia for Speed Week and the World Speed Trials. These events provide two opportunities to set new records for our unique vehicle,” said Target 550 project coordinator Marlo Treit.
“We have new crew members, two new engines and a great new driver. I’m looking forward to seeing strong results with all this new talent,” Treit added.
Thompson set a motorcycle streamliner record of 328.467 mph during the 2018 Speed Week competition, earning her membership in the DLRA 200 and 300 MPH Clubs.
She was also honored with the “Fast Lady on the Lake” award.
“This will be my first full-on assault on the 415 mph record driving the Target 550 Streamliner. I’ve had three successful tests with a 290-plus mph run on less than optimal salt conditions,” said Thompson.
Thompson is hoping to become the first woman to surpass 400 mph in a piston-powered engine vehicle.