Land Speed Racing, Engineering Ingenuity, and the Relentless Pursuit of Records

When Jean-Paul “JP” Afflick lines up on the mirror-like salt flats, the air is charged with anticipation. Each grain crunches beneath his boots as he walks to inspect his machine, sunlight glinting off polished metal. To the casual eye, JP’s air of easygoing humor might suggest a laid-back racer, but beneath that approachable exterior lies an individual obsessed with preparation, precision, and the relentless push to test the limits of small-displacement motorcycles. Every record, every run, is the culmination of months—often years—of meticulous work and unwavering vision.

From Bonneville’s Spark to Australia’s Salt

JP first encountered land speed racing in 2010 during a visit to The Bonneville Salt Flats (aka Bonneville) with his father, Warren. The unique terrain and formidable challenges of the salt flats left a strong impression on him. Bonneville, known for attracting engineers and motorsport enthusiasts alike, provide an arena where innovation and technical skill are prioritized above financial resources or corporate sponsorship. This early experience underscored for JP the significance of creativity and expertise in the pursuit of success in land speed racing.

Land speed racing is regarded as one of the most authentic forms of motorsport, where independent builders have the opportunity to compete alongside established teams. The sport is characterized by minimal regulations and diverse approaches, fostering a competitive environment focused on performance improvement. JP’s interest in the discipline was solidified by these attributes.

In 2014, JP entered his first official race on Australia’s salt flats at Lake Gairdner, navigating the challenges of the large terrain. More than a decade later, he holds world records in the 50cc and 100cc sit-on motorcycle classes, demonstrating results achieved through consistent investigation and methodical practice.

The One-Shot Challenge

Unlike other motorsports with frequent races, land speed events in Australia are rare—just one official meet per year. JP describes the preparation as “every day is a week,” meaning time cannot be wasted. With only a single week to test, tune, and race, every detail must be perfect. The weather—sometimes capricious—can cancel the event entirely, leaving racers to wait another year.

Preparation, then, is everything. It starts months in advance, with JP poring over technical data, weather forecasts, and logistical plans. He creates detailed checklists, organizes each part, and keeps meticulous notes on previous runs. JP’s garage becomes a laboratory, the walls lined with spare parts, testing equipment, and data logs. The pressure mounts as the event approaches—any oversight could mean the loss of an entire season.

Race-Day Rituals and Tools

On race day, JP’s routine is almost ceremonial. He begins with an inspection of the bike, checking for leaks, loose bolts, and wear on every component. Tire pressure is calibrated to suit the salt’s unique grip. He lays out his tools methodically—torque wrenches, air density gauges, spare plugs, and fuel samples—each ready for whatever challenge may arise.

Before heading to the start line, JP reviews his strategy and visualizes the run. Start-line rituals are practiced until they become instinctive: the sequence of climbing onto the bike, adjusting the helmet, calibrating the air density meter, running through the gears in his mind, and finally that moment of stillness as the starter’s flag is raised. “It’s almost meditative,” JP says. “You have to clear your mind, focus on each step, and trust your preparation.”

Dyno Discipline: Simulating the Salt

The heart of JP’s technical approach is his use of the dynamometer—a tool that enables him to simulate race conditions in a controlled environment. Unlike quick dyno pulls for peak horsepower, JP’s runs are long and sustained, designed to mimic actual race distances. He rides the bike himself, feeling the vibrations, listening for anomalies, and watching telemetry for heat buildup or power drop-off.

Air density is a critical variable:

• Australia’s salt flats: ~100 AD (sea level)
• Bonneville: ~83–86 AD
• Bolivia: ~60 AD

At higher altitudes, like Bolivia, the thinner air can rob up to 40% of available power. JP carefully tunes his bikes for each venue, adjusting fuel mixtures, ignition timing, and gearing to match the expected conditions. He keeps detailed records, often comparing past runs to anticipate how a change in humidity or temperature might affect performance.

The dyno is also where he stress-tests transmissions, cooling systems, and lubrication. JP recalls switching to TOP 1 Oil in 2017: “Before that, I was welding wrist pins to bearings on the 100cc,” he laughs. “Now, it’s almost boring. Trouble-free.”

Engineering for the Edge

Small-displacement engines represent an extreme challenge. To extract maximum power, JP pushes components to their thermal and mechanical limits. Wide-open throttle for long stretches means extreme heat; engineering solutions must balance performance with reliability.

• Minimal air inlets to reduce drag—even if it means less cooling.
• Heavier oil for the 100cc to protect under stress; lighter oil for the 50cc to reduce parasitic loss.
• Precision gear ratios calculated for the salt surface and expected headwinds.
• Shift points and clutch engagement mapped and practiced before ever arriving at the event.

JP’s approach is iterative. After every run, he analyzes telemetry and makes careful notes. Even a single degree of temperature change or a subtle shift in wind direction can prompt a redesign. This relentless pursuit of small improvements is what sets him apart.

Mental Mechanics: The Psychology of Speed

For JP, mental preparation is as important as technical mastery. The adrenaline of waiting at the start line is intense, but years of practice have taught him to channel that energy into focus. He likens the mindset to skydiving—immersing himself in each task, trusting muscle memory, so that anxiety never slips into distraction.

JP uses visualization techniques, running through the course in his mind, anticipating possible scenarios, and reinforcing confidence in his preparation. When the visor comes down, all extraneous thought fades; only the bike, the salt, and the goal remain.

The Records and the Road to Success

JP’s achievements did not come easily. The 50cc sit-on world record was the result of four years of setbacks—weather delays, mechanical failures, and the endless grind of improvement. In 2025, facing a stiff 10 mph headwind, JP rode to a peak of 105 mph, a speed he believes can be surpassed under ideal conditions.

The 100cc record demanded a different engineering philosophy. One bike is a two-stroke, the other a four-stroke, each embodying unique solutions to the same problem: harnessing every ounce of power while surviving the brutal demands of the salt.

Each record tells a story of preparation meeting opportunity. The satisfaction comes not just from numbers, but from knowing that every detail—every bolt, every calculation—contributed to success.

Vision for the Future: Mad Science and Brand Values

Looking forward, JP’s ambitions are undiminished. The 50cc platform might still yield another record, perhaps at the Bonneville World Finals. But his new passion is a 250cc compound-supercharged bike—a project he describes as “a bit mad scientist.” It’s not the most efficient route, but it’s true to his spirit of experimentation and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional design.

For JP, every build is a testament to the values of the sport and the brand he represents: ingenuity, perseverance, and the drive to innovate. These are not just machines—they are expressions of creativity and craft, built to inspire others to chase their own impossible speeds.

Conclusion: The Difference Between Going Fast and Going Home

Jean-Paul Afflick’s records are not strokes of luck. They are the results of painstaking planning, a methodical approach to testing, and a refusal to ever show up unprepared. In a sport where you may wait a year for a single run, that diligence is the line between history and heartbreak.

As JP looks back on the salt, he sees not just the miles traveled but the relationships forged, the lessons learned, and the legacy built with every turn of the wrench. Land speed racing is more than numbers—it’s a journey of heart and mind, and for Jean-Paul Afflick, the next chapter is always just a little faster.