Bolivian girl performs at the opening ceremony for the Bolivia Speed Trials.

The request eventually reached Malena Alvarez, a former worker for the USAID of the American Embassy in Bolivia, and one of the promoters of the 2023 Bolivia Speed Trials, who relayed the idea to Mike Akatiff, owner of the Ack Attack motorcycle streamliner. Akatiff, along with lead sponsor Top 1 Oil were happy to spend some time during the event to meet with the children of Potosí, Bolivia. 

On Wednesday, August 16, the official welcome celebration for the 2023 Bolivia Speed Trials took place in the courtyard of the Cristal Samaña hotel, which included a series of ceremonial dances and performances. The Bolivian children, adorned in vibrant traditional Bolivian attire, gave an impressive display, bringing a riot of color to the shimmering white façade of the salt hotel. 
 

Following the performances, the Bolivian children had a chance to meet the event participants, not only from the United States, but from Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany and France. Akatiff, Top 1 Oil and fellow land speed competitor Al Lamb of Dallas, Texas, made a generous donation of school supplies to the Unidad Educativa Estados Unidos de Norte America, which will help provide school supplies to the small town. 
 

The Bolivia Speed Trials is set to kick off racing on Friday, August 18, 2023. Several teams will attempt to set new FIA/FIM-sanctioned land speed world records including Jamie Robinson in the Ack Attack streamliner who is attempting to go 400 mph (643.7 km/h) and Al Lamb, attempting to go over 300 mph (482.8 km/h) on ‘Big Red’ to become the fastest sit-on motorcycle in the world. Jim Knapp, meanwhile, is making a record attempt in his streamliner car powered by a 3500 bhp THR Developments engine.
 

Words and photos: Jean Turner