Valerie Thompson Named Co-Recipient Of 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award

Famous Bonneville Salt-Flats motorcycle racer and team owner Valerie Thompson has been named the co-recipient of the 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award by the American Woman Riders Association. Thompson’s racing accomplishments and community support of the HopeKids children’s charity were key criteria for award selection.

Tammy Wiley from Harker Heights Texas was the co-recipient of this year’s community hero award, recognizing her work with the “We Fight Like A Girl” ovarian cancer foundation.

Tina Reeves, President of the American Woman Riders Association, said: “Valerie’s many years of supporting the HopeKids organization was a key consideration in selecting her for this year’s recognition. She has taken children to drag races, attended movie days, and participated in many fundraising events for the organization.

Thompson currently holds two land speed records at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats. This year Thompson ran a “personal best” top speed of 201.01 mph at the 8th Annual BUB Speed Trials, outperforming all other BMW’s at the event. She has risen from a competitor in the All Harley Drag Racing Association series, to being a racing team owner/licensed competitor in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock Motorcycle Series. Thompson also serves as a motorcycle presenter for the world’s largest auto auction company, Barrett-Jackson. Thompson’s current goals include setting additional land speed records and becoming a member of the “200 MPH Club.”

Founded in 2010, the American Woman Riders Association began as a New Mexico online magazine for women who love to drive and ride motorcycles. The online magazine has grown quickly and now has international members in Italy, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and Australia. American Woman Riders celebrates all the grandmothers, mothers, and daughters who love riding the open road. The American Woman Riders Community Hero Award was initiated in 2010 to provide recognition of women motorcycle riders who donate time to charities and give selflessly to their community without expecting something in return. (picture copyright Scooter Grubb courtesy to Cyril Huze)

5 Responses to “Valerie Thompson Named Co-Recipient Of 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award”


  1. 1 Rodder Dec 12th, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Fastest and most attractive woman on the Salts. Congrats.

  2. 2 Eric Studer Dec 12th, 2011 at 11:23 am

    Valerie does a great job of community support and is a very competitive racer. She certainly deserves this recognition. Well done Valerie!!!!

  3. 3 Wayne Ragland Dec 12th, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    Great job Valerie!!

  4. 4 Larry R Dec 12th, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    Congrats, Valerie!!!

  5. 5 PJ Hyland. Dec 12th, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    Anything good that comes Valerie’s way is undoubtedly a combination of hard work, dedication and a great attitude. She manages to compete with the guys and win more than her share while retaining her fimininity. The industry is the better for her participation. Why am I not surprised that the American Women Riders Assoc. considers her a hero.

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Cyril Huze