After taking a look at Billy Shoemaker, owner and rider of this turbocharged Hayabusa, you would likely peg him as a former drummer in a 1970s-era stadium rock band. The truth is he is an account manager for Cisco Systems in Texas, and while it may not seem like a normal mix of private and professional life, to Billy it makes perfect sense. As a child he remembers going to the local flat-track races with his dad, and it was there that Billy knew he was hooked on motorcycle racing.
Like many others, Billy became interested in motorcycle land-speed racing because he wanted to be a member of the infamous "200-mph club." Living in Texas meant that Bonneville was not too far away so Billy built a Hayabusa and made the trip, searching for the red hat that would signify his membership. After getting to Bonneville, he found that getting in required him to not just go 200 mph but to break a record over 200 mph. He went on to record a 214-mph pass and left empty handed, but didn't give up his dream.
Since that early attempt a few years ago he has earned a 200-mph hat from Texas and Maxton (ECTA) on the turbo Hayabusa, which has a best pass of over 237 mph. At 61 years of age, Billy is not the oldest man in the Maxton 200-mph club but he is close, and if he is successful next year he hopes to finally join the Bonneville "2-club," which will require a pass over 233 mph on the salt (based on current records for this bike class).
Billy insists his race team, FKAWI Racing, is named after a lost Indian tribe. It sounds suspicious to us, though. Regardless, a 61-year-old dude who runs 237 mph on a street-legal 'Busa can call his team whatever he likes!
Buyer's Box - 2003 Suzuki Hayabusa
Front End: Scotts steering damper
Rear End: Trac Dynamics swingarm
Motor: JE Pistons, Falicon Knife Edge rods, AMS-1000 boost controller, MTC clutch, RCC exhaust, RCC Ultra turbo system
Paint: Noah Kertson, Austin, Texas
Accessories: Race-Pak data-logging dash, MSD shift light
Owner: Billy Shoemaker
Builder: Rusty Studer, American Pride Choppers