Leslie Porterfield – Shakes it down on the salt

Leslie Porterfield is considered to be one of the fastest women on two wheels by holding multiple land speed titles at Bonneville for 2008.  Leslie has also set SCTA, AMA, and FIM world records. She was named female racer of the year, and became the first woman to be inducted into the prestigious 200mph Club, a conquest she made on a conventional street bike.

Not only does Leslie excel in racing, but also in business, as the owner and proprietor of High Five Cycles in Dallas Texas, selling pre-owned motorcycles, accessories and apparel. And when Leslie isn’t selling motorcycles or racing her bike, she is traveling the country as a keynote speaker sharing her secrets as an established professional female racer.

Cindi Servante from Moto Race Reports visits with Leslie, a stunning, out-going, successful business woman, who has a unique outlook on speed and racing and a flare for selling the mechanical apparatus she loves and does so with style and grace!

What were your reasons for getting into motorcycling, when and what was your first bike you owned?

Leslie Porterfield: It was an old beat up bike I bought off of a neighbor for $200. I didn’t know anyone that rode motorcycles. I just thought it would be fun, and the price was right! Everyone I knew thought I was crazy, and would never be able to ride it. That made me even more determined to go for it!

Can you give us a brief history of your racing career and what is your current land speed record?

Leslie Porterfield: I took a roadracing school at 19 years old and got my license. I loved being on the track! I have pre-ridden the Baja 1000 race course, and went to the Bonneville Salt Flats for the first time in 2007. I have set 4 records at Bonneville. My top record is 232.523mph, which recently was accepted by the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest woman in the world on a motorcycle.

What motorcycles have you been successful with and what modifications have been made, if any? And what prompted you to choose the bikes your have raced?

Leslie Porterfield: I purchased a wrecked 2002 Hayabusa to turbocharge, modify, and turn into a Land Speed bike. I also decided to pursue the 1000cc Production Class record on a Honda CBR1000RR. I now hold that record at 192.9mph! I have been riding a CBR1000 on the street for the past few years and loved it. I thought it would be a fun bike to take to Bonneville.

I was blown away at being able to break the record by several miles per hour!

How did you feel when you broke Marcia Holley’s land speed record that stood for 30 years?

Leslie Porterfield: She actually still holds her record. Her record is in a different class- an enclosed streamliner motorcycle that looks kind of like a missile. I set my record in another class, the 2000cc Turbocharged Partially Streamlined class. It was a record that has stood for many years. It was amazing to surpass Marcia Holley’s record and become the fastest woman in the world on a motorcycle. I did throw a rod through the cases on my return run, but still achieved my record. I was very excited!

In 2007, your first year professionally racing at Bonneville, you had an accident. Can you go into detail about what happened and why?

Leslie Porterfield: In 2007, I had a pretty nasty crash. I punctured a lung, broke 7 ribs, and had a concussion. I had to be transported by helicopter to the hospital in Salt Lake City, it wasn’t much fun! The conditions weren’t great that year, the salt was sludgy, and it was my first time there on my new turbo bike. But I made some changes to the set up after the crash and I think I learned a few things the hard way that year!

I’m glad 2008 and 2009 turned out much better than my first year! Many people thought I would give up after the accident, but I was determined to get back out there and set some records. It was a great learning experience for me.

What are the differences between racing on the salt flats compared to tarmac road racing?

Leslie Porterfield: It is a huge difference; there is very little traction on the salt. It is a very different feeling to ride on it at first. It’s a big challenge to have the bike at full speed for a mile, a true test of machinery and rider! Breaking the rear tire loose and getting many miles per hour of a wheelspin at speeds over 240mph can be quite a handful, to say the least!

What is a typical pre-race day? What do you do to prepare yourself and the motorcycle?

Leslie Porterfield: My wonderful team is great about making sure my bike is ready to go before Bonneville. I prepare myself by getting plenty of rest, eating well, and staying hydrated. Bonneville is a desert climate and pretty harsh in the summer. I make sure I’m physically ready. Mental preparation is incredibly important; I put everything else out of my head, except for executing the perfect record run.

I make sure I am prepared for things if they do go wrong, but I focus on what I need to do to make things go as planned. This past August I had a flat tire at 230mph. I stayed calm and came to a stop with no trouble. It was only after I got back to the pits that I realized what a wild ride I just had!

What was your involvement with the Baja-1000?

Leslie Porterfield: To start, it’s an amazing race! I’ve pre-ridden the course and helped another team out. It’s unusual with a lot of history. I think that’s what attracts me to it and Bonneville! I am working on gathering together an all girl motorcycle team to run the Baja 1000. I’m excited and ready for the challenge.

As the owner of High Five Cycles, what inspired you to become a business owner?

Leslie Porterfield: I think it was because I’m so stubborn and don’t do well with being told what to do! I have to be my own boss or I would have no hope for employment!!! I have been a business owner most of my adult life. I previously had a construction company and built houses. I enjoyed the challenge, but my heart was with motorcycles. I was blessed to have the opportunity to open High Five Cycles in 2005. I feel at home in the motorcycle industry. It’s a big challenge running a motorcycle dealership, but it is very enjoyable. I feel very fortunate to have a job I enjoy.

What would your words of wisdom be for aspiring young women who want to follow in your footsteps and become a motorcycle racer?

Leslie Porterfield: If you’re passionate about it and have the desire – go for it. I think it’s important to turn your dreams into a reality. Women are involved in motorsports more now than ever and I think it’s very exciting. I encourage anyone to pursue their passions on every level. If it’s motorcycle racing, then go for it with all your heart. I receive many emails and phone calls from people interested in getting into racing; I’m thrilled that I can help them with advice on getting started. It’s been such an important part of my life, I am glad others have the chance to experience it as well.

Who would you say are your role models or mentors in the sport of racing?

Leslie Porterfield: I have so many role models. They are my family, my friends, my fellow racers, and many more. I find inspiration all of the time and even Bonneville, which is such an amazing place.

I look up to many of my fellow racers. They are all there because they are passionate about Land Speed Racing. The camaraderie is unlike anyplace else, I have made such great friends and learned so much from so many people there.

What are your plans or goals for this up coming year for 2010?

Leslie Porterfield: I plan on going back out with a new bike this year! I’m in the development process right now and I plan on breaking my Production 1000cc Record this year. I want to get it over 200mph! I also plan to run on some other records. It should be an exciting year for me with many new challenges! I also plan on enjoying every minute of it!

We wish Leslie all the best this season, and to accomplish her goal in beating her Production 1000cc standing record! When she’s not on the salt, you can find her at her motorcycle dealership, High Five Cycles in Dallas, Texas.

Cheers Leslie!