Indian Motorcycle Sets Three Land Speed Records At El Mirage California

According to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTAI) Indian Motorcycle has set three new land speed records,) at El Mirage, California. Indian was out at El Mirage with three machines – a 2015 Chief Classic, a 2015 Indian Scout and the 2017 Spirit of Munro Scout. Two Indian Motorcycle technicians and Burt Munro’s great nephew, Lee Munro, were riding the bikes that entered the record books.

The first of the three Indian riders was Chet Michaelson, an engine calibration technician at Indian Motorcycle. In the M-PG (Modified-Pushrod Gasoline) 2000cc class, riding a 2015 Indian Chief Classic, Chet beat the old record of 151 MPH (243 km/hr) with a speed of 154.132 MPH (248 km/hr).

The second Indian rider was Lee Munro – aboard the Spirit of Munro 50th anniversary 2017 Indian Scout. Competing in the MPS-G (Modified Partial Streamliner) 1350cc class, Lee needed to exceed 167 MPH (268.76 km/hr) 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 186.681 MPH (300.43 km/hr), a new record and the Indian team was two for two.

The third and final Indian rider was Dan Gervais, senior engine calibration technician at Indian Motorcycle. Dan was competing in the M-G (Modified-Gasoline) 1350cc class with a lightly modified 2015 Indian Scout. Like Lee Munro, Dan also completed his rookie runs at the May meet at El Mirage. Dan’s speed of 154.354 MPH (248.40 km/hr) edged out the 153 MPH (246.23 km/hr) record and gave Indian its third record of the day.

Gary Gray, Vice President – Product Development for Indian Motorcycle said: “When you’re breaking records during test runs, you know your machine is on point. Our team of engineers has done an incredible job on the Spirit of Munro commemorative Scout. Running within a different class has allowed Lee to truly honor his great uncle Burt. As Burt’s record still stands, Lee now joins Burt within the record book.”

Lee Munro, the grandson of Burt’s first cousin said it was a great honor to join his great uncle Burt in the land speed record book adding: “Indian has been a great partner in not only providing me with an incredible machine, but providing me with an opportunity to recognize and honor all Burt Munro did for motorcycling.”

Lee’s record-setting run at El Mirage was the team’s final set of test runs before heading to the Bonneville Salt Flats. This coming August 12 and 13, Lee Munro will pilot the modern Indian Scout with a powertrain modified by the Indian Motorcycle engineering team. This commemorative speed run will not break Burt’s record, but instead will honour the passing of 50 years since Burt first set it.

Indian’s team of engineers volunteered to be a part of this historic attempt, working on the project ‘after hours’ and fueled by their own ambition to push beyond the boundaries.

8 Responses to “Indian Motorcycle Sets Three Land Speed Records At El Mirage California”


  1. 1 highrpm Jul 28th, 2017 at 8:25 am

    wow. can’t argue with results.

    since this appears to be part corporate narrative, in narrative construction, what one says is as important as what one does not say. so the next question, what where some records by other brands?

  2. 2 Chris Jul 28th, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Unlikely that other “brands” were running in the same capacity. These events are populated by devoted individuals that build purpose built bikes within classes, not by brand.

    Congratulations to all involved.

  3. 3 Mark Moses Jul 29th, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    Mark my words, Indian is just getting started. Don’t be an observer, throw a leg over and join the fun. Great time to be an Indian guy, just sayin…

  4. 4 Aaron! Jul 30th, 2017 at 12:10 am

    I think it is great
    Don’t hate Indian for having the courage and faith in their products because Harley lacks that courage and faith

  5. 5 Hillbilly Jim Jul 30th, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Well Harley, Triumph, are you just going to sit there and do nothing?

  6. 6 kent Jul 30th, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    Looks like they couldn’t unload the Harleys off the trucks!! Ha! ha! I’m sure there is a record for most bike hauled to an event!

  7. 7 Aaron! Jul 31st, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Hillbilly Jim, Triumph has been very active in land speed racing lately.
    You need to pay attention or else you look foolish

  8. 8 Joe Aug 3rd, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Bonneville is such a great place.

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Cyril Huze