Record breakers!

In what sounds like the makings of a great feel good adventure movie, three local men have realised a long-held dream by breaking land speed records on the famous open Salt Flats of Bonneville, USA.

Inspired by the classic Anthony Hopkins film – The World’s Fastest Indian – the three aspiring backyard mechanics hatched a plan to rule the world in the canteen at Welshpool firm Castalum, and 18 months and thousands of miles later, their wild plan has been executed to military precision!

Over the last 24 hours, Nick Spalding, Steve Roberts and Karl Meredith, who were joined on the adventure by Owen Bass as Chief Crew (all pictured), have broken two records on their re-built vintage motorbikes and are going to attempt more records today following some overnight tuning.

In Hopkins’ enlightening film, he plays the role of ageing Kiwi Burt Monro who follows his lifelong dream of attempting to break a land speed record on his own vintage bike at Bonneville. And, like Monro, the local adventurers have succeeded.

“It has been a fantastic adventure,” said Karl from the USA this morning. “We are delighted to have achieved the new records and we'd like to thank all the people and businesses that have supported us in achieving our dream.”

First up, Karl ran a MPS-VG 125cc, which is a modified production bike, partially streamlined, vintage gasoline (pre 1955) and set the record at 78 mph outrun and 80 mph return, giving an average of 79mph. Not to be outdone, Steve set a record on his APS-VG 125cc, which is the same as Karl's apart from a special frame, at a speed of 77 out and 81 return, also giving an average of 79mph.

Steve will look to better that speed today while Karl's bike has been modified to run in a new class (MPS-VF 125cc -F=any fuel) with Nick this time attempting a record.

Karl lives in Welshpool and is taking time out from another exciting project of renovating Christ Church where he now lives with his family. Nick was brought up in Guilsfield but lives in Kerry with his family while Steve hails from Newtown.

The bikes (pictured) have been recreated by the lads from scratch before being exported to the USA.

Bonneville Speed Week attracts thousands of enthusiasts from across the world attempting to break dozens of speed records, and is widely recognised as one of the world’s truly great motoring meets.