That turned to talk of racing and someone mentioned Land Speed Racing. The SCTA/BNI (Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals, Inc) is the official registry for the records held at the Bonneville Salt Flats and their record books showed only one record in the 650cc pushrod class. The Siberian Speed Team was formed with the goal of building a Ural that would sustain a speed in excess of 100mph. The ultimate objective was to take this motorcycle to the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats and run against the existing record (101.786mph) held by a Triumph Bonneville.

The team met with many difficulties along the way. Financial constraints, lack of any available speed/performance parts, fire and the large crowd of nay-sayers who called them the "Jamaican Bobsled Team" of motorcycle racing, all served to thwart the effort, but they persevered. Good fortune hit when it was discovered that only 5 hours away from team headquarters was a Land Speed Racing venue that would allow them to test the progress of the machine - and test it they did.

They began to set records at the ECTA (East Coast Timing Association) in Maxton, NC at the first showing. In August of 2001 four members of the now small but famous team journeyed to Bonneville. The Ural met the salt and it performed beyond anyone's wildest expectations. The humble little 650cc destroyed the existing record of 101.786 with a new record of 117.342: a 13% increase! Three other records in open classes were also set.

They came, they saw, they conquered.

The goals and objectives have been met and it is now time to close the book and bid a fond farewell to the Siberian Speed Team. It has been my great pleasure to have been associated with this historic effort and I will miss it. We hope we have given the Ural community a sense of pride and accomplishment. Your humble motorcycle has proven itself worthy amongst the big boys.

We want to thank all of those who supported us, from purchasing merchandise to contributions of time, money, and resources. This was a team effort and would not have been possible, much less successful, without the contributions of all of you. We do want to give a special thanks to the folks at Ural America, especially Gary Kelsey and Tom and Bobbette Lynott.