All-electric superbike makes history by beating fuelled rivals.
Chip Yates rides the SWIGZ.COM electric superbike to a podium finish Image: SWIGZ.COM |
As previously reported in the OATS Lubes Resource Centre the SWIGZ.COM pro-racing team took its its superbike, the most powerful electric motorcyle in the world, to California's Auto Club Speedway to compete against conventionally fuelled machines.
The result was an historic second and third places in the two WERA Championship races, providing some dramatic video footage of the super-quiet superbike expertly piloted by former Boeing executive Chip Yates.
Taking on the likes of Ducati and KTM racers, the small SWIGZ.COM team used lithium-ion polymer battery packs to power the 'bike to a straighline speed of 158mph (254kph) during the WERA Heavyweight Twins Superbike and Superstock races. Many of the conventional teams were described as "astonished" by the performance of the electric 'bike.
The team generously agreed not to take the points awarded for its podium places so as not to disrupt the overall WERA championship standings for the regular teams. However, this is unlikely to be the last the motorcycle racing world will see of this electric phenomenon.