Land Speed Racing USA

Continued positive progress!

Looking good Red!
Continued prayers my friend!

“Red was walking with the help of the OT and PT girls. No walker. He still has a long way to go, but has come a long way in the last three weeks since he has been in rehab.

I think his change in meds may be good. Only one day…. Red is still getting a 100.2 + or - temp.

Thanks again for all of your continued prayers and support.”
Debbie

A touching Tribute to a Legend: Bob Bakker

At the 2026 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, the salt opened with a deeply moving, symbolic moment as the very first pass of the meet was dedicated to the late, legendary motorcycle frame builder, designer, and racer, Bob Bakker.

Pilot Larry Coleman and passenger Mike Taylor took to the track on a sidecar for a beautiful memorial pass, honoring a man whose genius reshaped the world of three-wheeled racing. Across more than 60 years of innovation, Bob was a master of the unique engineering and aerodynamic challenges of asymmetrical racing machines, hand-fabricating iconic, high-tensile steel frames and leading-link suspensions out of Bakker Motorsports in Arizona. His incredible work earned the business of high-profile aficionados like Steve McQueen and Jay Leno, and his historic creations—including a 1964 BSA A-65 and a 175-mph Suzuki Streamliner—are preserved today in institutions like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

Yet, Bob’s most enduring legacy is wrapped up in the deep bond he shared with Larry and Mike. Affectionately known as “The Three Amigos,” this inseparable trio shared a lifetime of wonderful motorcycle adventures that took them from Sturgis and Daytona to Pikes Peak, Baja, Germany, the Netherlands, and far beyond. In the racing world, Bob was the literal backbone of Larry’s LSR career; every single bike Larry ever piloted at the Bonneville Salt Flats was hand-built by Bob. But more than an elite builder, Bob was a mentor, a generous sponsor, and above all, a best friend. From the land-speed records they shattered together—including the 1,300cc Suzuki Hayabusa-powered Shockwave rig that set an AMA National Record of 162+ mph in 2011—to this final, emotional lap on the salt, Bob’s spirit remains woven into the fabric of land speed racing history.

Larry and Mike gave you a great send-off, Bob!! You are profoundly missed,R.I.P.

We love reading these positive updates!
Red keep those pants on and keep up the great recovery! ❤️‍🩹

“Another good day in PT and Red’s pants stayed on! Still a long way to go, but Red is making improvements every day. Love seeing him smile and laugh. He is still running a 100 degree temperature in the late afternoon/early evening.”
Debbie




Land Speed Racing USA

Triumph Motorcycles and Bonneville…

Fingers crossed! 🤞

“We were very saddened to hear that USFRA had to cancel this year’s World of Speed. We know firsthand how difficult and heartbreaking it is to make the decision to cancel an event after so much time, hard work, and dedication have gone into preparing for it. Our thoughts are with USFRA, their volunteers, racers, and everyone who planned to attend.”

“As we look ahead to World Finals, we’re hoping Mother Nature sends us some wind, sunshine, and warm temperatures to help dry out the salt. We will continue to closely monitor the weather and salt conditions and will keep everyone informed of any updates or changes that may affect the World Finals event.”

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping Mother Nature is a little kinder to all of us in the weeks ahead!”
SCTA Southern California Timing Association

Mother Nature behave yourself…

Now that’s what we want to see! Look at that smile!
Way to go Red!

“Red was walking with his walker and two PT’s today. They looked down and his shorts and underwear was about to his knees. The Full Monty! Luckily Connie and I were behind him and the hallway was empty. We ALL laughed so hard we couldn’t stop. It was great to see Red laughing and he even made the nurses blush. I keep warning them…wait till he feels better, you have no idea of the fun you’re going to have. Still battling the temperature and UTI.”

“Thank for all of your continued prayers.”
Debbie

Although he never raced for land speed records, he left that up to his Harley Davidson teammate Cal Rayborn, Mert is remembered for many things and going fast was just one of them.

This past Sunday our land-speed racing community and many others gathered together to honor Lawwill's immense legacy as a legendary innovator, chassis builder, and designer of specialized prosthetic riding controls.

Godspeed Mert, and we’ll meet again “On Any Sunday” in the sky…