Bike History:
The Naked Wings salt racer was conceived while Winston was recuperating in a Daytona Beach Hospital Cardiac Ward in 2009. Winston was inspired by the Anthony Hopkins movie The Fastest Indian chronicling the exploits of Burt Monro. He felt that at 62 years of age, it was not too late for him to build The Fastest Gold Wing.
In 2012, the bike was finished. Winston made his first trek to the Bonneville Salt Flats to only be turned down by Tech Inspectors for several minor rules infractions.
In 2013 “Naked Wings” made her second long trek to Ohio for the East Coast Timing Association LSR event and thanks to several members in the NGWClub working through the night the bike make one run and claimed the first record in it’s class.
In 2016 Winston passed tech at the Bonneville Speed Week event and once again only finished with one run due to mechanical issues with a top speed of 131mph.
In August 2018 – “Naked Wings” returned to Bonneville for the AMA Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Overcoming numerous mechanical challenges, Larry Shields made three successful runs …each better than the last with a final speed through the mile of 136.45mph just 15mph short of the 151mph record in her class.
The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials are now sanctioned by the AMA. This bike runs in AMA’s APS-CBF 1000 Class (1000cc, Partial Stream Line, Classic, Blown Fuel …with 2 Valve Cylinder Heads.) The current record for this class is 151.25 mph.
Winston’s bike is currently “under-geared” …which limits top speed for the available power. Plans are in place to address final gearing as well as improvements in: overall weight, weight distribution, aero drag, carburetion, fuel management, ignition and blower drive details. The record is definitely within reach in 2019!
Team information
Owner: “Winston”
Sponsors: Shield’s Speed Shop, NGWClub and Randakk’s Cycle Shakk
Rider and Chief Mechanic: Larry Shields
Daryl Governale: Crew Chief
Hap Shields: Racing Guru and Logistics
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